Principal Digital Hardware Engineer - (Harrogate UK)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Polygraph

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) is an industry-leading provider for launch systems capabilities serving national security, military, civil and commercial customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible, possible.

Northrop Grumman, Strategic Space Systems Division, is seeking a highly qualified Principal Digital Hardware Engineer to become a member of the Ground Terminal Department, working as part of a motivated, diverse, and technically talented group located at a field site in Harrogate, UK.

This role requires a two (2) year commitment and the ability to successfully pass a psychological exam. Ability to work odd and/or extended hours covering a 24/7 period and periodic rotating 12-hour shifts.

A comprehensive overseas compensation package is offered with this position including relocation assistance.

Role Summary:

The Principal Digital Hardware Engineer provides installation, integration, operation, maintenance, and repair support for the ground terminal architecture at customer sites as a part of a highly skilled and specialized team, ensuring the availability of critical mission system. You will leverage your background experience and skills to provide time-critical observation, assessment, repair, and monitoring of complex communications systems and data links providing sustained operation. Furthermore, you will articulate your recommendations to the customer to inform decisions on mission critical infrastructure and equipment.

Job responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Provide daily support and after-hours 24/7 response for the technical operations, maintenance, and anomaly restoration for all systems assigned to the program

• Operate, maintain, repair/replace, and install various types of equipment and devices related to all aspects of satellite communications to include: antennas, servo systems, transmitters, receivers, mixers, switches, modems, upconverters/downconverters, amplifiers, networking/IT hardware, fiber optic transmitters/receivers, waveguides, fiber optic/coaxial cable, and associated wiring and peripherals

• Develop and execute routine and non-routine maintenance plans and schedules for assigned systems

• Apply technical knowledge of electronics principles to determine equipment malfunctions and apply skills to restore mission critical operations at the system, sub-system, line replaceable unit, and board level

• Utilize sound technical writing to document equipment failures, to prepare/brief status reports, to support developing concepts of operations (CONOPs) and improvements to the operations and maintenance of communication systems

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and to execute system installations/upgrades, test activities, IT security patches, and anomaly restoration activities

• Provide training to operations and maintenance personnel for new system installations, enhancements, and test events

• Provide COMSEC support to include operating and troubleshooting cryptographic equipment, proper handling and administration of keying material, and satisfying COMSEC training requirements

• Demonstrate proficiency and initiative in daily activities and carry a professional attitude towards customers, suppliers, and colleagues at all times

• Position may require planned and emergency travel throughout the year to various CONUS and OCONUS sites

• The successful candidate must also be able to satisfy the following physical demands:

  • Ability to work on elevated structures at heights of ~100 feet

  • Ability to climb stairs (~300 stairs/day)

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 45 lbs

  • Ability to work in narrow and confined spaces

  • Ability to work in noisy, data center environments

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline plus 5 years of technical/engineering experience OR Master of Science Degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) discipline plus 3 years of technical/engineering experience OR 9 years of related experience in lieu of degree

• Strong technical communications skills including technical documentation and proven ability to work as a member of a diverse team

• Experience with the repair, configuration, troubleshooting and operations of network devices, computer systems (Windows and Unix/Linux operating systems), and SATCOM equipment

• Possess Network+, Security +, or DoD Directive 8570 IAT Level 1 or higher certification

• Well-versed with VMS, Windows, VxWorks, and/or LINUX/UNIX operating systems 

• Experience with Perl, Python, PowerShell or other scripting languages

• Willingness to complete a two-year overseas tour commitment

• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance & SCI Access

• Ability to pass CI Polygraph examination prior to start date

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance / SCI Access with a counterintelligence (CI) polygraph examination adjudicated within the last five years

• Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering degree

• Network+, Security +, or DoD Directive 8570 IAT Level 1 or higher certifications are highly desirable.

• Previous experience supporting operations, maintenance, or I&T of digital electronics, RF communication, or SATCOM systems in the field to support the Department of Defense and/or the Intelligence Community is highly desirable; experience in military setting is a plus

• Experience with Linux systems administration and configuring/maintaining network hardware (switches, routers, and firewalls)

• Previous hands-on experience in circuit repair/testing, and familiarity with using lab repair and test equipment

• Practical knowledge of testing and troubleshooting systems that utilize digital modulation techniques (i.e. BPSK and QPSK)

• Experience working in an Agile engineering environment and familiar with Atlassian tool suite (e.g. Confluence, JIRA, etc,.)

• Experience with various communication and network protocols such as RS-232, RS-422, GPIB, TCP, and UDP

• Experience debugging and/or writing programs/scripts written in Perl, Python, C/C++, Java, Matlab, and/or Labview

• Ham radio and SDR (software defined radio) experience is beneficial

• Previous COMSEC experience 

• Experience on Atlantis, Rodeo, Rushmore, COAST, or associated development contracts­ is highly desirable

Salary Range: $91,200.00 - $136,800.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.