Sr. Principal Ground Hardware Engineer
Geraldton, Australia (Permanent Change of Station: Alice Springs, NT, Australia followed by final working location in Geraldton, WA). Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems Division is recruiting a Sr. Principal Ground Hardware Engineer for its Ground Terminal & Infrastructure Department.
Position type: 2‑year commitment, travel required (10% of the time), relocation assistance available. Work shift: 7:30 am–4:00 pm Monday‑Friday with occasional after‑hours or special‑event coverage.
Role Summary
The Ground Hardware Engineer will operate, maintain, and repair ground terminal architecture at a customer site, ensuring continuous mission‑critical communications. You will assess complex systems, provide maintenance plans, and recommend upgrades to the customer.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide daily activities and 24/7 after‑hours support for the technical operations, maintenance, and repair of end‑to‑end communications capabilities.
* Oversee maintenance of communications systems and components for ground‑to‑space links.
* Plan and execute preventive maintenance for large antenna platforms and associated equipment.
* Diagnose equipment malfunctions at the system, subsystem, line‑replaceable unit, and board level to restore mission‑critical operations.
* Operate, maintain, repair/replace, and install electrical equipment for satellite communications (antennas, servo systems, mixers, switches, amplifiers, analyzers, wiring, etc.).
* Apply technical knowledge to solve complex problems using manufacturer's manuals and similar documents.
* Support development teams in designing, integrating, operating, and maintaining mission execution infrastructure.
* Document failures, prepare status reports, and develop concepts of operations (CONOPs) and operational improvements.
* Provide technical guidance for programmatic processes, attend meetings with government and contractor teams, and demonstrate professional attitude toward customers and colleagues.
* Travel as required throughout the region for planned or emergency missions.
* Perform physical tasks: work on elevated structures (~100 ft), lift ~45 lb, work in narrow/ confined spaces, and carry out related duties.
Basic Qualifications
* Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline with 8 years of engineering/technical experience;
* or Master's Degree with 6 years of engineering/technical experience;
* or High School Diploma/GE D with 12 years of engineering/technical experience.
* Experience in operation, maintenance, and repair of RF communication systems.
* Proven leadership on a project and/or team.
* System‑level test experience with antenna/ground hardware.
* Ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret clearance, SCI access, and complete a counter‑intelligence polygraph examination prior to start date.
Preferred Qualifications
* Active DoD Top Secret Clearance / SCI Access with CI polygraph adjudicated within last 4 years.
* Practical RF systems knowledge gained through design, construction, or tactical communications system experience.
* Military settings experience.
* COMSEC experience.
* Forklift and elevated work platform license/experience.
Salary & Benefits
Salary range: $113,500 – $170,300. Additional compensation may include overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, paid time off (vacation and personal), and potential long‑term incentives for senior roles.
Application & EEO Statement
Application period: estimated 20 days from posting date, subject to change. Northrop Grumman is committed to a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring government clearance. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit the company website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr