Spacecraft Payload Engineering Deputy Lead - Top Secret Clearance Required (Space Systems)

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. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Spacecraft Payload Engineering Deputy Lead to support the ESPAStarTM product line to work in our Gilbert, AZ or Dulles, VA location. ESPAStarTM is a highly capable and dynamic line of spacecraft that are referred to as the “freight train to space”. The missions are configured in a product line approach, with the foundation of each program being an ESPAStarTM bus that serves as a hosting platform for six ports worth of payloads – sometimes hosting a total of 12-20 individual payloads! Every mission has a unique payload loadout, and every payload brings new missions, new technologies, and new customers. Come join our team and help us keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible! The specific responsibilities of the Spacecraft Payload Engineering Deputy Lead is to assist the Lead in managing and leading the technical execution of the entire payload manifest associated with their mission specific ESPAStarTM. Tasking includes development of payload specific accommodation interface documents, interface control documents (ICDs), support to weekly interface meetings, supervise payload technical design accommodations, lead payload testing during integration & test campaigns, and support on-orbit payload operations. Drive payload technical execution in accordance with Northrop Grumman Systems Engineering processes and best practices. Be self-directed while leveraging your technical and leadership skills to help bring payload and platform Interfaces together to produce a spacecraft meeting contractual and mission requirements. Function as a primary payload interface for customers, program management, product line engineering leadership, mission assurance, subsystem engineering, and launch vehicle integration teams. Develop payload specific Interface control documents governing all mechanical, electrical, and functional interfaces to the host ESPAStarTM. Recognize and mitigate payload related technical issues and risks. Play a key role in major program milestone and readiness reviews. Working with our customers, aid in the development of operational mission scenarios and payload concepts of operations. Support the planning, design, and execution of testing strategies to exercise payload functionality, measure performance, and verify survivability in the extreme launch and space environments. Directly support the Launch and On-orbit operations campaign for your designated mission at the launch site and Mission Operations Center. Author and provide input to major program data products and other deliverables. Assist process improvement initiatives, and incorporate lessons learned to continue to strengthen the ESPAStarTM product line. Lead by example and be willing to mentor, coach, train, guide, direct and advise junior staff.