Principal Digital Hardware Engineer - (Harrogate UK)
NGC
Country: United Kingdom
Location: US Expat - P402 England Harrogate
Time Type: Full time
Posted On: November 19, 2024
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