Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) sector is seeking an Ground Hardware Engineer - 2/3 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 Alice Springs, AU.
**This position can be filled at a level 2 or 3 **
This role requires a two (2) year commitment and the ability to successfully pass a physical and 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 Ground Hardware Engineer provides operation, maintenance, and repair for the ground terminal architecture at a customer's site as a part of a highly skilled and specialized team, insuring 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.
Provide daily activities and after-hours 24/7 response for the technical operations, maintenance, and repair of end-to-end communications capabilities
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of communications systems and components for ground to space communication links
Craft and execute preventative maintenance plans for large antenna platforms and associated equipment
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
Operate, maintain, repair/replace, and install various types of electrical equipment and devices related to all aspects of satellite communications to include: antennas, servo systems, transmitters, receivers, mixers, switches, modems, upconverters/downconverters, amplifiers, network analyzers, noise figure analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscope, power meters, signal generators, fiber optic transmitters/receivers, waveguides, coaxial cable, and associated wiring and peripherals
Apply Comprehensive technical knowledge to solve complex problems by interpreting manufacturer's manuals or similar documents
Support development teams generating the next stages of mission execution infrastructure and systems culminating in integration, operation, and maintenance of these systems
Utilize sound technical writing to document equipment failures, prepare status reports, and assist in developing concepts of operations (CONOPs) and improvements to the operations of communication systems
Provide technical guidance to programmatic processes for future enhancements and system upgrades
attend meetings with government employees and other contractor teams
Demonstrate proficiency and initiative in daily activities and carry a professional attitude towards customers and colleagues at all times
Position may require planned and emergency travel throughout the year to various locations within the region
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 ~45lbs
Ability to work in narrow and confined spaces
Perform other related duties as required
Provide COMSEC support, as required
Basic Qualifications for a level 2:
Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline with 2 years of engineering/technical experience OR Master’s Degree with 0 years of engineering/technical experience
Possess and demonstrates work related experience with the operation, maintenance and repair of RF Communication systems
Possess system level test experience working with antenna/ground hardware
Active in scope DoD Top Secret Clearance OR SCI Access at time of application
Ability to obtain/pass CI Poly Examination prior to start date
Basic Qualifications for a level 3:
Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline with 5 years of engineering/technical experience OR Master’s Degree with 3 years of engineering/technical experience
Possess and demonstrates work related experience with the operation, maintenance and repair of RF Communication systems
Possess system level test experience working with antenna/ground hardware
Active in scope DoD Top Secret Clearance OR SCI Access at time of application
Ability to obtain/pass CI Poly Examination prior to start date
Preferred Qualifications
Active DoD Top Secret Clearance / SCI Access with a counterintelligence (CI) polygraph examination adjudicated within the last four years
SATCOM system experience
Experience with HVAC Units and power distribution equipment
Previous experience working on location and/or in the field to support the Department of Defense and/or the Intelligence Community is highly desirable.
Practical EW/RF systems knowledge gained through design, construction, and or tactical communications system experience; experience in military settings is a plus
Ham radio experience/license beneficial
COMSEC Experience beneficial
Fork lift and Elevated work platform license/experience