2026 Associate Hardware Engineer / Hardware Engineer (AHT) - Aurora CO

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

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 Hardware Engineer – Level 1 or 2 – to support our team at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, CO.

What You’ll Get to Do:

This role supports the sustainment of Mobile Ground Station systems. Maintains Hardware (HW), and Radio Frequency (RF) systems in support of Mobile Ground Based Systems architecture and supports communications infrastructure.  Troubleshoots technical problems and issues, determines technical solution in accordance with product and customer specifications, and recommends actions to company or customer representatives for coordinated solution. Maintains, and tests a variety of electronic equipment and systems, including RF equipment; communications equipment and systems; circuitry components; analog and digital computers; and control and test equipment. Analyzes engineering specifications and drawings; confers with quality to provide and obtain technical information; investigates reports of defective, damaged or malfunctioning parts, assemblies, equipment or systems; and reviews schedules. Examines, measures, inspects or tests defective parts for conformance. Evaluates findings to formulate corrective actions. Perform additional system maintenance activities, including but not limited to fluid changes, desiccant bag replacement, and other related inspections. Available to support after-hours, on-call, and 24/7 coverage as required by program needs.  May conduct technical training and product briefing with customers, vendors, and company representatives. 

This requisition may be filled at a higher job grade based on the qualifications listed below.

This requisition may be filled as either a Level 1 or a Level 2.

Basic Qualifications for a Level 1:

- Bachelor’s degree and 0 years of relevant experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility required at time of application

- Experience with Tier 1 support of HW and RF systems, test equipment, technical troubleshooting, and problem solving

- Experience with Tier 1 System Administration troubleshooting and diagnosis on Red Hat Linux and VM vSphere

- SEC+ certified or ability to obtain certification

- Experience with engineering drawings and technical manuals, and the use thereof for operating, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment

- Experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office products

Basic Qualifications for a Level 2:

- Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience; Master’s degree and 0 years of relevant experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility required at time of application

- Experience with Tier 1 support of HW and RF systems, test equipment, technical troubleshooting, and problem solving

- Experience with Tier 1 System Administration troubleshooting and diagnosis on Red Hat Linux and VM vSphere

- SEC+ certified or ability to obtain certification

- Experience with engineering drawings and technical manuals, and the use thereof for operating, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment

- Experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office products

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience supporting SBIRS or similar space/ground system enterprises (satellite, ground station, payload, hardware/software integration

- Hands-on systems engineering or sustainment experience supporting DoD or U.S. Space Force programs

- Other DoD Directive 8570 certifications

- Familiarity with Preventative Maintenance Inspections

- Familiarity with discrepancy reporting or trouble ticking systems

- Familiarity with hand tools and test equipment, and the use thereof

- Ability to work independently with multi-disciplined teams within the program

Pay Range

Level 1 - $69,400 - $104,000

Level 2 - $83,400 - $125,200

Primary Level Salary Range: $69,400.00 - $104,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $1,252,000.00

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.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and 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 an Equal Opportunity 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 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.