Northrop Grumman
HIL Hardware Engineer or Principal HIL Hardware Engineer (AHT)
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a HIL Hardware Engineer or Principal HIL Hardware Engineer to join our team at our facility in Boulder, Colorado.
Job Responsibilities:
Support architecture, design, integration, and deployment of SATCOM ground systems supporting ground stations.
Support all HIL hardware modifications and test platform updates.
Ensure hardware on the HIL is not put into a configuration that could be damaging.
Maintain positive control of all HIL hardware to include government furnished equipment.
This position can be staffed at a level 2 or 3 based on the basic qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
Level 2: Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 0 years of relevant experience.
Level 3: Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
U.S. Citizenship is required
No clearance required to start but must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance and SCI approval/access.
Knowledge of or familiarity with designing, integrating, and testing hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) laboratories.
Knowledge of or familiarity with design and integration of SATCOM ground terminals, RF‑over‑Fiber, high‑power transmitters, and various antenna types.
Familiarity with PLM tools and the engineering lifecycle
The willingness and ability to travel up to 10%
Preferred Qualifications:
An active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.
5+ years in satellite ground systems architecture, IT project management, and hardware integration for DoD/IC programs.
Direct support of multi‑site SATCOM installations and experience delivering to secure USG facilities.
Demonstrated success managing hardware baselines
Knowledge of RF performance metrics (G/T, tracking performance, axial ratio, phase variation) and EMI/RFI shielding requirements.
Proficiency with MBSE (SysML) and Agile development tools (Jira).
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute


