📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Principal Communications Specialist – National Security Space
🔹 Company: Northrop Grumman
🔹 Location: Dulles, VA, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communications, Marketing, Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting national security space portfolio of Tactical Space Systems Division (TSSD)
- Working with senior executives and technical experts to create and execute strategic communications campaigns
- Developing and executing audience-specific content, campaigns, and programs
- Planning and overseeing advertising and public relations activities
- Cultivating working relationships with senior executives and technical experts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively with senior-level executives and technical experts.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide communications support to Satellite Missions and Space Security Systems business units
✅ Work with cross-functional teams to design and execute strategic marketing and communication campaigns
✅ Draft and review communications for effectiveness and consistency
✅ Oversee advertising and public relations activities, including event planning and execution
✅ Write, edit, and lead the design of promotional and collateral materials, conference papers, social media posts, speeches, business proposals, and case studies
✅ Assist in planning and executing internal and external leadership communications activities
✅ Provide detailed campaign performance reporting
✅ Work with sector and corporate communications, business development, and government relations teams to ensure all activities align with overall goals and strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and in partnership with senior executives and employees.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field, with a minimum of 5 years of experience, or Master’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience
Experience: At least 2 years of experience in the aerospace & defense or space industry
Required Skills:
- Excellent verbal communication skills, strong judgement, problem-solving, and organizational skills, and superb attention to detail
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Active Top-Secret Department of Defense Security Clearance and/or Special Compartmented Information Access (SCI) upon application
- US Citizenship
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with content performance measurement and analysis
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in corporate communications, marketing, and/or public relations, with a focus on the aerospace & defense or space industry.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $91,200.00 - $136,800.00
Benefits:
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Savings Plan
- Company Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off
Working Hours: 9/80 schedule (work 9 hours a day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience in the aerospace & defense industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Space
Company Size: 2-10 employees (based on LinkedIn data)
Founded: 1939 (as Northrop Corporation)
Company Description:
- Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company
- They provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, and space
- Northrop Grumman is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all business activities
Company Specialties:
- Autonomous Systems
- Cyber
- C4ISR
- Space
Company Website: Northrop Grumman
ASSUMPTION: Northrop Grumman is a large, well-established company with a strong focus on innovation and technology in the aerospace & defense industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Tactical Space Systems Division Communications Manager
Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site, with a 9/80 work schedule
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to work on high-profile, cutting-edge projects in the national security space domain
- Opportunities to collaborate with senior executives and technical experts
- Potential to advance within the communications department or explore other roles within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with senior leaders.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office
Office Location(s): Dulles, VA
Geographic Context:
- Dulles, VA is located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of cultural and recreational activities
- Dulles is home to Dulles International Airport, providing easy access to global travel
Work Schedule: 9/80 schedule (work 9 hours a day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off)
ASSUMPTION: The Dulles, VA office provides a professional work environment with easy access to global travel and a variety of cultural and recreational activities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and security clearance process
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Creativity and strategic thinking
- Understanding of the aerospace & defense industry and national security space domain
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the aerospace & defense industry and national security space domain in your application materials
- Be prepared to discuss your communication strategy and approach to campaign development and execution in the interview
ATS Keywords: National Security Space, Tactical Space Systems Division, Strategic Communications, Marketing Campaigns, Public Relations, Executive Communications, Technical Expertise, Senior Leadership, Content Development, Performance Reporting
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on communication skills, industry knowledge, and strategic thinking.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn)
- Graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, content management systems, and social media platforms, as well as familiarity with graphic design tools.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Performance
- Teamwork
- Innovation
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Fast-paced
- Results-driven
- Innovative
- Adaptable
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable working with senior executives and technical experts?
- Do you have a proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications campaigns?
ASSUMPTION: Northrop Grumman values a collaborative, results-driven work environment, with a focus on innovation and integrity.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with sensitive and classified information
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Navigating a large, complex organization
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges related to working with sensitive information, managing multiple projects, and navigating a large organization.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other communications roles in the aerospace & defense industry, this role offers a unique focus on national security space and working with senior executives and technical experts
- This role requires a higher level of security clearance and familiarity with classified information than many other communications roles
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into more senior communications or leadership positions within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in the national security space domain and collaborate with senior executives and technical experts, with potential for career growth within the company.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic communications campaign to launch a new satellite mission
- Creating a comprehensive content strategy to enhance the company's brand and thought leadership in the national security space domain
- Planning and executing a high-profile event to showcase the company's capabilities and partnerships in the national security space domain
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities to work on high-profile, strategic communications projects in the national security space domain.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the Tactical Space Systems Division?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for the company?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance for employees in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and the company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Northrop Grumman Careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for your interview by researching the company, the role, and the industry, and practicing your communication strategy and approach to campaign development and execution
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
