RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
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.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in space technology. Join our collaborative team of passionate engineers designing and building mission-critical space sensor payload hardware enabling national security and scientific advancements. We foster a culture where your expertise is valued and your growth is supported every day through purposeful innovation and leadership.
Position Summary
We seek an experienced Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer (T4) to join our team within the Intelligence Systems Business Unit. The successful candidate will independently lead mechanical design, analysis, integration, and testing for RF and EO aperture and payload structure design supporting multiple high-profile satellite programs. This role is ideal for a technically accomplished and strategic engineer who thrives in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments and is eager to take leadership responsibility beyond foundational design activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end mechanical design and development of advanced antenna and electro-mechanical sensor sub-assemblies through all product lifecycle phases: concept, detailed design, fabrication, integration, test, and delivery
- Develop high-fidelity 3D CAD models (Creo or Siemens NX), and generate aerospace-compliant engineering documentation
- Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks; support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis during integration and testing
- Drive incorporation of digital engineering practices, including Agile/DevOps methodologies, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), simulation, and data analytics to improve engineering rigor and efficiency
- Independently determine technical objectives and solutions, exercising substantial latitude in problem-solving complex and novel engineering challenges
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—electrical, thermal, structures, manufacturing—to ensure subsystem compatibility and manufacturability
- Support and contribute to proposal technical volumes, technology roadmap creation, and process improvement initiatives within the department
- Engage with customers and senior leadership in technical presentations, briefings, and program reviews, clearly articulating design rationale and status
- Mentor junior level engineers, facilitate knowledge transfer, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement
- Maintain configuration and compliance with applicable quality, security (TS/SCI clearance), and industry standards
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 8 years of experience, a master’s degree with 6 years of experience or a PhD with 3 years of experience in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical fields
- U.S Citizenship is required
- No clearance required to start, but must have the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
- Working knowledge of materials, specifications, manufacturing processes and design tools utilized for antenna panel and supporting electronics assemblies
- Proven proficiency with mechanical hardware design in RF/EO sensor or antenna assemblies, including electro-mechanical subsystems and electronic packaging
- Expert-level use of 3D CAD tools (Creo, Siemens NX)
- Demonstrated ability to work independently without appreciable direction, setting and meeting technical goals aligned with program objectives
- Skilled in presenting complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders, and collaborating across disciplines and programs
Preferred Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph preferred
- Experience with classified satellite and/or payload programs or large-scale space sensor development
- Familiarity with PWB mechanical integration and surface-mount technology processes
- Participation in proposal preparation, technology roadmap initiatives, and Lean/Six-Sigma process improvements
- Published technical papers, conference presentations, or internal award recognition
Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
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.