Principal Mechanical Engineer

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · McClellan Park, CA +1 · Electrical

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to support the design of military electrical systems for defense platforms. This role involves mechanical design, development, testing, production support, and lifecycle sustainment using model-based engineering. Responsibilities include supporting 3U VPX Chassis and Systems design, performing precision-mechanical design work (GD&T, BOMs), developing and executing mechanical testing plans, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The role also involves mentoring junior engineers and ensuring high-reliability inertial products.

What you'd actually do

  1. Support design and development for 3U VPX Chassis and Systems, including support for existing product lines
  2. Perform and review precision-mechanical design work: GD&T, fit/finish, assembly drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing work instructions
  3. Develop and execute mechanical testing and qualification plans (vibration, thermal, shock, vacuum, life testing) to meet system requirements
  4. Work closely with senior engineers including the chief engineer and program management to drive hardware design, working within challenging schedules
  5. Mentor junior engineers, conduct design reviews, and maintain engineering best practices for high-reliability inertial products

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 5 or more years applicable experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 2 or more years applicable experience.
  • 3 years’ minimum experience with Mechanical 3D Modeling using PTC Creo CAD software or Siemens NX.
  • 3 years minimum experience generating Drawings and Build of Materials (BOM) (PTC Creo or Siemens NX preferred).
  • Experience releasing Drawings and BOMs in a Product Lifecycle Management (PDM) system (PTC Windchill or Siemens Teamcenter preferred).
  • Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 and tolerance stack-up analysis.
  • Good presentation and writing/communication skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance and US Citizenship required

Nice to have

  • Demonstrated proficiency with PTC Creo and Siemens NX CAD software and Teamcenter Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software
  • Experience with VITA 3U or 6U VPX design standards
  • Experience with DOD, Military, and/or Space specifications including ASME
  • Experience with vibration testing, analysis and design for vibration isolation
  • Skills in mechanical testing and qualification plans (vibration, thermal, shock) to meet system requirements
  • Familiarity with test fixtures including design and development
  • Demonstrated high degree of creativity and ability to solve a wide range of difficult problems
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Must be proactive and results-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership
  • Active Secret Security Clearance

What the JD emphasized

  • Secret Security Clearance
  • US Citizenship required