Principal/ Senior Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman • Los Angeles, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is hiring a Principal or Senior Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to support military avionics, including inertial navigation and measurement systems and mission computers for the Sentinel program. The role supports senior mechanical engineers and contributes to the company’s enterprise-wide digital transformation through model-based engineering and agile practices.

The successful candidate will work as a mechanical designer on a major Mission Systems program supporting inertial navigation systems. The position is based at either the Woodland Hills, California, or Salt Lake City, Utah, facility and is 100% on-site; remote work is not available. Travel is 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available.

The position may be filled at either the Principal or Senior Principal level, depending on qualifications. Candidates must have an active U.S. Government Secret or higher clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Requirements

• Principal level: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and at least 5 years of applicable experience, or a STEM master’s degree and at least 3 years of applicable experience, or a STEM Ph.D. and at least 1 year of applicable experience.
• Senior Principal level: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and at least 8 years of applicable experience, or a STEM master’s degree and at least 6 years of applicable experience, or a STEM Ph.D. and at least 4 years of applicable experience.
• Expertise with mechanical CAD software; Siemens NX is preferred.
• Experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), drawing creation, and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Good presentation, writing, and communication skills.
• Experience mentoring junior-level engineers.
• Active U.S. Government Secret or higher clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated proficiency with Siemens NX CAD software and Teamcenter PLM software.
• Expert-level proficiency with GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Familiarity with ASME and MIL standards.
• Basic understanding of stress principles and component sizing.
• Engineering laboratory experience, including leak-rate and vibration testing.
• Knowledge of CCA components, layout, and cable routing.
• Creativity and ability to solve a wide range of difficult problems.
• Self-motivation, willingness to learn, and experience working in a team environment.
• Ability to work confidently under pressure on requests with short turnaround times.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach with a strong sense of ownership.

Responsibilities

• Research, plan, design, and develop CAD models and 3D model-based drawings using Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Support all phases of the design lifecycle, including modeling, drawings, procurement, testing, and maintenance.
• Prepare and present reports, briefings, design documents, drawings, and specifications.
• Support engineering changes and problem reports.
• Support root cause analysis and rapid resolution of manufacturing line stops and other critical production activities.
• Collaborate with engineering organizations, program management, factory operations, global supply chain, and mission assurance.
• Serve as a mechanical designer on a major Northrop Grumman Mission Systems program supporting inertial navigation systems.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal