Principal/Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer
About The Position
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 Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit designs, builds, and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include satellites and associated space components and services, launch vehicles and related propulsion systems, missile products, subsystems and defense electronics, precision weapons, armament systems, and advanced aerospace structures. Learn more about Mission Enabling Products at our website: Mission Enabling Products | Northrop Grumman As a Principal/Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer in Goleta, CA you will be responsible for creating and implementing deployable structures and mechanical mechanisms at the cutting edge of space technology. You will have ownership of your work from the concept creation through the design and analysis phases and may also participate in the manufacturing, testing, and integration of the systems.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 6+ years of relevant engineering experience OR Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 4+ year of relevant engineering experience
- Prior work experience in aerospace subsystem design or mechanical‑design integration
- Proficiency with a CAD system (Siemens NX, CATIA V5, Creo, or 3DX)
Nice To Haves
- Experience in spacecraft photovoltaic design
- Prior work experience in aerospace subsystem design or mechanical‑design integration
- mechanical design and closed-form analysis with some understanding of finite element analysis software (ANSYS)
- Practical understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5-2009)
- Detailed mechanical design knowledge of structures, mechanisms, release and drive actuators, and material selection.
- Spacecraft/aerospace materials experience in metals, adhesives, thermoplastics, etc.
- Working knowledge of applicable manufacturing processes such as machining, finishing, and rapid prototyping.
Responsibilities
- Create, prototype, design, and analyze structures and mechanisms for moving mechanical assemblies such as solar arrays, booms, and other support structures and mechanisms for satellite subsystems.
- Develop and refine components and subsystems utilizing design skills, hand calculations, and finite element analysis or other modeling tools as needed.
- Perform detailed 3D designs, generate CAD drawings and related documents, and support manufacturing and assembly of components.
- Document test plans and procedures requirements.
- Participate and present in internal and external (customer) design reviews.
- Strive for the highest possible structural performance that is also cost effective and assures complete reliability.
- Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals of the program team, matrix organization, and customers.
- Clearly report design status, progress and escalations at regular program meetings
- Generate and maintain part and assembly drawings, source‑control drawings, interface‑control drawings, and installation drawings.
- Support program milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, IDR, etc.) and gate or lien closures
- Provide I&T sustaining support.
- Strong communication skills, oral and written.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
- Ability to multitask and organize/prioritize job assignments in a fast-paced and gated-release engineering development environment.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available
- health insurance coverage
- life and disability insurance
- savings plan
- Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- overtime
- shift differential
- discretionary bonus
- 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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
