Principal/Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer

Northrop Grumman • Goleta, CA

1d • $103,600 - $193,900

About The Position

As a Principal/Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer in Goleta, California, you will create and implement deployable structures and mechanical mechanisms for space technology. You will own work from concept creation through design and analysis and may also participate in manufacturing, testing, and system integration. The position supports Northrop Grumman Mission Enabling Products, which designs and delivers space, defense, and aviation-related systems.

Requirements

• For Principal Mechanical Engineer (Level 3): a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 or more years of engineering experience, or a master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 or more years of relevant engineering experience, or a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline and 1 or more years of relevant engineering experience.
• For Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer (Level 4): a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 8 or more years of engineering experience, or a master's degree in a STEM discipline and 6 or more years of relevant engineering experience, or a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline and 4 or more years of relevant engineering experience.
• Prior work experience in aerospace subsystem design or mechanical-design integration.
• Proficiency with a CAD system such as Siemens NX, CATIA V5, Creo, or 3DX.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to multitask and organize and prioritize assignments in a fast-paced, gated-release engineering development environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in spacecraft photovoltaic design.
• Mechanical design and closed-form analysis experience, with some understanding of finite element analysis software such as ANSYS.
• Practical understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5-2009).
• Detailed mechanical design knowledge of structures, mechanisms, release and drive actuators, and material selection.
• Experience with spacecraft or aerospace materials, including metals, adhesives, and thermoplastics.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, finishing, and rapid prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Create, prototype, design, and analyze structures and mechanisms for moving mechanical assemblies, including solar arrays, booms, and satellite subsystem support structures and mechanisms.
• Develop and refine components and subsystems using design skills, hand calculations, finite element analysis, and other modeling tools as needed.
• Perform detailed 3D designs, generate CAD drawings and related documents, and support component manufacturing and assembly.
• Document test plans and procedure requirements.
• Participate in and present at internal and customer design reviews.
• Pursue structural performance that is cost-effective and ensures reliability.
• Manage and track multiple priorities while supporting project, program-team, organizational, and customer goals.
• 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, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and IDR, and gate or lien closures.
• Provide integration and test (I&T) sustaining support.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business
• Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.

What This Job Offers

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