Propulsion Engineers / Design Engineer – 2 / 3

Northrop Grumman • Magna, UT

1d • $79,300 - $147,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is hiring Level 2 or Level 3 engineers for its Design and Analysis department in Promontory or Magna, Utah. This multi-discipline requisition covers several teams, including solid rocket motor nozzle design, NASA SLS integration design and analysis, loaded motor design and structural analysis, propulsion and cast propellant design, composite rocket motor case design and structural analysis, and metal structures. Candidates may be matched to a team based on their skills, interests, and business needs. Engineers develop solutions that balance technical performance, cost, and schedule for government and commercial programs.

Depending on team assignment, engineers support the design, analysis, testing, and production of solid rocket motor hardware, including nozzles, cases, propellant, integration hardware, bonded structures, and metal components. They create 3D models, engineering drawings, and specifications; conduct trade studies; prepare engineering documentation; perform structural analyses and evaluate test data; support development, qualification, and production testing; and provide production-floor support and nonconformance resolution. They work with multidisciplinary teams, present technical content at design reviews, and help maintain and improve engineering processes, methods, and tools.

The position works a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Travel is 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available. A clearance is not required to start, but candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a classical engineering or STEM discipline and 2 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree or PhD in a classical engineering or STEM discipline for Level 2.
• Bachelor’s degree in a classical engineering or STEM discipline and 5 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree and 3 years of professional experience, or a PhD and 1 year of professional experience for Level 3.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance.
• Ability to pass a Federal Safe Explosives Act (SEA) background check for many Level 2 roles; required for Level 3.
• Strong understanding of solid mechanics and classical mechanics principles.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Detail oriented while able to understand the big picture.
• Strong problem-solving skills, and self-starter and self-motivated qualities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Basic knowledge of or strong interest in solid rocket motors and their structural and propellant makeup.
• Experience or strong aptitude with 3D CAD modeling and mechanical drawings, preferably Siemens NX, and/or familiarity and proficiency with finite element or structural analysis tools such as Abaqus or ANSYS.

Nice To Haves

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including ability to present technical content clearly in email, reports, and design reviews.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate technical documentation.
• Experience using Siemens NX or equivalent CAD and/or commercial FEA software such as Abaqus or ANSYS.
• Familiarity with statistics and statistical methods for analysis-focused roles.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis for design-focused roles.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or production.
• Experience with solid rocket motors.
• Knowledge of the NG Propulsion Systems engineering drafting process.
• Previous fabrication or inspection experience, rocket motor design experience, or aerospace design experience.
• For nozzle design: experience designing or manufacturing solid rocket motor nozzle hardware; familiarity with basic structural and thermal behavior of nozzle materials; or participation in or support of post-fire hardware evaluations.
• For NASA SLS integration: experience designing or manufacturing rocket motor integration hardware and large booster assemblies.
• For loaded motor and bonded structures: experience evaluating bonded and non-metallic solid rocket motor components, such as propellant, liners, insulation, TPS, or raceway bracket-to-case bonds; familiarity with viscoelastic material behavior and structural analysis of bonded structures.
• For propellant and cast motor design: experience supporting design of cast-propellant regions and related rocket motor components; familiarity with propellant cast processes and general structural behavior of propellant and insulation systems.
• For composite case structures: experience designing or manufacturing composite rocket motor case hardware; familiarity with composite structural analysis, laminate/CLT concepts, and general structural FEA in ABAQUS/CAE.
• For metal structures: experience designing or manufacturing metal components, forgings, and bolted joints; familiarity with general structural analysis of metallic structures.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, analysis, test, and production of solid rocket motor hardware, including nozzles, cases, propellant, integration hardware, bonded structures, and metal components.
• Provide accurate, on-time 3D models, engineering drawings, and specifications for rocket motor components.
• Participate in trade studies and facilitate design changes that balance technical performance, cost, and schedule.
• Develop engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, design and analysis reports, test plans, and test reports.
• Perform structural analysis using closed-form methods and finite element tools, evaluate test data, draw conclusions, and refine models.
• Plan and support development, qualification, and production testing of flight hardware and test articles.
• Provide production and floor support, including problem solving, anomaly resolution, and disposition of non-conformances.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams, including Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, Thermal, Structural, Materials, and Test, to ensure requirements are met.
• Develop and present technical content for design reviews and briefings to internal and external customers.
• Learn and help maintain standard design and analysis processes, and improve methods and tools using test data and advanced analysis techniques.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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: Mid Level