2027 Associate Signature Management & Survivability Engineer/Signature Management & Survivability Engineer

Northrop Grumman•Oklahoma City, OK

2d•$68,600 - $123,800•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman is hiring Signature Management and Survivability Engineers for its Aeronautics Systems sector in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The position is on-site and may be filled at either the Associate or standard engineer level. The role enhances defense-system survivability by applying chemistry, physics, and materials science to investigate material issues and develop solutions. It includes analyzing, researching, and developing materials and application processes that optimize performance in structures, systems, and subsystems, and integrating survivability features into new designs and existing systems. The engineer uses classified technology and proprietary analysis codes to reduce aircraft detectability across electromagnetic, infrared, visual, and acoustic spectrums; forecasts and verifies design performance through physical model testing; and balances stealth optimization with other engineering requirements. The role involves collaboration in an Integrated Product Team and providing timely solutions to production issues informed by aircraft systems and Low Observable experience. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret and Top Secret clearances and Special Access Program clearance. An approved Secret clearance is required to start, and U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite. Travel is 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available.

Requirements

Associate level: completing or completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by August 2027.
Standard engineer level: completing or completed a master's degree from an accredited institution by August 2027, or completing a bachelor's degree and having two years of related engineering experience by August 2027.
Degree major must be Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics, Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or another related STEM field.
Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret and Top Secret security clearances and Special Access Program clearance within a reasonable period, as determined by the company.
U.S. citizenship is required.
An approved U.S. Government Secret security clearance is required to start.

Nice To Haves

Overall cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.0 or higher.
Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
Foundational understanding of materials and processes, with an interest in Low Observable materials and survivability applications.
Basic knowledge of measuring and evaluating material properties through laboratory testing and experiments.
Ability to review and interpret laboratory data or test results with guidance and summarize findings clearly.
Exposure to materials selection concepts and balancing electromagnetic performance, structural integrity, and durability.
Familiarity with aerospace materials and processes such as composites, coatings, and adhesives.
Ability to read and understand basic technical drawings and specifications, and willingness to learn engineering documentation and manufacturing plans.
Experience collaborating on team-based projects across disciplines or specialties.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical summaries, reports, or presentations.
Willingness to learn relevant military standards and specifications and how survivability and Low Observable requirements affect materials and process decisions.
Interest in manufacturing processes such as composite layup, coating application, adhesive bonding, curing, and repair.
Coursework or academic projects related to military aircraft, survivability engineering, or Low Observable materials.
Pursuit of an advanced degree or upper-level undergraduate coursework focused on polymers, composites, or coatings.
Exposure to material obsolescence challenges, such as evaluating or recommending alternative materials.
Experience collaborating with material suppliers or participating in laboratory or industry visits, or interest in supplier collaboration and on-site material troubleshooting.
Foundational understanding of aircraft survivability concepts, including susceptibility and vulnerability.
Experience using modeling and simulation tools such as FEA, electromagnetic solvers, or other engineering analysis tools.
Basic competence in a high-level programming language such as Python, C#, or MATLAB.
Exposure to computational electromagnetic analysis tools; familiarity with Northrop Grumman tools is a plus but not required.
Coursework in applied electromagnetics or related topics, with a basic understanding of electromagnetic energy transmission through space and materials and interest or project experience in Low Observable materials.
Hands-on material characterization experience, such as dielectric-property measurement, mechanical testing, or environmental durability and aging studies.
Familiarity with electromagnetic performance testing for Low Observable materials and how processing and chemistry can affect performance.

Responsibilities

Apply chemistry, physics, and materials science to investigate material issues and develop solutions within the Survivability discipline.
Analyze, research, and develop materials and related application processes to optimize performance in structures, systems, and subsystems.
Integrate survivability features into new designs and existing systems.
Use classified technology to minimize aircraft detectability across electromagnetic, infrared, visual, and acoustic spectrums.
Use proprietary analysis codes to forecast design performance and validate predictions through physical model testing.
Balance stealth properties with requirements from other engineering disciplines and ensure compliance with survivability requirements during design.
Collaborate in an Integrated Product Team to achieve customer goals in a fast-paced, diverse work setting.
Provide real-time solutions to production issues based on previous aircraft systems and Low Observable experience.