Sr. Principal Design Engineer - Level 4

Northrop Grumman

5d•Onsite

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's Space Sector is seeking a Sr. Principal Design Engineer - Level 4 to join our Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit located in San Diego, CA. This position is 100% onsite. Northrop Grumman 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. As a Sr. Design Engineer, you will develop and design composite components, assemblies, and associated manufacturing and test tooling. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Test, and other Engineering functions to ensure successful execution and delivery of hardware.

Requirements

Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with a minimum of eight (8) years working in a structural design field
Aerospace experience with product definition and design. Thorough understanding of specifications, SOW's, drawings, ICD compliance
Experience in design of composite structures or composite-related tooling
Thorough understanding of aerospace materials and assembly methods (bonding/fastening)
Ability to perform design of complex, multi-piece tool assemblies to ensure successful execution of manufacturing and test plans
Extensive experience in CAD and PLM systems, such as Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
Extensive experience in drawing generation, with an advanced understanding of GD&T
Extensive experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) principles and mistake-proofing techniques
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DOD clearance

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience with aerospace tooling, including composite layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
Extensive experience with composite/metallic assemblies including bonded/fastened joints and associated materials, adhesives and fasteners
Demonstrated initiative and strong interpersonal skills, thriving both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
Experience with composite manufacturing processes and applications (layup, machining, bonding & assembly)
Experience as a technical leader, actively mentoring and up‑skilling engineers to elevate the team's capabilities
Active DOD Government clearance

Responsibilities

Design complex assemblies including high strength & stiffness composite laminates, honeycomb sandwich structures, and metallic interface hardware
Create, prototype, design, and analyze tools and fixtures for manufacturing and testing of composite parts and assemblies. Tools include layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and test fixtures
Develop and refine components and subsystems utilizing design skills, hand calculations, CAD modeling software and analytical tools
Perform detailed 3D designs and generate 2D engineering drawings
Participate and present in internal and external (customer) design reviews. Includes generation of presentation media for PDR, CDR, and MRR type reviews
Support manufacturing and test of fixtures and hardware as required
Aid in the generation of manufacturing and test plans
Support procurement of flight hardware and tooling
Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals of the program team, matrix organization, and customers
Support continuous improvement of departmental tools and procedures
Ensure designs meet manufacturing and test plans, while maintaining targets for cost and schedule