Staff Propulsion Engineer - Structural Analysis

Northrop Grumman • Elkton, MD

2d • $169,000 - $253,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Staff Engineer, Propulsion – Structural Analysis to support solid rocket motor development programs at its Elkton, Maryland office. The role conducts structural analysis for solid rocket motor propulsion system design and verification, creates suitable mathematical models, supports material characterization and design-of-experiments testing, and interprets analytical and test results to recommend system improvements. The engineer prepares and presents technical work to internal and external customers, supports technical assessments and analysis validation, works with propulsion and subsystem integrated product team leads on technical and cost execution, and builds relationships with customer technical personnel. The position also serves as a technical lead on solid rocket motor analysis programs.

The Elkton facility designs, develops, and produces solid-propellant propulsion and ordnance systems for government and commercial customers, and supports offsite engineering and test facilities. Travel is listed as 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available. The role requires the ability to obtain a Secret clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 12 years of related experience; alternatively, a Master’s degree in STEM and 10 years of related experience, or a Ph.D. in STEM and 8 years of related experience.
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship is required as a prerequisite.
• Extensive experience modeling with FEA software such as ABAQUS, NASTRAN, ANSYS, LS-Dyna, FEMAP, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and present analytical results orally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing, presentation, and critical-thinking skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• A degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Current active Secret or higher clearance.
• Experience modeling systems with material and geometric nonlinearities involving large deformations and contact.
• Experience modeling systems exposed to high temperatures and undergoing ablation and material decomposition.
• Knowledge of advanced material modeling, including metal plasticity, elastomeric behavior, and composite materials.
• Knowledge of system modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or equivalents.

Responsibilities

• Conduct structural analyses supporting solid rocket motor propulsion system design and verification activities.
• Create mathematical models that accurately represent system physics, using appropriate analysis methods and tools, boundary conditions, and material properties.
• Assist the Research Department in developing material characterization test plans.
• Assist project teams with design-of-experiments testing to obtain data needed for detailed analyses.
• Interpret analytical results and develop recommendations for system improvement.
• Prepare and present technical reports and presentations to internal and external customers.
• Support technical assessments of test hardware and test data, including validation of analysis.
• Support propulsion and subsystem integrated product team leads to ensure technical and cost execution of system components.
• Build close working relationships with customer technical communities and designated customer technical contacts.
• Function as a technical lead on solid rocket motor analysis programs.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and 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.
• Relocation assistance may be available.

What This Job Offers

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