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Principal / Sr Principal Engineer Aeronautical

Northrop Grumman

Today
Secret
$110,300 - $165,500
Unspecified
San Diego, CA (On-Site/Office)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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 Aeronautic Systems is seeking a Principal Engineer Aeronautical OR Senior Principal Engineer Aeronautical to join the Air Vehicle Subsystems Design and Analysis team. These aircraft subsystems include Environmental Control Systems, Liquid Cooling Systems, Fuel Systems, Hydraulic Systems, and Fire protection Systems. The position will primarily support the Triton program but will also have the opportunity to work on a related family of platforms for various military and international programs.

This position will be located at our Aeronautics Sector in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

The position currently works in a Hybrid capacity requiring on-site work a minimum of 2 days per week based on program needs.

Specific roles and duties include:
  • Performing system related analysis in support of the development of aircraft subsystems as well as the integration of aircraft avionics and the installation of various aircraft hardware. Analysis includes but is not limited to subsystem performance modeling, liquid cooling systems, fluid distribution systems, and compartment temperature assessments.
  • Sustainment engineering support for a fleet of fielded aircraft to include ground and flight test support, data analysis, troubleshooting anomalies, performing failure investigations, coordinating with hardware/software subcontractors for issue resolution, supporting spares and repairs, and integrating with other functions and disciplines.
  • Participation on a subcontractor management team and acting as the technical point of contact with suppliers for hardware development, testing, qualification, and procurement.
  • Supporting the mechanical subsystems integrity program to assess and resolve deficiencies related to mission reliability, FMECA/testability, functional hazards, and subsystem safety hazards.
  • Test planning, execution support, verification, data processing, and troubleshooting.
  • System level evaluations to verify requirements and ensure airworthiness criteria are met.
  • Documentation development and release, data management, and proposal and change process coordination.


The ideal candidate would have existing experience as a Responsible Engineer for fluid subsystems in support of aircraft development, production, and sustainment activities. Job responsibilities will include interfacing with internal engineering or programmatic disciplines, program management, suppliers and Global Supply Chain, customer counterparts, and others for production, test, sustainment, proposal, and design & development projects.

Position may be filled as either a Principal Engineer (level 3) OR Senior Principal Engineer (level 4) depending on the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications:
  • The basic qualifications for a Principal Engineer are a Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with a minimum of 5 years engineering experience or a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline with a minimum of 3 years engineering experience.
  • The basic qualifications for a Senior Principal Engineer are a Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with a minimum of 8 years engineering experience, a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline with a minimum of 6 years engineering experience, or a PhD in a STEM discipline with a minimum of 4 years engineering experience.
  • Work experience using Thermal Desktop, Flowmaster, Amesim, Simhydaulics, SINDA/Fluint, and/or MATLAB.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Active DoD Secret or higher clearance, as well as, a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous direct experience with aircraft fuel, hydraulic, liquid cooling, and/or environmental control systems.
  • Experience coordinating with suppliers for hardware development, testing, and qualification.
  • Experience with conceptual operation, integration and troubleshooting of typical aircraft subsystems
  • Experience with Siemens Teamcenter.
  • Experience interfacing with military and international customers.
  • Ability to work both independently or as part of a team, and effective at interfacing with different functions and different levels of internal/external leadership.


We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 first shift schedule, learning and growth opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Primary Level Salary Range: $110,300.00 - $165,500.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $137,400.00 - $206,000.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
group id: 10122071

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About Us
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines. © 2025 Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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