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Principal Mechanical Engineer/Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Posted today

Job Requirements

Los Angeles, CA
Secret Polygraph Unspecified
Career Level not specified
$103,600 - $155,400

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

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.

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, but they're also making history.

Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer/Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer. This position is in Woodland Hills, CA.

What You'll Get To Do:

As a Mechanical Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Using model-based engineering we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation.

This position will support senior mechanical engineers in the design of military avionics including inertial navigation and measurement systems for various defense platforms. This position is for an individual contributor with experience in mechanical engineering design, development, testing, production support, and lifecycle sustainment preferred.

This position is not eligible for remote work. This position will be 100% on-site.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop mechanical/aerospace products for aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, ground vehicles and associated ground and test equipment
  • Develop CAD models and 3D model based drawings using Solidworks
  • Verify specifications and designs through modeling and simulation, test data processing, and performance analysis
  • Support all phases of the systems lifecycle including design, drawings, fabrication, test, installation, operation and maintenance
  • Design of components/systems, and preliminary/sizing analysis for both stress and dynamic analysis of aerospace structures.
  • Preparation and presentation of reports, briefings, design documents (drawings and specifications).
  • Attend internal program meetings, customer technical exchanges, and supplier briefings; present design status during formal milestone reviews
  • This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.


This position can be filled as a Principal Engineer (Level 3) or Senior Principal Engineer (Level 4) depending on experience and qualifications.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Mechanical Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) with 5 years of experience; or Master's degree with 3 years of experience; or Ph.D. with 1 year of experience
  • Great attention to detail, follow-through, and time management skills
  • Familiar with common engineering standards (ISO, ASME, Mil Spec, NAS, etc.)
  • Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision, function in a dynamic environment, and be flexible to changing direction
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills when conveying technical content
  • Knowledge of GD&T, materials selection, and manufacturing processes
  • Demonstrated ability to lead design teams and drive technical decisions
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S Government security clearance
  • Ability to work on site full-time in Woodland Hills, Ca as required by this role


Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer
  • Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer: Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) with 8 years of experience; 6 years' experience with a Master's degree; or Ph.D. with 4 year of experience
  • Great attention to detail, follow-through, and time management skills
  • Familiar with common engineering standards (ISO, ASME, Mil Spec, NAS, etc.)
  • Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision, function in a dynamic environment, and be flexible to changing direction
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills when conveying technical content
  • Knowledge of GD&T, materials selection, and manufacturing processes
  • Demonstrated ability to lead design teams and drive technical decisions
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S Government security clearance
  • Ability to work on site full-time in Woodland Hills, Ca as required by this role


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with creating 3D models in Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems (Solidworks, etc.)
  • Experience using an industry-standard Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) System such as MPLM (preferred)
  • Experience performing structural and thermal analysis
  • Experience performing dynamic and static analysis (NX Motion or ANSYS preferred)
  • Experience designing to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) Standards
  • Experience as a Control Account Management (CAM)
  • Active Secret clearance


Position Benefits:

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts


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.

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.

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

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.
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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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