Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) Engine

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.

Defense Systems is looking for a Principal Engineer Systems (Level 3) to be an integral part of our multi-discipline engineering team in Advanced Weapons. Here you will be at the forefront of developing next generation solutions to protect technology for our nation's warfighters. This position will require close collaboration with team members of various disciplines that support gathering the necessary hardware, equipment, data, processes, and documentation to successfully complete all deliverables as part of the role.

This role is based in Northridge, CA and will be 100% on-site. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment and shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation. Relocation may be available but is not guaranteed.

Roles & Responsibilities:

A successful candidate will have the qualities and essential functional expertise to:

• Develop and execute multidisciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) studies for diverse air vehicle concepts using advanced problem-solving tools.
• Apply Python programming skills and proficiency with frameworks such as OpenMDAO for model integration and trade study automation.
• Implement and run trajectory optimization analyses utilizing tools such as Taos, Dymos, or similar platforms.
• Design and analyze systems architectures, supporting rapid assessment and iteration of concepts through trade studies and performance sensitivity analyses.
• Model aerodynamic, propulsion, and general vehicle subsystems (including sensors, warheads, etc.) to support end-to-end system simulation.
• Leverage statistical and gradient-based optimization techniques (e.g., SNOPT, IPOPT) to solve complex, constrained engineering problems.
• Communicate highly technical analysis findings and recommendations effectively to senior leaders and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate analytical models and support program decision making.

This position can be filled as a level 3

Basic Qualifications:

Principal Engineer Systems Level 3:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five (5) years of MDAO or related engineering roles within aerospace, defense, or closely aligned industries OR a Master's Degree with three (3) years of experience OR a PhD with one (1) year of experience
• Must have a U.S. Citizenship
• Experience in Multi-Disciplined Optimization Methods
• Experience with setup and execution of Multi-Disciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) models
• Experience with aircraft or weapon design, layout, sizing and performance analysis tools
• Experience in System Design and Optimization
• Strong code development experience
• Excellent organization and leadership skills
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, C++, ModelCenter, Linux and/or FORTRAN
• Proficient in Python, with hands-on experience in OpenMDAO and other multidisciplinary analysis frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in trajectory optimization, preferably with tools like Taos and/or Dymos.
• Strong foundation in systems architecture and rapid trade study analysis methods.
• Proven modeling experience spanning aerodynamics, propulsion systems, sensors, warheads, and general systems engineering practices.
• Experience in statistical analysis and optimization, with emphasis on gradient-based methods and use of solvers (SNOPT, IPOPT, etc.).
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to senior leadership and multi-disciplinary audiences.
• Demonstrated adaptability and eagerness to work on rapidly evolving projects and priorities.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to obtain a US Government Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current Active Secret clearance or higher with a Periodic Reinvestigation within the last five (5) years.
• Familiar with military aircraft or weapon design principles and tools

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

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.