Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.
Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an Aeronautical Engineer OR Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics) to support our R&AD division. This position will be located in Redondo Beach, CA.
This position will conduct preliminary design and analysis of advanced manned and unmanned air vehicles demonstrating technical expertise and knowledge of other related disciplines.
Responsibilities Include:
- Aerodynamic analysis, aerodynamic database generation, and wind tunnel test support for aircraft designs
- Design synthesis and optimization of vehicles to mission requirements
- Conduct aerodynamic analysis and design trade studies to define and evaluate advanced concepts, predict aerodynamic behavior, identify technology requirements, and provide design guidance to the other team disciplines.
- Develop technical solutions to various problems, which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.
- Interact with and brief external stakeholders
This position can be filled at either the Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics) level OR the Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics) level, depending upon the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications for Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics)
- Bachelor of Science in a related Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 2 years of relevant professional engineering experience OR a Master of Science in a related STEM discipline with 0 years of professional engineering experience.
- Experience building aerodynamic databases from test and analysis data
- Experience with aircraft aerodynamic conceptual design and drag build up
- Experience with stability and control vehicle assessments
- Active US Government Secret clearance (or higher)
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP). This SAP must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics)
- Bachelor of Science in a related Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 5 years of relevant professional engineering experience; OR a Master of Science in a related STEM discipline with 3 years of relevant professional engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 1 year of relevant professional engineering experience.
- Experience building aerodynamic databases from test and analysis data
- Experience with aircraft aerodynamic conceptual design and drag build up
- Experience with stability and control vehicle assessments
- Active US Government Secret clearance (or higher)
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP). This SAP must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Preferred Qualifications for both levels:
- Experience with Aircraft System Identification
- Experience with Wind Tunnel Test Planning and Support
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in a related STEM discipline with 2 years of relevant professional engineering experience, or a related STEM master's degree with no professional engineering experience
- Bachelor of Science in a related STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant professional engineering experience, or a related STEM master's degree with 3 years, or a related STEM PhD with 1 year
- Experience building aerodynamic databases from test and analysis data
- Experience with aircraft aerodynamic conceptual design and drag buildup
- Experience with stability and control vehicle assessments
- Active United States Government Secret clearance or higher
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access within a reasonable timeframe
- United States citizenship
- Experience with aircraft system identification
- Experience with wind tunnel test planning and support
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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