Northrop Grumman Space Systems continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in space technology. Join our collaborative team of passionate engineers designing and building mission-critical space sensor payload hardware enabling national security and scientific advancements. We foster a culture where your expertise is valued and your growth is supported every day through purposeful innovation and leadership.
Position Summary
We seek an experienced Staff Mechanical Engineer (T5) to join our team within the Intelligence Systems Business Unit. The successful candidate will independently lead mechanical design, analysis, integration, and testing for RF and EO aperture and payload structure design supporting multiple high-profile satellite programs. This role is ideal for a technically accomplished and strategic engineer who thrives in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments and is eager to take leadership responsibility beyond foundational design activities. This role will be worked out of Linthicum, MD.
Key Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end mechanical design and development of advanced antenna and electro-mechanical sensor sub-assemblies through all product lifecycle phases: concept, detailed design, fabrication, integration, test, and delivery
Develop high-fidelity 3D CAD models (Creo or Siemens NX), and generate aerospace-compliant engineering documentation
Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks; support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis during integration and testing
Drive incorporation of digital engineering practices, including Agile/DevOps methodologies, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), simulation, and data analytics to improve engineering rigor and efficiency
Independently determine technical objectives and solutions, exercising substantial latitude in problem-solving complex and novel engineering challenges
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—electrical, thermal, structures, manufacturing—to ensure subsystem compatibility and manufacturability
Support and contribute to proposal technical volumes, technology roadmap creation, and process improvement initiatives within the department
Engage with customers and senior leadership in technical presentations, briefings, and program reviews, clearly articulating design rationale and status
Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, facilitate knowledge transfer, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement
Maintain configuration and compliance with applicable quality, security (TS/SCI clearance), and industry standards
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of experience, a master’s degree with 10 years of experience or a PhD with 8 years of experience in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical fields
U.S Citizenship is required
No clearance required to start, but must have the ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Top Secret w/SCI clearance
Working knowledge of materials, specifications, manufacturing processes and design tools utilized for antenna panel and supporting electronics assemblies
Proven proficiency with space-qualified mechanical hardware design in RF/EO sensor or antenna assemblies, including electro-mechanical subsystems and electronic packaging
Expert-level use of 3D CAD tools (Creo, Siemens NX)
Demonstrated ability to work independently without appreciable direction, setting and meeting technical goals aligned with program objectives
Skilled in presenting complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders, and collaborating across disciplines and programs
Experienced in mentoring junior engineers and facilitating knowledge transfer within teams
Preferred Qualifications
Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph preferred
Experience with classified satellite and/or payload programs or large-scale space sensor development
Familiarity with PWB mechanical integration and surface-mount technology processes
Participation in proposal preparation, technology roadmap initiatives, and Lean/Six-Sigma process improvements
Published technical papers, conference presentations, or internal award recognition
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Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00The 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.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree with 12 years of experience, Master's with 10 years, or PhD with 8 years in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret w/SCI clearance
- Working knowledge of materials, specifications, manufacturing processes and design tools for antenna panels and supporting electronics assemblies
- Proven proficiency with space-qualified mechanical hardware design for RF/EO sensor or antenna assemblies, including electro-mechanical subsystems and electronic packaging
- Expert-level use of 3D CAD tools (Creo, Siemens NX)
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, set and meet technical goals, and troubleshoot during integration and testing
- Skilled in presenting complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Experienced in mentoring junior and mid-level engineers and facilitating knowledge transfer
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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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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.







