Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in defining the future. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL.
In this role, you will work within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to develop primary and secondary metal and composite aircraft structure parts and assemblies, lead design and trade study efforts, mentor less experienced engineers, and develop advanced design solutions to complex technical problems. The successful candidate possesses substantial experience with design and fabrication techniques for aircraft primary structural details, assemblies, and installations utilizing both metallic and composite materials, conventional fastening methods, bonded primary structures, major structural joint definition, and load path development.
Responsibilities:
Design primary and secondary aircraft structural parts, assemblies, and installations using metallic and/or composite materials for new aircraft design and/or modifications to existing aircraft
Working within or leading an IPT, interfaces with IPT/Program leadership, suppliers, customers, and other technical disciplines to independently prepare and lead the preparation of engineering design solutions to challenging problems through the development of Product Definition Packages
Collaborate with structural analysis, manufacturing, materials and processes, and other stakeholders to produce flight weight structures
Employ GD&T and Model Based Engineering (MBE) methods in support of Digital Transformation to create airframe layouts and produce engineering definitions
Assist team to develop/document best practices and mentor less experienced engineers.
This requisition may be filled at an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) OR Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) level based on the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
Basic qualifications for an Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 2) include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 2 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with no years of experience.
Basic qualifications for a Principal Airframe Structural Design Engineer (Level 3) include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 5 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with 3 years of relevant experience, or a PhD Degree with no experience.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance; clearance not required to start employment.
Must have the ability to obtain any Program Special access required within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Professional experience designing primary and/or secondary metallic aircraft parts/components, assemblies, and/or installations
Preferred Qualifications:
Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
Proficiency with NX Solid Modelling or similar 3D modeling software
Proficiency with Teamcenter
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (or Master's/PhD meeting alternate experience rules)
- At least 2 years relevant experience (Level 2) or at least 5 years relevant experience (Level 3) per requisition
- Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance
- Professional experience designing primary and/or secondary metallic aircraft parts, components, assemblies, and installations
- Experience with design and fabrication techniques for aircraft primary structural details, assemblies, bonded structures, joint definition, and load path development (metal and composite)
- Ability to obtain any Program Special Access required
- Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
- Proficiency with NX Solid Modelling or similar 3D modeling software
- Proficiency with Teamcenter
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.








