Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is hiring an Engineer or Principal Engineer Aeronautical to join our Vehicle Engineering organization of qualified, diverse individuals in El Segundo, CA or Melbourne, FL.
We are seeking an experienced aerodynamics engineer to join our team in analyzing next-generation aerodynamic stores integration and Air Vehicle aerodynamics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerodynamics and a passion for developing innovative solutions to improve flight performance.
Responsibilities:
Perform aerodynamic characterization efforts utilizing analytical methods
Perform analytical stores trajectory and separation analyses
Provide technical analysis data for data reports and other Airworthiness artifacts required to support flight clearances and certification
Support execution of wind tunnel test events including two-body separation testss
Support ground and flight test events, acquisition and analysis of test data
General frequent use and application of technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and advanced techniques
Demonstrates the skill and ability to perform complex professional tasks
Innovates solutions to a variety of technical challenges of increasing scope and complexity
Work closely with other disciplines including Configuration, Aerodynamics, S&RE, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Mechanisms, etc.
Utilize excellent communication skills to report program milestones, technical approaches, and findings to leads, program management, and customer
This role can be filled as an Engineer (level 2) or Principal Engineer (level 3) depending on the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
Basic qualifications for an Engineer Aeronautical 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 Engineer Aeronautical 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.
Knowledge of fixed-wing aircraft aerodynamics
Experience with using aerodynamic tools and techniques
Experience using MATLAB to create, process, analyze, and visually represent data
Must have an active US Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance prior to the commencement of employment
Preferred Qualifications:
Degree discipline in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering with concentration in aerodynamics
Experience with generating aerodynamic databases for 6-DOF simulation
Experience in conducting 6-DOF stores trajectory and separation analyses
Experience with onsite support of wind tunnel testing and data acquisition systems
Experience in supporting ground and flight test events and analyzing collected data
Experience with DOD safety board processes for store separation
Fortran, C/C++ and/or Python programming skills
Demonstrated record of working hard, strong communication skills, and being accountable
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM and at least 2 years of relevant experience (Engineer level)
- Master's degree in STEM (qualifies for Engineer with no experience or Principal with 3 years)
- PhD in STEM (qualifies for Principal with no experience)
- Knowledge of fixed-wing aircraft aerodynamics
- Experience using aerodynamic tools and techniques
- Experience using MATLAB to process, analyze, and visualize data
- Active US Government Secret or higher clearance (background investigation within last 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation)
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance prior to employment
- Experience conducting 6-DOF stores trajectory and separation analyses
- Experience generating aerodynamic databases for 6-DOF simulation
- Experience with wind tunnel testing and data acquisition systems
- Experience supporting ground and flight test events and analyzing collected data
- Experience with DoD safety board processes for store separation
- Fortran, C, C++ and/or Python programming skills
- Degree in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering with concentration in aerodynamics
- Strong communication skills and demonstrated accountability
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.








