Engineer/Principal Engineer (Level 2/3)

Posted 10 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Redondo Beach, CA, USA
In-Office
83K-155K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Perform hands-on test engineering and operations for alignments and ordnance: plan and execute tests, design and assemble mechanical/electromechanical fixtures, set up load control and data acquisition, troubleshoot hardware and instrumentation, analyze results, and support readiness reviews and test reporting across structural, instrumentation, and hazardous operations.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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.

Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond. Northrop Grumman has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you’ll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today.

Space Systems is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible possible.

Northrop Grumman, Western Region Manufacturing and Operations, Mechanical & Environmental Test Engineering Dept, Specialty Test Team in Redondo Beach, CA is looking for an experienced, hard-working, and reliable Engineer/Principal Engineer (Level 2/3) to join our diverse team. We support all areas and phases of air and space builds from R&D testing to launch operations across our four distinct disciplines: Structural Test, Measurements/Instrumentation, Alignments, and Hazardous Operations/Ordnance.

Selected candidate will apply their electrical, mechanical, and computer skills towards primarily supporting the Alignments and Ordnance teams but there is opportunity to cross-train between all-disciplines based on interests as a long-term support and career development plan. Qualified individuals will collaborate with various disciplines and different levels of personnel throughout all phases and disciplines of Specialty Test towards a collective objective and must exhibit excellent communication skills and exceptional abilities to work well within a diverse team. Functional performance includes test planning, hardware and instrumentation design, set-up, and operation, as well as test set-up, execution, troubleshooting, data reduction and test report preparation/presentation. This is a very unique role/opportunity that requires the candidate to demonstrate proficiency in both electrical and mechanical facets involved with all testing functions interchangeably.

Selected candidate must be a motivated, driven individual with excellent communication skills, capable of successfully completing statement of work with somewhat minimal oversight/supervision. Candidate must have strong analytical/troubleshooting skills and possess the ability to adapt and learn new skills/software/operations quickly with thorough documentation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Setup, program, operate, and maintain load control and data acquisition systems

  • Plan and arrange for the equipment and personnel required to fulfill test requirements

  • Contribute to the development, fabrication and assembly of mechanical and electromechanical components, sub-assemblies, systems and test stands

  • Participate in formal readiness reviews throughout all phases of testing

  • Participate in post-test data evaluation, issue identification, and resolutions

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

  • 401k

  • Educational Assistance

  • Life Insurance

  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

  • Paid Time Off

  • Health & Wellness Resources

  • Employee Discounts

This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Level 2: Bachelor’s Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 2 years related exp. or Master's Degree in STEM with 0 years experience

  • Level 3: Bachelor’s Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years related exp. or Master's Degree in STEM with 3 years experience

  • Exposure to structural / flight test or an integration / R&D environments

  • Familiarity with Mechanical Engineering, Assembly and Test Operations department (standard) operating procedures/policies

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret or Top Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 3 years direct hands-on experience with integration & test environments

  • Experience with structures testing, load control and data acquisition systems

  • Experience in mechanical assembly & test, analog electronics, transducers, strain gage design & installation

  • Hands-on skill application in pneumatic/hydraulic system design, set up, and checkout

  • Ability to assess complex anomalies, apply strong critical thinking skills, and develop resolutions effectively within a team

  • Willing to work on dynamic schedule such as 2nd shift or weekends (Extended Work Week)

  • Willing to travel (25%)

  • Interest and experience with both Test Engineering and test Test Operations function includes hands-on hardware installation in addition to 2D/3D drawing and procedure generation

  • Able to work in elevated and confined space

  • Experience with laser tracking and/or photogrammetry systems

  • Demonstrates basic principles for deployment devices, pyrotechnic applications, pressurized gas applications, contamination issues, fluid mechanics, electrical integration, basic troubleshooting and operate test equipment (pulse generator, O-scope etc.)

  • Exposure to general hazmat training including Shipper/Driver Training (49 CFR Subpart H)

  • Exposure to Ammunition & Explosive Safety Course

  • Active Secret or Top Secret and SCI clearance preferred

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM (or Master's in STEM)
  • Minimum related experience (Level 2: ~2 years; Level 3: ~5 years)
  • Exposure to structural/flight test or integration/R&D environments
  • Familiarity with mechanical engineering assembly and test operations SOPs
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Secret or Top Secret clearance and program special access
  • Setup, program, operate, and maintain load control and data acquisition systems
  • Plan and coordinate equipment and personnel for test requirements
  • Contribute to fabrication and assembly of mechanical/electromechanical components and test stands
  • Participate in readiness reviews, post-test data evaluation, and test reporting
  • Experience with integration & test environments (hands-on)
  • Experience with structures testing, load control, and data acquisition systems
  • Experience in mechanical assembly, analog electronics, transducers, strain gage design & installation
  • Hands-on pneumatic/hydraulic system design, setup, and checkout
  • Experience with laser tracking and/or photogrammetry systems
  • Ability to work elevated and confined spaces
  • Knowledge of pyrotechnic applications, pressurized gas, contamination control, fluid mechanics, and basic troubleshooting
  • Familiarity operating test equipment (pulse generator, oscilloscope)
  • Exposure to hazmat training (49 CFR Subpart H) and ammunition & explosive safety courses
  • Willingness to work dynamic schedules (2nd shift, weekends) and travel
  • Active Secret/Top Secret/SCI clearance (preferred)

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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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