Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Mechanical Design Engineer (Level 2 or Level 3) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Edwards AFB, CA and will require routine coverage at the Palmdale location.
The selected candidate will have a primary focus in testing, but will also contribute in the research, design, analysis, manufacture, and requirements verification associated with aircraft Support Equipment. The position will require a flexible work schedule to complete testing when opportunities are identified to include 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift, 4x10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift, 3x10 (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st shift, and 3x10 (Fri, Sa, Su) 2nd shift.
The selected candidate will contribute in the research, design, analysis, manufacture, and testing associated with aircraft Support Equipment.
Essential Functions:
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct test operations of manufactured Support Equipment on and off aircraft.
- Align support equipment test targets with the flight test organization, NGAS test team, support equipment responsible engineer (RE), and on site customer representatives.
- Provide engineering assessment and test results to support equipment management and support the customer briefing for final approval.
- Mechanical design of test, measurement, and handling equipment used on military aircraft.
- Gather data, requirement development, interfacing with suppliers, and performing basic stress and tolerance analysis.
- Act as manufacturing liaison during build process of your project to ensure overall quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved.
- Develop test plans and perform environmental testing of Support Equipment.
- Basic knowledge of design and analysis tools for mechanical design as well as basic drafting skills to include a working knowledge of solid modeling techniques (NX, Pro Engineer, or Catia).
The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, collaborative/team settings across all levels. Candidate must also be willing to occasionally travel to various site locations to demonstrate the function of the designed Support Equipment.
*This Position May be offered as a Level 2 or Level 3*
Basic Qualifications Level 2:
Must have a Bachelor's in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 2 years of relevant engineering experience OR a Master’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering; OR Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 0 years of engineering experience.
Experience using CAD software in generating detailed engineering drawings used for manufacturing of mechanical and/or electrical assemblies.
Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
Basic Qualifications Level 3:
Must have a Bachelor's in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 5 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 3 years of engineering experience.
Experience using CAD software in generating detailed engineering drawings used for manufacturing of mechanical and/or electrical assemblies.
Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
Preferred Qualifications Both Levels:
Current Special Access Program (SAP) access.
Experience using FEA software in performance of stress analysis of mechanical and/or electrical assemblies to include static and dynamic analysis to MIL-STD-810 requirements.
FAA A&P Certificate or equivalent aircraft maintenance background.
Experience developing manufacturing drawings to GD&T standards.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of relevant engineering experience for Level 2, or a STEM master’s degree with 0 years of experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of relevant engineering experience for Level 3, or a STEM master’s degree with 3 years of experience
- Experience using CAD software to generate detailed engineering drawings for mechanical or electrical assemblies
- Active US Government Secret clearance with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program clearance
- Current Special Access Program access
- Experience using FEA software for static and dynamic stress analysis to MIL-STD-810 requirements
- FAA A&P Certificate or equivalent aircraft maintenance background
- Experience developing manufacturing drawings to GD&T standards
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.
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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.
