Mechanical Design Engineer - Level 4

Posted 2 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
San Diego, CA, USA
In-Office
129K-194K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Designs complex composite and metallic aerospace components, assemblies, manufacturing tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment. Creates 3D models and 2D drawings, performs analyses and hand calculations, supports design reviews, manufacturing, testing, procurement, and technical planning. Ensures designs meet manufacturing, testing, cost, and schedule requirements while collaborating with cross-functional engineering and production teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

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.

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer – Level 4 to join our MEP Team in San Diego, California. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Northrop Grumman Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit designs, builds, and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include satellites and associated space components and services, launch vehicles and related propulsion systems, missile products, subsystems and defense electronics, precision weapons, armament systems, and advanced aerospace structures.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will develop and design composite components, assemblies, and associated manufacturing and test tooling. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Test, and other Engineering functions to ensure successful execution and delivery of hardware.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Design complex assemblies including high strength & stiffness composite laminates, honeycomb sandwich structures, and metallic interface hardware

  • Create, prototype, design, and analyze tools and fixtures for manufacturing and testing of composite parts and assemblies. Tools include layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and test fixtures

  • Develop and refine components and subsystems utilizing design skills, hand calculations, CAD modeling software and analytical tools

  • Perform detailed 3D designs and generate 2D engineering drawings

  • Participate and present in internal and external (customer) design reviews. Includes generation of presentation media for PDR, CDR, and MRR type reviews

  • Support manufacturing and test of fixtures and hardware as required

  • Aid in the generation of manufacturing and test plans

  • Support procurement of flight hardware and tooling

  • Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals of the program team, matrix organization, and customers

  • Support continuous improvement of departmental tools and procedures

  • Ensure designs meet manufacturing and test plans, while maintaining targets for cost and schedule

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with eight (8) years of experience in a structural design field; OR Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with six (6) years of experience in a structural design field.

  • Aerospace experience with product definition and design. Understanding of specifications, SOW's, drawings, ICD compliance

  • Understanding of aerospace materials and assembly methods (bonding/fastening)

  • Ability to perform design of complex, multi-piece tool assemblies to ensure successful execution of manufacturing and test plans

  • Experience in CAD and PLM systems, such as Siemens NX and Teamcenter.

  • Experience in drawing generation, with practical knowledge and use of GD&T

  • Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) principles and mistake-proofing techniques

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with aerospace tooling, including composite layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

  • Experience with composite/metallic assemblies including bonded/fastened joints and associated materials, adhesives and fasteners

  • Demonstrated initiative and strong interpersonal skills, thriving both independently and collaboratively within a team environment

  • Experience with composite manufacturing processes and applications (layup, machining, bonding & assembly)

  • Active Government clearance

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards 

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

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 of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with 8 years of structural design experience, or a Master of Science in either field with 6 years of structural design experience.
  • Aerospace experience with product definition and design, including specifications, statements of work, drawings, and ICD compliance.
  • Understanding of aerospace materials and assembly methods, including bonding and fastening.
  • Ability to design complex, multi-piece tool assemblies supporting manufacturing and test plans.
  • Experience with CAD and PLM systems such as Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
  • Experience generating engineering drawings and practical knowledge of GD&T.
  • Experience with Design for Manufacturability and Assembly principles and mistake-proofing techniques.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government clearance.
  • Experience with aerospace tooling, including composite layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment.
  • Experience with composite and metallic assemblies, bonded and fastened joints, adhesives, and fasteners.
  • Strong initiative and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Experience with composite manufacturing processes, including layup, machining, bonding, and assembly.
  • Active Government clearance.

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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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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