Northrop Grumman Missions Systems sector is seeking either a Principal or Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer (depending on experience) to support our Launcher Systems Business Unit in Sunnyvale, CA. This position must be performed onsite.
The Project Engineer will support our aftermarket programs for the marine propulsion and power generation systems, working on various engineering and manufacturing processes for high-value gearing and steam turbine assemblies, machined components, and welded fabrications. These processes include precision manual assembly, welding, bonding, and heat treatment of iron-based products.
Job Description:
Perform Material Requirements Planning (MRP) for all aftermarket material
Develop efficient process flows and sequences of operations, manage bills of materials, create detailed work instructions, process procedures, and tooling requirements
Create Basis of Estimates (BOEs) for manufacturing of material, repair of field service parts, tooling design, and engineering support of manufacturing.
Create work instructions for the repair of parts and assemblies returning from the field operations.
Develop new processes, improve existing manufacturing processes, and develop the required tooling and fixtures with an excellent team of experienced assembly mechanics, machinists, welders, and engineers.
Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, and requirements allocation to translate customer requirements into hardware specifications.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and implementation of new capital equipment for establishing expanded production processes.
This position may be filled at a level 3 or 4, depending on the candidate's experience.
Basic Qualifications for the Principal Mechanical Engineer (level 3):
Bachelor's degree in a related STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience; OR a master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 3 or more years of experience.
Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
Experience with mechanical assembly processes.
Experience in technical writing and presentations.
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Basic Qualifications for the Principal Mechanical Engineer (level 4):
Bachelor's degree in a related STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) with a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience; OR a master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5 or more years of experience.
Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
Experience with mechanical assembly processes.
Experience in technical writing and presentations.
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications for Both Levels:
Experience with Marine propulsion products required (Turbines, Reduction Gears, Generators, Auxiliary equipment).
Manufacturing and/or Industrial Engineering experience.
Experience in fast-paced and multi-tasking environments.
Experience with tool design.
Experience using SAP applications.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a related STEM discipline with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR Master's degree with 3+ years (Level 3)
- Bachelor's degree in a related STEM discipline with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience OR Master's degree with 5+ years (Level 4)
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings
- Experience with mechanical assembly processes
- Experience in technical writing and presentations
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Travel up to 10%
- Experience with Marine propulsion products (turbines, reduction gears, generators, auxiliary equipment)
- Manufacturing and/or Industrial Engineering experience
- Experience with tool design
- Experience using SAP applications
- Experience working in fast-paced, multi-tasking environments
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.






