Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking an Principal Engineer NDT/ Sr. Principal Engineer NDT to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA with travel up to 75% of the time. The qualified applicant will become part of Northrop Grumman's Mission Assurance organization working in a collaborative environment while promoting a positive and proactive teamwork environment.
Responsible for the inspection composite aerospace components, and other energetic and non-energetic articles. This position is responsible for developing and implementing unique nondestructive inspection techniques, methods, and procedures. Works with design, project and quality engineers through the development process to select and implement the best NDT method to ensure product quality at lowest cost.
Principal NDT Engineer Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree and 5 years experience, with 5 plus years as a Ultrasonic Level III or High school Diploma with 9 years experience with 5 years as a Ultrasonic Level III in lieu of degree
- Active US Govt clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access
- Must be able to work any shift
- Must be able to travel up to 75%
- Must pass medical evaluation including eye exam
- Active US Passport
Sr. Principal NDT Engineer Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree and 9 plus years experience with 5 years as a Ultrasonic Level III or High school Diploma with 13 years experience with 5 years as a Ultrasonic Level III in lieu of degree
- Active US Govt clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access
- Must be able to work any shift
- Must be able to travel up to 75%
- Must pass medical evaluation including eye exam
- Active US Passport
Preferred Qualifications:
- Multiple Level III ASNT certifications
- Special Program Access
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree (Principal) or High School Diploma with equivalent experience (see experience requirements)
- Principal: 5 years experience (or High School +9 years)
- Sr. Principal: 9+ years experience (or High School +13 years)
- Minimum 5 years as an Ultrasonic Level III
- Active US government clearance (Secret) and ability to obtain Special Program Access
- Must be able to work any shift
- Must be able to travel up to 75%
- Must pass medical evaluation including eye exam
- Active US Passport
- Multiple Level III ASNT certifications
- Possession of Special Program Access
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
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.







