Our Missile Products Division in Plymouth, MN has an excellent opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer whose duties and required experience are described below. As a Principal Design Engineer in Fuzing and Warheads Development Group, your responsibilities will be as a technical contributor / team member / team leader on various product development or production programs. You will work with other engineers, technicians, program managers and administrative personnel to accomplish the programs objectives. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Mechanical design engineering lead on ordnance programs, managing assigned responsibilities and directing work of other engineers, technicians, drafting personnel, and administrative personnel to accomplish program goals.
- Conduct design trade studies to select the best possible design solution, taking into account factors including but not limited to, system performance and functionality, material selection, strength to weight ratio, manufacturability and cost.
- Responsible for the design, fabrication and testing components and assemblies in the high shock environments related to fuzes and warheads.
- Three dimensional mechanical modeling (CAD- computer aided design)
- Presentation of assigned work at program technical reviews and in written technical reports.
- Management of cost and schedule for assigned projects.
- Preparation and planning of cost estimates and written technical proposals.
- Compilation and analysis of test data including a comparison to estimated pretest performance predictions. The high volume of data involved often requires analysis with various computer programs. Experience with computer coding programs is desired.
- Act as design support to programs that are in the production phase (on one or more programs).
- Act as an integrated product team lead, guiding the design activities of a small team of engineers and designers, while maintaining cost and schedule control.
Basic Qualifications:
- BS in engineering required with 5 years of direct mechanical engineering experience, a MS in engineering with 3 years of direct mechanical engineering experience, or a PHD in engineering with 0 years of direct mechanical engineering experience.
- Strong computer-aided design (CAD) skills, preferably with PTC Creo (Pro-E)
- Strong mechanical skills and exposure to ASME Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and ASME Y14.5
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
- Ability to multitask and organize/prioritize job assignments in a rapidly changing, short turn-around environment.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing processes to include, but not limited to, machining, gauging, welding, and injection molding.
- Basic understanding of structural and thermal dynamics.
- Material selection experience of both metals and plastics.
- Understanding of design for assembly / design for manufacturing (DFA/DFM)
- Working knowledge of Microsoft office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Project)
- Ability to travel (approximately 5 to 8 times per year to meet with customers and suppliers)
- Security regulations require that the individual must be a U.S. citizen and must have the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance to a level of Secret.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience developing electronics packaging solutions for challenging environmental conditions: shock, temperature, electromagnetic and others.
- Electromechanical mechanism or electro-explosive device design and analysis experience.
- Possess an understanding of finite element analysis techniques and tools.
- Possess an understanding of Six Sigma disciplines.
- Experience leading either a technical or program teams.
- Possess an active DoD security clearance to a level of Secret.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering with 5 years of direct mechanical engineering experience, or master's degree with 3 years, or PhD with 0 years
- Strong computer-aided design skills, preferably PTC Creo (Pro-E)
- Strong mechanical skills and exposure to ASME GD&T and ASME Y14.5
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments in a rapidly changing environment
- Working knowledge of machining, gauging, welding, and injection molding
- Basic understanding of structural and thermal dynamics
- Material selection experience with metals and plastics
- Understanding of design for assembly and design for manufacturing
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project
- Ability to travel approximately 5 to 8 times per year
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance
- Experience developing electronics packaging solutions for challenging environmental conditions
- Electromechanical mechanism or electro-explosive device design and analysis experience
- Understanding of finite element analysis techniques and tools
- Understanding of Six Sigma disciplines
- Experience leading technical or program teams
- Active DoD Secret security 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.
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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.
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.







