Our Defense Systems Sector is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing team in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
You will become part of Northrop Grumman’s Systems and Software Solutions (S&SS). S&SS provides sustainment support for the US Air Force B-1, KC-135, and numerous other Government platforms. Our team members complete engineering, reverse engineering, and logistics solution efforts to solve complex obsolescence problems and ensure warfighter supportability.
The ideal candidate will be required to apply engineering principles to act as the liaison between engineering definition and production areas. The individual will have broad knowledge of manufacturing techniques and problem solving to contribute to the timely planning and execution of mechanical production, integration and test of spacecraft. Typical tasking of this role may include:
Responsibilities:
- Analyze complex systems and precision electro-mechanical assemblies through simulation or analysis to recommend component substitutions or re-design solutions to ensure the integrity of the platform configuration, system safety, and performance specifications.
- Access, interpret, and recommend changes to engineering drawings.
- Establish design concepts, criteria and engineering efforts for product research, development, integration and test.
- Establish milestones and monitor adherence to master plans and schedules.
- Identify program problems and assist in the establishing of solutions, such as allocation of resources, improved processes, or changing contractual specifications.
- Act independently to uncover and resolve issues associated with the development and implementation of programs.
Basic Qualifications:
- Must have at least one of the following:
- A Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of engineering experience
- A Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of engineering experience
- A PhD degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline
- Experience with CAD modeling (NX, CREO, SolidWorks, or equivalent)
- Experience with design and development of precision mechanical components and assemblies
- Experience in a technical leadership role on a cross-functional product development team
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) secret security clearance.
- Ability to obtain/maintain base access to Tinker AFB
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with aerospace systems
- Experience with Air Force customers and aerospace industry and military standards
- Active DoD Secret Security Clearance (or higher)
- Experience with mechanical overhaul procedure development at the equipment and system level
- Experience with RF systems
- Experience with thermal and structural analysis methodologies and software tools
- Experience conducting analysis of mechanical components and structures within aircraft maintenance programs, determining effectiveness and creating written recommendations for increasing efficiency
- Excellent communication skills
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of engineering experience
- Master's degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of engineering experience
- PhD degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline
- Experience with CAD modeling (NX, CREO, SolidWorks, or equivalent)
- Experience with design and development of precision mechanical components and assemblies
- Experience in a technical leadership role on a cross-functional product development team
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) secret security clearance
- Ability to obtain/maintain base access to Tinker AFB
- Experience with aerospace systems
- Experience with Air Force customers and aerospace industry and military standards
- Active DoD Secret Security Clearance (or higher)
- Experience with mechanical overhaul procedure development at the equipment and system level
- Experience with RF systems
- Experience with thermal and structural analysis methodologies and software tools
- Experience conducting analysis of mechanical components and structures within aircraft maintenance programs and creating written recommendations
- Excellent communication skills
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.







