Principal Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) Engineer (Level 3)

Posted 2 Days Ago
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Redondo Beach, CA, USA
In-Office
104K-155K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Designs and develops mechanical ground support equipment for spaceflight hardware integration and testing. Responsibilities include 3D CAD modeling, requirements definition, structural analysis, GD&T drafting, design reviews, proof-load diagrams, fabrication support, nonconformance resolution, and integration/test process development. The engineer supports vendors and end users while coordinating across program functions. The role requires independent judgment, leadership, and an active TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph and SAP eligibility.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

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.

Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond. Northrop Grumman has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you’ll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today. 


Space Systems is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible possible. 


Northrop Grumman, Western Region Manufacturing and Operations, Mechanical & Environmental Test Engineering Dept, has an opening for a Principal Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) Engineer (Level 3) to join our team of highly qualified and diverse individuals. This is an in-person position will be in Redondo Beach, CA. 


Mechanical Ground Systems Responsible Design Engineers (RDEs) develop design solutions for the aid of integration and test of space flight hardware in clean room environments. MGSE RDEs have many responsibilities. They establish requirements, design, perform structural analysis, draft 2D drawings, aid in the manufacturing of hardware, and aid in the composition of technical work instructions for the use of hardware designed and delivered.


Mechanical Ground Support Equipment Designers are responsible for the following:


  • Design and modeling in 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software
  • Drafting using Y14.5 GD&T
  • Fabrication support at vendors including acceptance testing and inspection
  • End-user support during integration operations
  • Develop conceptual design
  • Requirements definition
  • Develop and present design reviews
  • Perform first order structural analysis of isotropic materials
  • Develop and capture proof load diagrams
  • Resolve deviations to fabrication drawings and hardware non-conformances
  • Integration & Test process flow development

Qualified Mechanical Engineers are expected to work under only general direction. Independently determine and develop approaches to solutions. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.  Candidate will need to have intermediate understanding of GD&T in accordance with (IAW) ASME Y14.5, engineering and drawing development IAW ASME Y14. and intermediate knowledge of bolted joints and welding of aluminum and steel structures IAW AWS Standards. Successful candidates in this role will have strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills. Candidates are expected to drive alignment across various program functions to meet ambitious deadlines while prioritizing first-time quality and organizational sustainability.


As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:


  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage 
  • 401k 
  • Educational Assistance 
  • Life Insurance 
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions 
  • Paid Time Off 
  • Health & Wellness Resources 
  • Employee Discounts 

This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.


Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelors of Science Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline plus 5 years of related engineering experience OR Masters of Science Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline plus 3 years of related engineering experience
  • Experience in working on multi-disciplinary teams, preferably within Integration, Test, and Launch (IT&L) or Manufacturing environment
  • ASME Y14.5 experience
  • First order structural analysis experience
  • Experience with design of MGSE
  • Preliminary and critical design review (PDR and CDR) development experience
  • Excellent communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills
  • Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance with in-scope SSBI and an active Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph at time of application
  • Willing and able to obtain and maintain SAP access

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Active SAP Access
  • Experience with manufacturing
  • Design for manufacturing (DFM) experience
  • Experience in a space systems rapid development, technology transition or Mission Class C aligned business area

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

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 degree in a STEM discipline plus 5 years of related engineering experience, or a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline plus 3 years of related engineering experience
  • Experience working on multidisciplinary teams, preferably in an Integration, Test, and Launch or manufacturing environment
  • Experience with ASME Y14.5
  • First-order structural analysis experience
  • Experience designing mechanical ground support equipment
  • Experience developing preliminary and critical design reviews
  • Excellent communication, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills
  • Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance with in-scope SSBI and active Counterintelligence Polygraph at application
  • Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain SAP access
  • Manufacturing experience
  • Design for manufacturing experience
  • Experience in space systems rapid development, technology transition, or Mission Class C business areas
  • Active SAP 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.

  • 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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