Principal or Sr. Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Air Vehicle Configuration Design and Integration
Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.
Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.
Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal or Sr. Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Air Vehicle Configuration Design and Integration to join our team in Redondo Beach, CA or El Segundo, CA.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the design of air vehicles with practical experience in the development of new vehicle concepts, including experience/knowledge relating to conceptual vehicle layout/design, air vehicle integration, parametric modeling for Multi-Disciplinary Optimization, and surface design / loft. To be successful, the selected individual shall have exposure to the fields of aerodynamics, aircraft performance and sizing, propulsion, CFD, structural design, and mass properties analysis. In addition, the selected individual will have an understanding of the air vehicle maturation process as a design transitions from concept through manufacturing and flight test.
Essential Functions:
- Support the Configuration Design and Integration team through the development and design of multiple advanced air vehicles concepts.
- Develop parametric CAD models (primarily in Siemens NX) in support of conceptual vehicle sizing studies for advanced Air Vehicles
- Support vehicle design configuration trade study tasks in conjunction with multiple disciplines including aerodynamics, propulsion, mass properties, performance, survivability, airframe and other groups to solve complex vehicle design challenges across all vehicle design stages
The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels.
This requisition may be filled at either the Principal or Senior Principal level, depending upon the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Aeronautical Engineer:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's Degree in a relevant STEM discipline and 3 years of related experience; OR a PhD in a relevant STEM discipline with 1 year of related experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency with an industry standard design tool such as Siemens NX, CATIA V5, or ProE CAD.
- Ability to participate in knowledge transfer and training for junior teammates
- Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office with good technical writing skills and the ability to communicate and present technical material to various stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience with and the ability to collaborate and coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines
- Current, active in-scope US Government Secret security clearance or higher, with the ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Aeronautical Engineer:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's Degree in a relevant STEM discipline and 6 years of related experience; OR a PhD in a relevant STEM discipline with 4 years of related experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency with an industry standard design tool such as Siemens NX, CATIA V5, or ProE CAD.
- Ability to participate in knowledge transfer and training for junior teammates
- Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office with good technical writing skills and the ability to communicate and present technical material to various stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience with and the ability to collaborate and coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines
- Current, active in-scope US Government Secret security clearance or higher, with the ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
Preferred Qualifications for both levels:
- Experience supporting the design and modeling of advanced air vehicle concepts with some experience in hypersonic vehicles
- Design experience relating to the development of Air Vehicles concepts
- Knowledge of historical aircraft designs
- Ability to lead an air vehicle team, provide staffing planning and estimation
- Experience with CAD product lifecycle model management systems
- Demonstrated knowledge relating to design principles used on Low Observable vehicles
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management.
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Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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's, Master's, or PhD in a relevant STEM discipline with corresponding years of related engineering experience (degree+experience variants listed).
- Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard CAD tools (Siemens NX, CATIA V5, or ProE).
- Ability to participate in knowledge transfer and training for junior teammates.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, technical writing, and presenting technical material to stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating and coordinating across multiple engineering disciplines.
- Current, active in-scope U.S. Government Secret security clearance or higher, with the ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
- Experience supporting design and modeling of advanced air vehicle concepts, including hypersonic vehicles.
- Design experience relating to development of air vehicle concepts and knowledge of historical aircraft designs.
- Ability to lead an air vehicle team, provide staffing planning and estimation.
- Experience with CAD product lifecycle model management systems (PLM).
- Demonstrated knowledge of design principles used on Low Observable (LO) vehicles.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to interface with all levels of employees and management.
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.
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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.
