At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we’ll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.
We are looking 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 accomplish what’s considered impossible. Our employees have made significant historical contributions and are shaping the future.
Join a design community that offers unique design challenges that combine the talents of multiple engineering disciplines including Hardware, Firmware, Software, Mechanical Design, Systems Engineering and Program Management.
This position is based out of Waynesboro VA and will be 100% on-site
Roles and Responsibilities:
Design creative and flexible solutions with a motivated team of experts
Automated Handling Equipment
Power/Cooling Monitor and Control
Interface Panel Layouts
RF radiating receivers (RF Hats)
Console Design
Fixture Design and Modification
Component Design
Electromechanical integration
Thermodynamic Loading and cooling
Requirements verification
Actively support the investigation, resolution and documentation of product anomalies
Understanding Design to Cost
This position is contingent upon the ability to obtain/maintain an active
U.S. Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer:
Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, master's degree with 6 years of experience or Ph.D. with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
U.S Citizenship is required.
Ability to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
Experience with successfully reading and interpreting schematics, block diagrams and sketches
Experience in panel design, cable design, and assembly layouts
Experience with lab test equipment (such as DMM and O-Scopes) connections
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline
2+ years experience in hardware packaging design
3D CAD modeling proficiency with NX 10
A basic knowledge of thermal and structural analysis and circuit card design.
Experience with cooling systems
Experience with pneumatic and electronic automation controls
Proficient with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
Experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical system design
Experience with Design for Manufacture (DFM)
Experience with hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis
Experience with PLC/HMI Software (e.g., RS View, RS Logix 5000)
Panel Layout a plus
Technical Lead experience
Active Secret clearance
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.
Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.
Primary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00The 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 degree with 8 years experience (Master's with 6 years or Ph.D. with 4 years) or additional 4 years experience in lieu of degree
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
- Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP)
- Experience reading and interpreting schematics, block diagrams, and sketches
- Experience in panel design, cable design, and assembly layouts
- Experience with lab test equipment connections (DMM, oscilloscopes)
- Position is 100% on-site in Waynesboro, VA
- Willingness/ability to travel (~10%)
- Advanced degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline
- 2+ years experience in hardware packaging design
- 3D CAD modeling proficiency with NX 10
- Basic knowledge of thermal and structural analysis and circuit card design
- Experience with cooling systems
- Experience with pneumatic and electronic automation controls
- Proficient with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- Experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical system design and DFM
- Hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis experience
- Experience with PLC/HMI software (e.g., RS View, RS Logix 5000)
- Technical lead experience
- Active Secret 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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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.







