Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is currently seeking a Sr Principal Engineering Designer to support our Armament Systems business unit in Mesa, AZ.
Job Summary:
The Sr Principal Engineering Designer will be assigned projects of varying complexity and scope involving gun systems and related components. The position involves the design and development of electrical and mechanical systems into a variety of vehicle applications. The position requires experience working with both engineering and program teams. In addition, this position requires a person that exhibits a high degree of teamwork, organization, technical skill and versatility.
Job Responsibilities:
Develops detailed design drawings and related specifications of mechanical equipment, according to engineering sketches and design proposal specifications: Analyzes engineering sketches, specifications, and related data and drawings to determine design factors, such as size, shape, and arrangement of parts. Sketches rough layout of part or machine and computes angles, weights, surface areas, dimensions, radii, clearances, tolerances, leverages, and location of holes. Drafts detailed multi-view drawings of assemblies and subassemblies, including specifications for gear ratios, bearing loads, and direction of moving parts, using engineering data and standard references. Applicant must have extensive experience utilizing geometric dimensioning and tolerance of engineering products.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Sr Principal Engineering Designer will prepare designs and/or drawings utilizing computer-aided design equipment, perform necessary calculations, and coordinate design criteria with engineering, manufacturing, tooling, material/ planning groups. The Sr Principal Engineering Designer will have knowledge in the development of advanced conceptual and detailed designs, tolerance stacking, tooling and manufacturing. Will be responsible for designing products and/or systems such as; geared mechanisms, cams, followers, linkages, hydraulics, electro mechanics, controls and instrumentation, as well as other mechanical systems. Working knowledge of the American Gear Manufactures Association (AGMA) gear standards is desired but not required.
Responsible for the implementation of design modifications to eliminate component or system malfunctions. Will analyze product design data to determine conformance to established design selection criteria and use of standardized parts and equipment. Shall develop design modifications based on producibility, cost, and component technology factors. Familiar with concurrent engineering practices to include working with high end structural and dynamic analysis and systems engineering groups.
Required Qualifications:
This position emphasizes skills first
- 12+ years of directly relevant engineering design experience
- Will also consider candidates with:
- Bachelor’s degree plus 8+ years of directly relevant experience, or
- Master’s degree plus 6+ years of directly relevant experience, or
- PhD plus 4+ years of directly relevant experience
- Demonstrated proficiency with NX CAD software and TeamCenter
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of design and drafting principles, theories, and techniques associated with large aerospace or DOD projects
- Extensive training and proficiency with GD&T
- Background in design and tolerance stacking.
- AGMA Standards
- Must be energetic, independent, and self-motivated
- Must possess strong interpersonal, organizational and teamwork skills
Preferred qualifications/experience/knowledge
- Previous experience using Pro/Engineer Creo CAD software.
- Previous experience with Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) and Model Based Definition.
Skills Required
- 12+ years of directly relevant engineering design experience
- Bachelor's degree plus 8+ years of directly relevant experience, or Master's degree plus 6+ years, or PhD plus 4+ years
- Proficiency with NX CAD software and Teamcenter
- Advanced understanding of design and drafting principles, theories, and techniques associated with large aerospace or DOD projects
- Extensive training and proficiency with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
- Background in design and tolerance stacking
- Knowledge of AGMA standards
- Energetic, independent, and self-motivated
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and teamwork skills
- Experience using Pro/Engineer Creo CAD software
- Experience with Product Manufacturing Information and Model Based Definition
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.








