The Role
Designs, analyzes, integrates, tests, and documents mechanical hardware and systems. Uses 3D CAD, structural, modal, and thermal analysis to validate designs; supports prototyping, assembly, manufacturing, fielded system maintenance, and troubleshooting. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, manufacturers, customers, operators, and field representatives. The role is full-time and onsite in Chantilly, Virginia, with up to 10% domestic travel and potential progression toward TS/SCI clearance eligibility.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: UnclearedTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.
Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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.
Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer to join Mission Systems Discipline Engineering Organization. This position will be located in Chantilly, VA
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Create designs, perform analysis, integrate hardware, test deliverables, and generate documentation for hardware systems and systems of systems
- Work in 3D CAD to design solutions
- Utilize 3D CAD and other resources to perform analysis and calculations to validate designs
- Procure, inspect, and assemble first article designs
- Work with manufacturers to validate DFM
- Support operations and maintenance of fielded SIGINT systems
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to upgrade and improve developmental and fielded systems to maximize uptime and capabilities
- Interface and collaborate with customers, end users, operators, and field representatives
- This is an on-site and full-time position
- Role includes potential CONUS travel (up to 10%), with more available based on interest and program needs.
Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer:
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent STEM related discipline.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree; Minimum of 6 years with Master's degree; Minimum of 4 Years experience with PhD
- Willing and able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Security Clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
- Experience with design modeling and drawing efforts using 3-D modeling tools
- Experience and willingness to be hands on during hardware assembly, testing and integration
- Experience creating designs using machined steel and aluminum, sheet metal, welded fixtures, additive manufacturing/composites components and assemblies
- Experience creating mechanical documentation; part drawings, assembly drawings, ANSI standards, etc.
- Experience performing mechanical analyses (structural FEA, modal, thermal) to validate and qualify designs.
- Hands-on experience in prototype or production machine shops, including interpreting drawings, tolerances, and GD&T.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
- Experience packaging custom electronics and COTS into ruggedized enclosures for airborne and ground systems.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks (or similar 3D CAD) for complex assemblies, configurations, and ANSI/ASME drawings.
- Experience with CAD data management and configuration control (PDM/PLM, revision control, release workflows).
- Familiarity with model-based definition (MBD) and applying PMI/GD&T within 3D models.
- Experience integrating mechanical designs with electrical, RF, and software in multi discipline teams.
- Experience supporting hardware integration, test, and troubleshooting in lab and field environments.
- Demonstrated ability to produce clear, complete mechanical documentation (parts, assemblies, BOMs, work instructions).
- Aptitude and experience in systems integration and test activities, including hardware / software integration, verification, and troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of SIGINT operations
Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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 in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent STEM discipline
- At least 8 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, 6 years with a master’s degree, or 4 years with a PhD
- U.S. citizenship and willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
- Experience designing and creating drawings using 3D modeling tools
- Experience and willingness to perform hands-on hardware assembly, testing, and integration
- Experience designing machined steel and aluminum, sheet metal, welded fixtures, additive manufacturing, and composite components and assemblies
- Experience creating mechanical documentation, including part drawings, assembly drawings, and ANSI standards
- Experience performing structural FEA, modal, and thermal mechanical analyses
- Hands-on experience in prototype or production machine shops, including interpreting drawings, tolerances, and GD&T
- Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
- Experience packaging custom electronics and COTS components into ruggedized enclosures
- Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
- Experience with CAD data management and configuration control using PDM/PLM, revision control, and release workflows
- Familiarity with model-based definition and PMI/GD&T in 3D models
- Experience integrating mechanical designs with electrical, RF, and software systems
- Experience supporting hardware integration, testing, and troubleshooting in laboratory and field environments
- Experience producing mechanical documentation, including parts, assemblies, bills of materials, and work instructions
- Experience with systems integration and test, hardware/software integration, verification, and troubleshooting
- Knowledge of SIGINT operations
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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The Company
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.
