Northrop Grumman Aerospace Sector is seeking a Staff Engineer to be our Retrofit Project Lead Engineer joining our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Product Support organization in Rancho Bernardo, CA.
The Retrofit Project Lead Engineer will perform long range retrofit planning, individual configuration change, and field level retrofit installation management, with focus of work effort on aircraft modifications. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: working closely with the customer, program level scheduling, and Integrated Product Teams for weapon system development; functioning as the Product Support representative for the preparation and execution of aircraft, ground station, support equipment and spares modifications; developing and administering long range retrofit plan; acting as focal point for pending weapon system upgrades, by reviewing proposed modifications and providing cost and effort descriptions. Responsibilities also include management of assigned retrofit efforts, which consists of providing contract work estimates, tracking rotatable assets, expediting repairs, performing kitting, and facilitating asset replacement. Position is also expected to assist in the training and development of junior team members.
Essential Functions Retrofit Project Lead Engineer:
• Manage and drive retrofit completion in the field by working with the local customer, the company Contractor Field Team, Engineering and other entities required to complete retrofits on or ahead of contractual scheduling requirements
• Resolve any challenges that arise in the field during the course of a retrofit; develop strategies/actions with the appropriate entities to mitigate and resolve any issues that may negatively impact the schedule or retrofit completion
• General responsibilities include but are not limited to: working closely with the customer, engineering, program level scheduling, and Integrated Product Teams for weapon system development; functioning as the Product Support representative for the preparation and execution of aircraft, ground station, support equipment and spares modifications; developing and administering long range retrofit plan; acting as the individual who drives and completes weapon system upgrades, by reviewing proposed modifications and providing cost and effort descriptions
• Coordinate with the remainder Retrofit Team for any requirements to execute retrofits during the planning, scheduling and execution phases of the retrofit evolution
• Provide observations and suggestions to Engineering which would positively impact retrofit completion during the development of and execution of retrofits
• Ensure that quality of the work remains a priority in the field for all work performed by contractors involved with the retrofit evolution
• Ensure that industry, company and customer safety requirements are met in the field and the health and wellness considerations of contractors and customers involved with retrofits are adhered to
• Keep company leadership and the customer(s) informed during the retrofit planning and execution stages
Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree in STEM field and at least 12 years of experience in engineering ; OR Master's Degree in STEM field and 10 years; or PhD in STEM and 8 years of relevant experience
• Background which consists of time working in the field for retrofits or aircraft sortie production
• Proficient in Windows, MS Word, Excel, Access and Power Point.
• Willing to travel 75% of the time to various domestic and international locations
• Current active US Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain a special program access
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with reading and translating engineering drawing
• Experience on aircraft production line, performing aircraft retrofits or driving aircraft sortie production
• Strong social skills for interfacing daily with other programmers, customers, users, and other support personnel to ensure system goals are met
• Verbal, writing, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Current Active Secret Clearance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and at least 12 years of engineering experience
- Master's degree in a STEM field and at least 10 years of engineering experience, as an alternative to a bachelor's degree
- PhD in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant experience, as an alternative degree pathway
- Field experience with retrofits or aircraft sortie production
- Proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
- Willingness to travel 75% of the time to domestic and international locations
- Current active U.S. Government Secret clearance
- Ability to obtain special program access
- Experience reading and translating engineering drawings
- Experience on an aircraft production line, performing aircraft retrofits, or driving aircraft sortie production
- Strong interpersonal skills for daily interaction with programmers, customers, users, and support personnel
- Verbal, written, presentation, and leadership skills
- Current 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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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.








