Principal / Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer

Northrop Grumman · Los Angeles

Mechanical & Aerospace

Apply at Northrop Grumman

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At 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.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, Platform Systems Modernization (PSM) Operating Unit (OU) is seeking a Principal / Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our team at our Lake Charles, LA facility. Our team provides customers with support Special Mission Aircraft (SMA) heavy maintenance and modifications. This business area focuses on the support, design, analysis, modification, integration, ground and flight testing, airworthiness certification, and logistics support of airborne ISR platforms that are primarily highly modified commercial-derivative aircraft. This includes both Mission Equipment Package (MEP) Support, Platform Maintenance, and Platform/System Modification.

Role and Responsibilities:

The Sr Principal Mechanical Engineer should have knowledge of and experience with aircraft structural design/analysis as well as the various military, space, or aerospace standards commonly used in the defense and aerospace realm.
The candidate should be familiar with aircraft maintenance and modification operations.
Provide liaison support and develop detailed structural analyses in support of drawing release or aircraft repairs including but not limited to free body diagrams, internal or external loading and calculation of internal stresses. These analyses will be in support of Material Review Board (MRB), Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP) and fleet management activities.
Knowledge of Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), Large Transport Aircraft Structural Design Criteria, nonstandard repairs, and equivalent strength analysis.
Provide technical guidance to liaison engineers in the design and substantiation of aircraft structural modification integration and/or repairs.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter, a team player, and possess the ability to research and effectively resolve technical issues both independently and as part of a large multi-disciplined team. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as interpersonal skills in order to coordinate with a variety of disciplines are also essential. This position requires the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt quickly to frequently changing requirements. The candidate will be required to effectively and efficiently work at offsite locations that may require travel.

This requisition is open as a dual level opportunity. We will consider candidates at a Level 3 (Principal) or Level 4 (Sr. Principal).

Basic Qualification:

Level 3: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or other STEM related degree with 5 years related experience OR Master’s in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or other STEM related degree with 3 years related experience OR PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or other STEM related degree with 1 year of related experience
Level 4: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or other STEM related degree with 8 years related experience OR Master’s in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or other STEM related degree with 6 years related experience OR PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or other STEM related degree with 4 years related experience
Experience with classical static strength hand analysis
Experience with substantiation of aircraft structural repairs
Experience in aircraft structural and mechanical systems and repairs
Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

10 or more years of work experience with DOD related products
Experience with military and civil airworthiness regulations (MIL-HBK-516 and FAA 14 CFR Part 25)
Stress analysis experience on Naval Aviation programs
Experience on the E-6 or other 707 derivative aircraft
Experience with MRO Engineering Operations
Experience with Material Review Board operations
Experience with aircraft weight and balance
FAA Designated Engineering Representative or NAVDER designation
Demonstrated ability in production issue resolution
Active DOD Secret Security Clearance

#LCSpring2026

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00

The 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.