Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization Engineer Level 3/4 (AHT)
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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.Defense Systems is looking for a Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) Engineer (Level 3/4) under Advanced Programs to be an integral part of our multi-discipline engineering team in Advanced Weapons in Northridge, CA. Here you will be at the forefront of developing next generation solutions to protect technology for our nation's warfighters. This position will require strong understanding of the impacts from changes in the system level requirements and architecture to the design and performance of the vehicle, in order to optimize the vehicle's performance to meet potential objectives for the customer. This role is based in Northridge, CA and will be 100% on-site. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment and shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation. Relocation may be available but is not guaranteed. This role is 100% on site, with no remote work.
Roles & Responsibilities:
A successful candidate will have the qualities and essential functional expertise to:
Develop and execute multidisciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) studies for diverse air vehicle concepts using advanced problem-solving tools.
Apply Python programming skills and proficiency with frameworks such as OpenMDAO for model integration and trade study automation.
Implement and run trajectory optimization analyses utilizing tools such as Taos, Dymos, or similar platforms.
Design and analyze systems architectures, supporting rapid assessment and iteration of concepts through trade studies and performance sensitivity analyses.
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Model aerodynamic, propulsion, and general vehicle subsystems (including sensors, warheads, etc.) to support end-to-end system simulation.
Leverage statistical and gradient-based optimization techniques (e.g., SNOPT, IPOPT) to solve complex, constrained engineering problems.
Communicate highly technical analysis findings and recommendations effectively to senior leaders and non-technical stakeholders.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate analytical models and support program decision making.
Exhibit excellent organization and leadership skills
Demonstrate adaptability and eagerness to work on rapidly evolving projects and priorities.
Be a self-starter with strong organizational skills and a collaborative mindset.
Basic Qualifications MDAO Engineer Level 3:
Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five (5) years of MDAO or related engineering roles within aerospace, defense, or closely aligned industries OR a Master's Degree with three (3) years of experience OR a PhD with one (1) year of experience
Experience in Multi-Disciplined Optimization Methods
Experience with setup and execution of Multi-Disciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) models
Experience with aircraft or weapon design, layout, sizing and performance analysis tools
Experience in System Design and Optimization
Strong code development experience
Experience with MATLAB, Python, C++, ModelCenter, Linux and/or FORTRAN
Strong foundation in systems architecture and rapid trade study analysis methods.
Proven Weapon Systems Modeling experience
Experience in statistical analysis and optimization, with emphasis on gradient-based methods and use of solvers (SNOPT, IPOPT, etc.).
Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to senior leadership and multi-disciplinary audiences.
Must have a U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain a secret security clearance
Basic Qualifications MDAO Engineer Level 4:
Bachelor's degree with a minimum of eight (8) years of MDAO or related engineering roles within aerospace, defense, or closely aligned industries OR a Master's Degree with six (6) years of experience OR a PhD with four (4) years of experience
Experience in Multi-Disciplined Optimization Methods
Experience with setup and execution of Multi-Disciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) models
Experience with aircraft or weapon design, layout, sizing and performance analysis tools
Experience in System Design and Optimization
Strong code development experience
Experience with MATLAB, Python, C++, ModelCenter, Linux and/or FORTRAN
Strong foundation in systems architecture and rapid trade study analysis methods.
Proven Weapon Systems Modeling experience
Experience in statistical analysis and optimization, with emphasis on gradient-based methods and use of solvers (SNOPT, IPOPT, etc.).
Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to senior leadership and multi-disciplinary audiences.
Must have a U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain a secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
Current Active Secret clearance or higher with a Periodic Reinvestigation within the last five (5) years.
* Familiar with military aircraft or weapon design principles and tools
Primary Level Salary Range: $110,300.00 - $165,500.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $137,400.00 - $206,000.00The 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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- HSA
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- On-Site Gym
- Pet Insurance
- Mental Health Benefits
- Virtual Fitness Classes
Parental Benefits
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
- Four-Day Work Week
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Company Outings
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Sabbatical
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K)
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Financial Counseling
- Profit Sharing
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
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