Sr. Principal Design Engineer - Level 4

Northrop Grumman MEP Business Unit designs, builds, and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include satellites and associated space components and services, launch vehicles and related propulsion systems, missile products, subsystems and defense electronics, precision weapons, armament systems, and advanced aerospace structures. As a Sr. Design Engineer, you will develop and design composite components, assemblies, and associated manufacturing and test tooling. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Test, and other Engineering functions to ensure successful execution and delivery of hardware.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Design complex assemblies including high strength & stiffness composite laminates, honeycomb sandwich structures, and metallic interface hardware

Create, prototype, design, and analyze tools and fixtures for manufacturing and testing of composite parts and assemblies. Tools include layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and test fixtures

Develop and refine components and subsystems utilizing design skills, hand calculations, CAD modeling software and analytical tools

Perform detailed 3D designs and generate 2D engineering drawings

Participate and present in internal and external (customer) design reviews. Includes generation of presentation media for PDR, CDR, and MRR type reviews

Support manufacturing and test of fixtures and hardware as required

Aid in the generation of manufacturing and test plans

Support procurement of flight hardware and tooling

Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals of the program team, matrix organization, and customers

Support continuous improvement of departmental tools and procedures

Ensure designs meet manufacturing and test plans, while maintaining targets for cost and schedule

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with a minimum of eight (8) years working in a structural design field

Aerospace experience with product definition and design. Thorough understanding of specifications, SOW's, drawings, ICD compliance

Experience in design of composite structures or composite-related tooling

Thorough understanding of aerospace materials and assembly methods (bonding/fastening)

Ability to perform design of complex, multi-piece tool assemblies to ensure successful execution of manufacturing and test plans

Extensive experience in CAD and PLM systems, such as Siemens NX and Teamcenter.

Extensive experience in drawing generation, with an advanced understanding of GD&T

Extensive experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) principles and mistake-proofing techniques

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DOD clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Extensive experience with aerospace tooling, including composite layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Extensive experience with composite/metallic assemblies including bonded/fastened joints and associated materials, adhesives and fasteners

Demonstrated initiative and strong interpersonal skills, thriving both independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Experience with composite manufacturing processes and applications (layup, machining, bonding & assembly)

Experience as a technical leader, actively mentoring and up-skilling engineers to elevate the team's capabilities

Active DOD Government clearance

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
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.

Client-provided location(s): San Diego, CA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10219021

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-01-13T20:05:13