Staff Propulsion Engineer - Spacecraft Propulsion Subsystem (Level 5)

The Thermal, Propulsion & Cryocooler Systems (TPCS) department, part of the Western Region Vehicle Engineering organization, is comprised of approximately 75 highly skilled professionals, ranging from early-career engineers to senior chief engineers and leadership. Supporting numerous programs, the department offers abundant opportunities for career advancement into higher-level technical roles or leadership positions. Our culture emphasizes cross-program collaboration, continuous professional growth, and a strong sense of community. We provide various engagement opportunities-such as lunch-and-learns, career development events, and networking mixers-to help you grow your career while fostering inclusion and teamwork.
As a Spacecraft Propulsion Subsystem Engineer, you will play a critical role in guiding the propulsion subsystem from conceptual design and analysis through build and delivery.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Leading the architecture and design of the spacecraft propulsion system.
Overseeing the selection and procurement of fluid components.
Conducting fluid mechanics analyses and scoping, bounding, and reviewing additional analyses related to combustion, aerodynamics, thermal properties, and stress.
Guiding mechanical design efforts and supervising manufacturing operations and hot-fire testing of flight hardware.
Interfacing with program customers and suppliers.
Supporting issue resolution to ensure system performance and delivery.
Performing propulsion subsystem tests.
Managing propulsion subsystem propellant loading operations.
Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline with 12+ years of propulsion or related engineering experience; OR Master's Degree in a STEM discipline with 10+ years of propulsion or related engineering experience; OR Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of propulsion or related engineering experience
Experience with monopropellant or bipropellant spacecraft propulsion systems.
Active SCI Access at the time of application, with the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

Active In-Scope DOD Top Secret Security Clearance and/or Active SCI Clearance
Experience developing and verifying requirements for propulsion subsystems
Experience performing propulsion subsystem fluid analyses
Experience leading design reviews with internal and external customers
Experience working with hypergolic propellants
Experience leading teams
Experience managing schedules and performing earned value management
Experience with spacecraft propulsion component hardware procurement and supply chain operations
Experience writing test plans for propulsion subsystem and thruster testing
* Experience writing procedures and performing propellant loading
Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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): Redondo Beach, CA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10222101

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-02-08T19:29:38