Principal Aeronautical Engineer – Air Vehicle Configuration Design and Integration

Northrop Grumman

. Support the Configuration Design and Integration team in developing and designing multiple advanced air vehicle concepts .

Posted 10/1/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California • United StatesSenior💰 $114,000 - $213,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing parametric CAD models using Siemens NX and conducting aerodynamic analysis with tools like MSES and CFD++. Capable of leading design teams and facilitating knowledge transfer while ensuring compliance with U.S. government security requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Siemens NX ProficiencyAerodynamic Analysis ToolsU.S. Government Security ClearanceTeam Leadership and Staffing PlanningAdvanced Air Vehicle Design

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Parametric CAD ModelingAerodynamic AnalysisDesign Configuration Trade StudiesVehicle Design ChallengesLow Observable Vehicle Design Principles

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCollaboration Across DisciplinesKnowledge Transfer and Training

Tools & Technologies

Siemens NXCATIA V5ProE CADMSESCFD++FUN3DXFOILMS Office

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Secret Security ClearanceSpecial Program Access (SAP)

Industry Keywords

STEM DisciplineAdvanced Air Vehicle ConceptsHistorical Aircraft DesignsPerformance AnalysisSurvivability

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the Configuration Design and Integration team in developing and designing multiple advanced air vehicle concepts
Develop parametric CAD models, primarily in Siemens NX, for conceptual vehicle sizing studies
Support vehicle design configuration trade studies with aerodynamics, propulsion, mass properties, performance, survivability, airframe, and other disciplines
Solve complex vehicle design challenges across all vehicle design stages
Travel up to 15%
Participate in knowledge transfer and training for junior teammates
Potentially lead a configuration design team and provide staffing planning and estimation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Principal: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of STEM-related engineering experience, or a Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience, or STEM PhD with 1 year of experience
Sr. Principal: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of STEM-related engineering experience, or a Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of experience, or STEM PhD with 4 years of experience
Demonstrated proficiency with an industry-standard design tool such as Siemens NX, CATIA V5, or ProE CAD
Demonstrated proficiency with aerodynamic analysis tools such as MSES, CFD++, FUN3D, and XFOIL
Current active in-scope U.S. Government Secret security clearance or higher
Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to commencement of employment
U.S. citizenship required for positions with a government clearance
Preferred: 3 years of experience supporting the design and modeling of advanced air vehicle concepts
Preferred: Knowledge of historical aircraft designs
Preferred: Experience participating in knowledge transfer and training for junior teammates
Preferred: Ability to lead a configuration design team, including staffing planning and estimation
Preferred: Knowledge of design principles used on Low Observable vehicles
Preferred: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred: Proficiency in MS Office and technical writing
Preferred: Ability to collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
Overtime eligibility may apply
Shift differential may apply
Discretionary bonus may apply
Long-term incentives may apply to Vice President or Director positions