Principal Aeronautical Engineer – Subsystem Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman

. Design and develop subsystem components including avionics, control surfaces, propulsion interfaces, and environmental systems .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California • United StatesLead💰 $91,800 - $171,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in subsystem design and development, including avionics and control surfaces, while effectively translating system-level requirements into detailed specifications and engineering drawings. Proficient in test planning and execution, with a strong focus on configuration management and integration within an Integrated Product Team.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Subsystem Design and DevelopmentCAD Proficiency (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks)Engineering Drawing CreationSubsystem Test Planning and ExecutionActive U.S. Government Secret Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Subsystem Components DesignEngineering AnalysesSimulation (Nastran, Ansys, MATLAB/Simulink)Requirements Development and ManagementConfiguration ManagementTest Plan CreationBills of Materials (BOMs)Aeroelasticity AnalysisThermal AnalysisVibration Analysis

Tools & Technologies

CAD ToolsHardware-in-the-Loop TestingBench TestingIntegrated Product Team CollaborationContinuous Improvement Practices

Certifications & Qualifications

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

Industry Keywords

AvionicsControl SurfacesPropulsion InterfacesEnvironmental SystemsManufacturing ConsiderationsDesign for MaintainabilityCertification Processes

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and develop subsystem components including avionics, control surfaces, propulsion interfaces, and environmental systems
Translate system-level requirements into detailed subsystem specifications, interfaces, and engineering drawings
Perform trade studies, engineering analyses, and simulations involving stress, aeroelasticity, thermal, and vibration considerations
Create and maintain schematics, bills of materials, test plans, and verification matrices
Support integration and interface activities with other engineering disciplines
Plan, execute, and analyze subsystem-level bench, hardware-in-the-loop, and environmental tests
Resolve design deficiencies through corrective actions
Contribute to configuration management, design reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement
Work within an Integrated Product Team construct
Travel up to 25% may be required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience, or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related engineering experience (Level 2)
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience, or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience, or PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience (Level 3)
Proficiency with CAD and drafting tools such as CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks
Experience creating engineering drawings and bills of materials (BOMs)
Strong knowledge of requirements development and management practices and tools
Experience with subsystem test planning, execution, troubleshooting, and hardware-in-the-loop or bench testing
Familiarity with manufacturing/producibility considerations, design for maintainability, and configuration management processes
Active U.S. Government Secret clearance with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Access Program (SAP) access via a Program Access Request (PAR) before employment
Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs after employment
Current applicable SAP clearance preferred
Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance or higher preferred
Experience integrating avionics, flight control electronics, sensors, or actuators preferred
Proficiency with MBSE and simulation preferred
Familiarity with certification processes preferred
Experience using Nastran, Ansys, or MATLAB/Simulink for engineering analyses and simulations preferred
U.S. Citizenship is required for positions with a government clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

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