Senior Principal Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman

. Analyze, research, and develop structural engineering specifications involving metal, non-metallic, and composite structural materials .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timePalmdale • California • United StatesSenior💰 $142,200 - $213,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Aerospace Structural Analysis, including proficiency in CAD tools for engineering drawings and BOMs, and a strong understanding of requirements development and management. Capable of executing subsystem test planning and analysis while ensuring compliance with configuration management processes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Aerospace Structural AnalysisCAD Proficiency (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks)Subsystem Test Planning and ExecutionActive USG Secret ClearanceEngineering Analysis (Nastran, Ansys, MATLAB/Simulink)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Structural Engineering SpecificationsDamage Tolerance AnalysisVibration AnalysisSubsystem Component DesignEngineering Drawings CreationStress AnalysisAeroelasticity AnalysisThermal AnalysisSimulationConfiguration Management

Soft Skills

Problem SolvingTeam CollaborationCommunication

Tools & Technologies

CATIANXSolidWorksTeamcenterCPLM

Certifications & Qualifications

Active USG Secret ClearanceSAP AccessEVMS CertificationCAM Certification

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringIntegrated Product Team (IPT)Manufacturing ConsiderationsDesign for MaintainabilityCertification Processes

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Analyze, research, and develop structural engineering specifications involving metal, non-metallic, and composite structural materials
Analyze damage tolerance and durability of metal and composite airframe structures
Perform random vibration analysis
Design and develop subsystem components including avionics, control surfaces, propulsion interfaces, and environmental systems
Translate system-level requirements into subsystem specifications, interfaces, and engineering drawings
Perform trade studies, engineering analyses, and simulations involving stress, aeroelasticity, thermal, and vibration analysis
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 activities
Work within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) construct

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or Civil) and a minimum of 8 years of experience in Aerospace structural analysis, or MS degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or Civil) with 6 years of experience, or a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience
Proficiency with CAD and drafting tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) and creation of engineering drawings and 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 USG 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) prior to commencement of employment
Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment
U.S. Citizenship required for positions with a government clearance
Preferred: Current applicable SAP clearance
Preferred: Active USG 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 with Nastran, Ansys, MATLAB/Simulink for engineering analyses and simulations
Preferred: Proficiency in CATIA or NX
Preferred: Familiarity with Teamcenter or CPLM
Preferred: Experience with EVMS and CAM certification
Preferred: Previous team leadership, IPT, or project management experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

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