Northrop Grumman · 9 hours ago
Sr. Principal Design Engineer - Level 4 - R10219021
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$129K/yr - $194K/yr
8+ years expNorthrop Grumman is a leader in aerospace and defense technology, seeking a Sr. Principal Design Engineer to join their Space Sector in San Diego, CA. The role involves designing composite components and collaborating with various engineering functions to ensure successful hardware execution and delivery.
AerospaceData IntegrationManufacturingRemote SensingSecurity
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Benefits
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
Company
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is an aerospace, defense and security company that provides training and satellite ground network communications software.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$3.7BKey Investors
U.S. Department of DefenseNASA
2025-05-27Post Ipo Debt· $1B
2024-01-29Post Ipo Debt· $2.5B
2023-12-20Grant· $72M
Leadership Team
Tom Wilson
Corporate Vice President, Enterprise Business Development
Jeffrey Worsham
Chief Product Owner - Advanced Technology Development
Recent News
2026-01-11
2026-01-11
2026-01-11
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