Principal Mechanical Engineer / Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer

Northrop Grumman Space Sector is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer / Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer to support our Mechanical Systems & Design group based in Gilbert, Arizona.  
 

In this role, the Principal/Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer will support the design, development, and integration of spacecraft structures and mechanical hardware, taking projects from initial requirements through to integration and testing. The selected candidate will utilize advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and related software to create detailed designs, develop documentation for manufacturing, and support assembly into flight-ready spacecraft.

This role requires strong collaboration and communication skills, as you will interact with internal stakeholders—including customers, program and functional management, and multidisciplinary engineering teams—as well as external component suppliers.
 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform detailed design and analysis utilizing CAD software.

• Apply knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Design for Manufacturing principles, and spacecraft component layouts.

• Leverage expertise in mechanics of metallic and composite materials, as well as stress calculations, to create optimal designs.

• Support spacecraft integration and testing phases.

• Collaborate across teams to ensure alignment with program goals and deliverables.
   

This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Mechanical Engineer level or a Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer level based on the qualifications listed below.
 

Basic Qualifications - Principal Mechanical Engineer:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field with 5+ years of relevant engineering experience or a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field with 3+ years of relevant  engineering experience

• Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance

Basic Qualifications - Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field with 8+ years of relevant engineering experience or a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field with 6+ years of relevant engineering experience

• Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance or SCI access with current SSBI 

• Experience with 3D CAD model-based software (specifically Creo Parametric)

• Practice in making and reviewing engineering drawings with GD&T in 2D and 3D MBD’s

• Experience with 3D Printing, Design for Manufacturing, and hardware fabrication

• Experience in satellite and spacecraft structures design

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

*This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman*