Sr/Principal Engineer Aeronautical (Level 3 or 4)

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Chandler
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is searching for a Principal OR Sr. Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Level 3 or 4) t o be part of our Integration and Test team in Launch Systems, at our Chandler, AZ facility. This position will be 100% on-site in Chandler. Job Responsibilities The candidate will serve as an Integration and Test Aeronautical Engineer for the Strike program, requiring the candidate to function in a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment. Daily responsibilities may require direct contact with launch vehicle flight hardware and mechanical or electrical ground support equipment. Specific duties may include: Establish Space Systems system tools to be used for program execution Leading/directing/performing hands-on mechanical integration work Developing/maintaining procedures for the assembly and test of launch vehicle systems Developing concept of operations for assembly and testing of vehicles Incorporating hardware design changes Documenting & dispositioning hardware discrepancies, pursuing root cause & corrective actions Planning and scheduling day to day tasks Constant and timely communication with other team members and leadership Leading, training, tasking other engineers and team members Transferring knowledge to less experienced I&T engineers Guiding, mentoring and training other team members, face-to-face, on a daily basis This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.? Basic Qualifications for Level 3: Minimum Education / Experience: 5 Years with Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Aerospace Engineering or qualifying discipline; 3 Years with Master of Science in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Aerospace Engineering or qualifying discipline. Candidate must possess an ACTIVE DoD Secret Level security clearance at time of application Candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain a U.S. Passport for travel Candidate must have prior launch campaign experience Ability to innovate and lead digital transformation efforts Ability to lead out at solving problems and driving all tasks to completion Ability to work at a fast pace, while multi-tasking, and still communicate effectively Ability to work multiple programs at the same time, if/when needed Ability to work in a team environment, and lead small projects or teams Ability to travel: Travel expectation 10-20% Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience with aerospace standards/guidelines Experience with MES, or other digital work instruction platform Experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, and high voltage systems Some experience leading/training other engineers and/or team members Hands-on mechanical integration experience Basic Qualifications for Level 4: Minimum Education / Experience: 8 Years with Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Aerospace Engineering or qualifying discipline; 6 Years with Master of Science in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Aerospace Engineering or qualifying discipline. Candidate must possess an ACTIVE DoD Secret Level security clearance at time of application Candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain a U.S. Passport for travel Candidate must have prior launch campaign experience Ability to innovate and lead digital transformation efforts Ability to lead out at solving problems and driving all tasks to completion Ability to work at a fast pace, while multi-tasking, and still communicate effectively Ability to work multiple programs at the same time, if/when needed Ability to work in a team environment, and lead small projects or teams Ability to travel: Travel expectation 10-20% Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience with aerospace standards/guidelines Experience with MES, or other digital work instruction platform Experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, and high voltage systems Some experience leading/training other engineers and/or team members Hands-on mechanical integration experience Preferred Qualifications Former/current ME/AE lead on other LV programs, or other similar programs Experience with external customer interfacing including meetings, presentations & negotiations Experience performing formal requirements decomposition and/or verification Extensive experience with aerospace standards/guidelines Extensive experience with MES, or other digital work instruction platform Extensive experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, and high voltage systems Significant experience leading/training other engineers and/or team members Two or more launch campaign experiences, preferably on multiple programs This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site. Northrop Grumman Total Rewards Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Drexel Heights , Sr/Principal Engineer Aeronautical (Level 3 or 4), Engineering , Chandler, Arizona