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Principal/Sr. Principal Engineer Structural – Analysis & Test

Requisition ID: R10070936

  • CategoryCategory: Engineering
  • LocationLocation: Chandler, AZ, USA
  • Citizenship RequirementsCitizenship Required: United States Citizenship
  • Security Clearance TypeClearance Type: Secret
  • TelecommuteTelecommute: No- Teleworking not available for this position
  • ShiftShift: 1st Shift (United States of America)
  • Travel RequirementsTravel Required: Yes, 10% of the Time
  • Relocation AssistanceRelocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available
  • Number of Positions AvailablePositions Available: 1

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.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.


Northrop Grumman Space Systems designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures.

Northrop Grumman Space System Sector is looking for a Principal Engineer Structural, or Sr. Principal Engineer Structural to join the Structural Analysis and Test team within Launch Vehicles at the Chandler, AZ facility.

Essential Functions:

  • Under minimal direction, perform a variety of structural engineering tasks of an analysis, design, or test nature
  • Apply theoretical knowledge and engineering techniques to the solution of analytical engineering problems
  • Select and/or modify proven methods, mathematical formulas, previous design and test information, handbook data or other available information related to the assignment
  • Stress and bolted joint analysis of ground support equipment, test fixtures, compliance structures, and flight structures
  • Take direction and address issues using skills obtained in the field of engineering, or related structural integrity sciences as it relates to missile and space systems
  • Use classical stress and strain methods and software to predict structural integrity and failure and design flight components and ground equipment to survive worst-case loading conditions
  • Learn and develop proficiency with structural analysis software (FEMAP, NX NASTRAN, MathCAD, etc)
  • Interpret, select, and apply company/commercial/military specifications and customer requirements to accomplish specific analyses
  • Produce engineering documentation and technical reports/analyses to support design, integration, and testing efforts
  • Gather, compile, and interpret technical data such as flight data, test data, or material test reports
  • Other duties upon request

Basic Qualifications: 

Principal Engineer Structural -

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in STEM with 3 years of related engineering experience, or a PhD in STEM with no experience
  • Ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance
  • Strong structural analysis background with demonstrated work experience and knowledge as a structural analyst
  • Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications
  • Familiarity with finite element analysis, classical stress and strain methodology, engineering statics, and structural mechanics
  • Computer skills with standard word processing/spreadsheet experience
  • Ability to listen effectively, take direction, and possess initiative to accomplish assigned tasks and complete work in a timely fashion

Sr. Principal Engineer Structural -

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 9 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in STEM with 7 years of related engineering experience, or a PhD in STEM with 4 years of related experience
  • Ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance
  • Strong structural analysis background with demonstrated work experience and knowledge as a structural analyst
  • Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications
  • Familiarity with finite element analysis, classical stress and strain methodology, engineering statics, and structural mechanics
  • Computer skills with standard word processing/spreadsheet experience
  • Ability to listen effectively, take direction, and possess initiative to accomplish assigned tasks and complete work in a timely fashion


Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Master’s Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace principles
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance, or higher
  • Experience working on, and analyzing different materials including metallic (steel, aluminum, titanium, etc.) and composite
  • FEMAP, NX NASTRAN, MathCAD experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Basic problem-solving skills

Salary Range: $87,600 USD - $131,400 USD
Salary Range 2: $108,600 USD - $163,000 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.



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What's great about
Northrop Grumman

  1. Be part of a culture that thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work.
  2. Use your skills to build and deliver innovative tech solutions that protect the world and shape a better future.
  3. Enjoy benefits like work-life balance, education assistance and paid time off.


Did you know?

Northrop Grumman leads the industry team for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the largest, most complex and powerful space telescope ever built. Launched in December 2021, the telescope incorporates innovative design, advanced technology, and groundbreaking engineering, and will fundamentally alter our understanding of the universe.