Principal / Sr. Principal Mechanical Test Engineer

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.

Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers.  We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable, and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success.  Join the Space revolution and make the impossible possible.

Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) has an opening for a Principal / Senior Principal Mechanical Test Engineer within the Mechanical Engineering and Ground Support Department.  The primary work location for this position at Northrop Grumman’s Space Park Campus in Redondo Beach, California.

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.

As a Mechanical Test Engineer, a qualified candidate is expected to have a broad understanding of space hardware, testing methods, floor operations, and tools.  Mechanical Test Engineers (MTE) plan and coordinate the operations required to build and test flight hardware at all levels - subassembly through complete systems.  The work is primarily at Space Park but can include periodic travel depending on the specific program requirements.  Daily tasks for test engineers include but are not limited to the following:

• Design tests to verify system requirements

• Develop detailed mechanical Integration and test procedures for technicians to execute

• Provide technical oversight to floor operations

• Document and remedy test anomalies and hardware non-conformances

• Coordinate across many technical disciplines to define operations and accomplish work efficiently

• Provide input into the design of flight hardware and custom support equipment

• Estimate task durations and execute according to schedules

• Successful candidates in this role will have strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

• 401k

• Educational Assistance

• Life Insurance

• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

• Paid Time Off

• Health & Wellness Resources

• Employee Discounts

This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Basic Qualifications for a Level 3:

• Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) field from an accredited institution plus 5 years of engineering experience OR Masters of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) field from an accredited institution plus 3 years of engineering experience.

• Candidate must have, and be able to maintain, at least ONE of the following active U.S. Government security clearances: Department of Defense Top Secret level with a background investigation date within 6 years OR SCI Access with a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed within 5 years OR Department of Energy Q clearance with a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed within 5 years.

Basic Qualifications for a Level 4:

• Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) field from an accredited institution plus 9 years of engineering experience OR a Masters of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) field from an accredited institution plus 7 years of engineering experience.

• Proven leadership experience on a project and/or team

• Candidate must have, and be able to maintain, at least ONE of the following active U.S. Government security clearances: Department of Defense Top Secret level with a background investigation date within 6 years OR SCI Access with a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed within 5 years OR Department of Energy Q clearance with a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed within 5 years.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters’ Degree in Mechanical Engineering

• Previous experience in designing and executing test series

• Experience writing procedures for aerospace applications

Salary Range: $95,000 USD - $142,400 USD

Salary Range 2: $117,700 USD - $176,500 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.