Structural Engineer / Principal Structural 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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an opening for a Structural Engineer / Principal Structural Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Beavercreek (Dayton), OH facility. We are a world-class manufacturer of composite structures, high temperature ceramics, radomes, and antenna systems for military applications. We design and manufacturer solutions for our war fighters to keep our country safe and maintain peace on a global scale.

Our Mechanical Engineering group works on state-of-the-art designs, primarily for classified applications, in both team and individual settings. Our multi-faceted team consists of engineers and scientist with backgrounds in electrical engineering, Low Observable (LO) technology, radio frequency (RF) test, mechanical, structural, thermal, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), material science, process, metrology, and quality. Our team enjoys both theoretical design and hands-on engineering tasks.

The Structural Engineer / Principal Structural Engineer will be part of the Structural Analysis Team, within the Mechanical Engineering Department.  In this role you will focus on solid mechanics analysis of product assemblies including high strength / low weight composites and metals, including aerospace grade aluminum and titanium alloys.  Analysis of high temperature ceramics for survivability.  Approximately 10% of the work will be dynamics and vibrations related analysis and testing.

The ideal candidate will be a self-sufficient, problem solver, with determination and a positive attitude. He / She will have good interpersonal communication and people skills needed to work with key stakeholders within other engineering disciplines to achieve program objectives in a timely manner. If you are comfortable in this high-energy environment and can collaborate with others – this is the opportunity for you!

**This is a 1st shift position working a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off. This position requires onsite presence due to the nature of the role.

Essential Functions / Responsibilities:

• Analyzes, researches, and develops structural engineering specifications for product assemblies, including metallic, non-metallic, and composite structures in all phases of the product life cycle from preliminary design to sustainment
• Primary analyses of structures include loads, stress, stiffness, and stability.  About 10% of the time investigating dynamics, fatigue, vibrations and conducting related testing
• Analyses will be performed utilizing hand calculations and Finite Element Methods (FEM) software packages such as FEMAP (Nastran), Abaqus, and ANSYS
• When FEM models are appropriate, critical thinking skills will be required to develop a FEM to capture appropriate behavior of complex linear and non-linear structures
• Task planning and conducting technical peer reviews

This requisition can be filled at a Level 2 or Level 3 based on qualifications.

Basic Qualifications for Structural Engineer (Level 2):

• STEM degree required, Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Materials Engineering with 2 years of related experience, 0 years’ experience with a Master’s degree
• Experience or class work focused on FEA analysis, preferably ANSYS or Femap/NASTRAN, for structural analysis of designs
• Ability to verify validity of simulation results by hand-calculations and/or comparison with heritage programs and to perform bolted joint analyses
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret level clearance, including Special Program Access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Structural Engineer (Level 3):

• STEM degree required, Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Materials Engineering with 5 years of related experience, 3 years’ experience with a Master’s degree, 0 years’ experience with PHD
• Work experience focused on FEA analysis, preferably ANSYS or Femap/NASTRAN, for structural analysis of designs
• Ability to verify validity of simulation results by hand-calculations and/or comparison with heritage programs and to perform bolted joint analyses
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret level clearance, including Special Program Access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Preferred Qualifications for Level 2 and 3:

• ​Active DoD Secret Security clearance, or higher
• Master of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Implicit or explicit dynamic FEA experience analyzing dynamic environments: static, random vibration, sinusoidal vibration, and shock
• 2 years of experience using FEM software, including FEMAP (Nastran), Abaqus, ANSYS, or similar
• 2 years of Aerospace/Aircraft Structures analysis experience with composites, metals, adhesives, thermoplastics
• 2 years of Automotive analysis experience with vehicle components or sub-assemblies
• Experience with mechanical design using 3D modeling in Siemens NX, CATIA, or other 3D modeling software such as SolidWorks or Inventor

What we offer:

• Comprehensive benefits including competitive medical and dental options
• Retirement options
• College education assistance
• Annual bonuses
• Opportunities for career advancement across North America

Salary Range: $77,200 USD - $115,800 USD

Salary Range 2: $95,100 USD - $142,700 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.