JobsMechanical EngineerUnited StatesPrincipal Mechanical Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Posted 3 days ago

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Northrop Grumman · Plymouth, Minnesota, United States

Full-timeOn site5-10 yrs$99k–$148kListed as no visa sponsorship
APPLY ON NORTHROP GRUMMAN'S CAREERS SITE ↗
SAVE THIS JOB

We'll keep this job - the posting's full text, even after it closes. Free.

We'll email a six-digit code to make this your free Advancemint sign-in - and a link for later. Terms · Privacy Policy

Opens the employer's own application page.

In short

The Principal Mechanical Engineer will lead mechanical design efforts for ordnance programs, managing teams and directing work to meet program goals. Responsibilities include conducting design trade studies, managing project costs and schedules, and overseeing the fabrication and testing of components in high-shock environments.

What they're looking for

MUST-HAVE SKILLS

BS in engineering with 5 years mechanical experienceCAD skillsGD&T and ASME Y14.5Manufacturing processes knowledgeMaterial selection for metals and plasticsDesign for assembly and manufacturingU.S. citizenship and Secret clearance eligibility

ALSO MENTIONED

Finite element analysisSix SigmaElectromechanical or electro-explosive device design

Candidates must hold a degree in engineering (BS with 5 years experience, MS with 3 years, or PhD with 0 years) and possess strong CAD skills. Applicants must be U.S. citizens capable of obtaining a DoD Secret security clearance.

About the employer

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Inc.

hiring as Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Inc. is a company based out of 12011 Sunset Hills Rd, Reston, Virginia, United States.

HEADQUARTERS
Reston, Virginia
SIZE
2-10on LinkedIn
OFFICES
1 on LinkedIn

Is your LinkedIn profile ready for roles like this?

A free review of your profile, scored against what Engineering roles ask for, and what to fix first.

GET MY FREE REVIEWFREE · A SCORED REVIEW OF YOUR PROFILE, IN MINUTES

Questions about this role

Is this Northrop Grumman role remote?
Tagged on site.
What does it pay?
The posting lists $98,900–$148,300 a year.
Does it sponsor visas?
Listed as no visa sponsorship.
What experience does it ask for?
Listed as 5-10 years.

The posting, in full

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time 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.

▶ READ THE FULL POSTING

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Our Missile Products Division in Plymouth, MN has an excellent opportunity for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer whose duties and required experience are described below. As a Principal Design Engineer in Fuzing and Warheads Development Group, your responsibilities will be as a technical contributor / team member / team leader on various product development or production programs. You will work with other engineers, technicians, program managers and administrative personnel to accomplish the programs objectives. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Mechanical design engineering lead on ordnance programs, managing assigned responsibilities and directing work of other engineers, technicians, drafting personnel, and administrative personnel to accomplish program goals.
  • Conduct design trade studies to select the best possible design solution, taking into account factors including but not limited to, system performance and functionality, material selection, strength to weight ratio, manufacturability and cost.
  • Responsible for the design, fabrication and testing components and assemblies in the high shock environments related to fuzes and warheads.
  • Three dimensional mechanical modeling (CAD- computer aided design)
  • Presentation of assigned work at program technical reviews and in written technical reports.
  • Management of cost and schedule for assigned projects.
  • Preparation and planning of cost estimates and written technical proposals.
  • Compilation and analysis of test data including a comparison to estimated pretest performance predictions. The high volume of data involved often requires analysis with various computer programs. Experience with computer coding programs is desired.
  • Act as design support to programs that are in the production phase (on one or more programs).
  • Act as an integrated product team lead, guiding the design activities of a small team of engineers and designers, while maintaining cost and schedule control.

Basic Qualifications

  • BS in engineering required with 5 years of direct mechanical engineering experience, a MS in engineering with 3 years of direct mechanical engineering experience, or a PHD in engineering with 0 years of direct mechanical engineering experience.
  • Strong computer-aided design (CAD) skills, preferably with PTC Creo (Pro-E)
  • Strong mechanical skills and exposure to ASME Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and ASME Y14.5
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Ability to multitask and organize/prioritize job assignments in a rapidly changing, short turn-around environment.
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing processes to include, but not limited to, machining, gauging, welding, and injection molding.
  • Basic understanding of structural and thermal dynamics.
  • Material selection experience of both metals and plastics.
  • Understanding of design for assembly / design for manufacturing (DFA/DFM)
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Project)
  • Ability to travel (approximately 5 to 8 times per year to meet with customers and suppliers)
  • Security regulations require that the individual must be a U.S. citizen and must have the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance to a level of Secret.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing electronics packaging solutions for challenging environmental conditions: shock, temperature, electromagnetic and others.
  • Electromechanical mechanism or electro-explosive device design and analysis experience.
  • Possess an understanding of finite element analysis techniques and tools.
  • Possess an understanding of Six Sigma disciplines.
  • Experience leading either a technical or program teams.
  • Possess an active DoD security clearance to a level of Secret.

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00

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.

APPLY ON NORTHROP GRUMMAN'S CAREERS SITE ↗
SAVE THIS JOB

We'll keep this job - the posting's full text, even after it closes. Free.

We'll email a six-digit code to make this your free Advancemint sign-in - and a link for later. Terms · Privacy Policy

Similar roles open now

All 924 Mechanical Engineer roles in United States

This listing comes from Northrop Grumman's own careers site. Apply links go to the employer. Company facts are from Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Inc.'s public profile. Last checked 13 Nov 2026.