2026 Associate Thermal Test Engineer/ Thermal Test Engineer

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 69,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

401k

Educational Assistance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs & Work/LI

Paid Time Off

Health & Wellness Resources

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems division in Redondo Beach, CA, seeks a Thermal Test Engineer (Associate or Mechanical Engineer) to support thermal vacuum and cycle testing of complex space hardware. The role requires collaboration with engineers and technicians, and offers opportunities to lead tests and develop procedures.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, experience with LabVIEW, and the ability to obtain U.S. government clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM from an accredited institution.
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM (for Level 2)
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
• Active DoD clearance desired during evaluation (preferred)
• Experience with space hardware and thermal testing processes

Responsibilities

• Create drawings, procedures and technical documentation in support of Thermal Cycle and Thermal Vacuum testing of complex space hardware
• Lead unit level thermal tests through requirements development, procedure generation, test execution, and test closeout

Skills

Team collaboration

LabVIEW experience

Electro-mechanical hardware

Test fixture design

Space hardware experience

Thermal test chambers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM

Tools

LabVIEW

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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. Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond. Northrop Grumman has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you’ll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today.

Space Systems 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, Western Region Manufacturing and Operations, Environmental Test Engineering Department is seeking a Thermal Test Engineer (Associate Engineer Mechanical or Mechanical Engineer) with electronics and mechanical skill set to support thermal vacuum and cycle testing of complex flight and development hardware. Preferred candidate will be a self-starter able to work independently or in small teams. This position will be located in Redondo Beach, California.

Typical duties include:

• Create drawings, procedures and technical documentation in support of Thermal Cycle and Thermal Vacuum testing of complex space hardware
• Lead unit level thermal tests through requirements development, procedure generation, test execution, and test closeout

Benefits

• 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 level 1:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM degree from an accredited institution
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)

Basic Qualifications for level 2:

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)

Preferred Qualifications for both:

• Ability to work well within a team of engineers and technicians
• Active DoD clearance desired
• Previous experience working with space hardware
• Familiarity with thermal test chambers and processes
• Experience with operating LabVIEW applications
• Understanding of complex electro mechanical hardware
• Ability to design test fixtures
• Ability to create test request, test plans, and test procedures

Primary Level Salary Range: $69,400.00 - $104,000.00 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.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space - our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.