Aeronautical Engineer (Level 3 or 4)

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 114,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA is seeking a Principal or Senior Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join the Launch Vehicles Integration and Test team. This is a fully onsite role with a 9/80 schedule, no hybrid/remote work.

You will manage GSE throughout its lifecycle and support complex integration and test activities for launch operations. The role requires a STEM degree with 5+ years (Level 3) or 8+ years (Level 4), DoD Secret clearance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field plus 5 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree plus 3 years of experience
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance (US citizenship required)
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot and drive tasks to completion

Responsibilities

• Identify, procure, and accept COTS Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• Design, review, and accept Northrop Grumman-designed GSE.
• Support ConOps development for launch-pad programs with emphasis on GSE.
• Coordinate I&T and launch-pad GSE including lifting hardware and rails.
• Author GSE maintenance procedures and proof-test work instructions.
• Perform ECU checkout and operate GSE during tests and launches

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Team leadership

Travel readiness

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM field

Tools

CAD software

GD&T

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal or Senior Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join the Launch Vehicles Integration and Test team at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. This is a fully onsite position. Hybrid or remote work is not available. We work a 9/80 schedule (9 hours per day Mon-Thurs, 8 hours every other Friday with the alternate Friday off).

Job Responsibilities

The selected candidate will serve as an Integration and Test Aeronautical Engineer with primary responsibility for managing Ground Support Equipment (GSE) throughout its lifecycle. Responsibilities may include direct interaction with sensitive launch vehicle flight hardware and GSE at vehicle integration and launch-pad facilities. The candidate may also support the development, planning, and execution of integration and test activities involving flight hardware assembly, integrated system and component testing, vehicle launches, and flight tests at various facilities and launch ranges.

• Identify, procure, and accept commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• Design, review, and accept Northrop Grumman-designed GSE.
• Support the development and implementation of launch-pad concepts of operations (ConOps) for new programs, with an emphasis on GSE.
• Incorporate hardware and tooling design changes.
• Author GSE maintenance procedures and proof-test work instructions.
• Provide oversight of proof testing at local and vendor facilities.
• Coordinate Integration and Test (I&T) and launch-pad GSE, including lifting hardware, vehicle rails, mobile jackable rails, breakover fixtures, and related equipment.
• Perform Environmental Control Unit (ECU) checkout and operation.
• Develop and maintain GSE procedures.
• Develop, plan, and coordinate integration activities.

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

Basic Qualifications for Level 3

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field + 5 years of relevant experience OR Masters Degree + 3 years of experience
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, which generally requires US Citizenship as a prerequisite
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude
• Ability to solve problems, support troubleshooting efforts, drive tasks to completion
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task
• Ability to work in a team environment, and lead small projects or teams
• Ability to travel: Travel expectation 10%

Basic Qualifications for Level 4

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field + 8 years of relevant experience OR Masters Degree + 6 years of experience
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, which generally requires US Citizenship as a prerequisite
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude
• Ability to solve problems, support troubleshooting efforts, drive tasks to completion
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task
• Ability to work in a team environment, and lead small projects or teams
• Ability to travel: Travel expectation 10%

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret level security clearance
• Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace or Systems Engineering background
• Experience with aerospace standards/guidelines
• Experience with external customer interfacing including meetings, presentations & negotiations
• Experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, and high voltage systems
• Awareness of safety protocols around solid rocket motors, including Vandenberg SSC MAN 91-710
• Knowledge and experience with CAD software and GD&T
• Experience working with design, integration, or testing of launch vehicles

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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 our EEO page.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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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.