Aeronautical Engineer OR Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics)

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp. Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) in Redondo Beach, CA, seeks an Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics) or Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics) to lead preliminary design and analysis of advanced air vehicles.

You will build aerodynamic databases, support wind tunnel tests, and guide cross-disciplinary teams to meet mission requirements. The role emphasizes design synthesis, optimization, and trade studies, with opportunities to develop

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a related STEM discipline with 2 years of experience or Master with 0 years.
• Experience building aerodynamic databases from test and analysis data.
• Experience with aircraft aerodynamic conceptual design and drag build up.
• Experience with stability and control vehicle assessments.
• Active US Government Secret clearance (or higher) and SAP access eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Aerodynamic analysis and wind tunnel test support for aircraft designs.
• Design synthesis and optimization to meet mission requirements.
• Conduct trade studies to define concepts and guide cross-disciplinary teams.
• Develop technical solutions requiring ingenuity and creativity.
• Interact with external stakeholders and brief them on results.

Skills

Aerodynamics

Database building

Design synthesis

Drag analysis

Stability & control

Wind tunnel planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS in STEM field

MS in STEM field

PhD in STEM field

Tools

Wind Tunnel Equipment

Aerodynamic Database Tools

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an Aeronautical Engineer OR Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics) to support our R&AD division. This position will be located in Redondo Beach, CA.This position will conduct preliminary design and analysis of advanced manned and unmanned air vehicles demonstrating technical expertise and knowledge of other related disciplines.Responsibilities Include:Aerodynamic analysis, aerodynamic database generation, and wind tunnel test support for aircraft designsDesign synthesis and optimization of vehicles to mission requirementsConduct aerodynamic analysis and design trade studies to define and evaluate advanced concepts, predict aerodynamic behavior, identify technology requirements, and provide design guidance to the other team disciplines.Develop technical solutions to various problems, which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.Interact with and brief external stakeholdersThis position can be filled at either the Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics) level OR the Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics) level, depending upon the qualifications below.Basic Qualifications for Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics)Bachelor of Science in a related Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 2 years of relevant professional engineering experience OR a Master of Science in a related STEM discipline with 0 years of professional engineering experience.Experience building aerodynamic databases from test and analysis dataExperience with aircraft aerodynamic conceptual design and drag build upExperience with stability and control vehicle assessmentsActive US Government Secret clearance (or higher)Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP). This SAP must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.Basic Qualifications for Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Aerodynamics)Bachelor of Science in a related Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 5 years of relevant professional engineering experience; OR a Master of Science in a related STEM discipline with 3 years of relevant professional engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 1 year of relevant professional engineering experience.Experience building aerodynamic databases from test and analysis dataExperience with aircraft aerodynamic conceptual design and drag build upExperience with stability and control vehicle assessmentsActive US Government Secret clearance (or higher)Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP). This SAP must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.Preferred Qualifications for both levels:Experience with Aircraft System IdentificationExperience with Wind Tunnel Test Planning and SupportPrimary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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.