Chief Propulsion Engineer, Airbreathing Systems

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 175,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Staff Propulsion Engineer to lead airbreathing propulsion programs at our Palm Beach Gardens, FL facility.

You will guide system-level design, performance, and testing across aerodynamics, combustor, inlet, and fluid systems, serving as chief technical authority. You will mentor engineers, manage risks, and maintain propulsion baselines from concept to flight test while collaborating with program management and customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or STEM field with at least 14 years of relevant experience, or advanced degree with requirements.
• Demonstrated technical leadership on complex aerospace or weapon system programs.
• Experience with aerospace propulsion systems, especially high-speed airbreathing propulsion.
• Experience leading design, integration and/or production of complex systems across multiple disciplines.
• Proven ability to make sound technical judgments balancing performance, cost and schedule.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across levels within program and customer teams.
• Experience mentoring junior or mid‑level engineers.

Responsibilities

• Provide cross-functional technical leadership to engineering teams across multiple disciplines on active programs.
• Own propulsion technical baseline including requirements, architecture, interfaces, performance and margins from concept through qualification.
• Plan and interpret analyses (cycle/performance, CFD/thermal, inlet/nozzle) to guide design trades and risk reduction.
• Oversee design to ensure propulsion and vehicle requirements are met (combustor, inlet, nozzle, fluids).
• Lead and resolve complex technical issues with timely, executable solutions.
• Plan, oversee and interpret tests from component to flight testing.
• Lead RCCA investigations for propulsion-related anomalies.
• Interface with program manager and customer on technical status, risks and opportunities.
• Maintain strong relationships with cross-functional disciplines to ensure timely execution.
• Ensure sound engineering processes, configuration management and quality standards.
• Review and approve engineering documents, reports and change packages.
• Lead propulsion risk and opportunity management and mitigation.
• Define tasks and resources for project planning and capture activities.

Skills

Technical leadership

Aerospace propulsion

Systems engineering

Technical judgment

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Staff Propulsion Engineer to lead airbreathing propulsion programs at our Palm Beach Gardens, FL facility.

You will guide system-level design, performance, and testing across aerodynamics, combustor, inlet, and fluid systems, serving as chief technical authority. You will mentor engineers, manage risks, and maintain propulsion baselines from concept to flight test while collaborating with program management and customers.