Principal / Sr Principal Computer Aided Design and Modeling Engineer (AHT)

Northrop Grumman; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 94,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Colorado Springs seeks a Principal / Sr Principal CAD Engineer to turn COTS drawings into precise 2D/3D models, drawings, and BOMs while adhering to ASME standards and safety requirements.

The role requires active Secret clearance, extensive CAD experience with AutoCAD/SolidWorks, PLM/PDM tools, and collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and civil teams; travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications

• 5 years with a related Bachelor's, 3 years with a Master's, or 1 year with a PhD (plus 4 years in lieu of a degree)
• Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain SCI
• Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD drafting and modeling using AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems such as Siemens Teamcenter, Windchill, ENOVIA, or ARAS
• Strong attention to detail, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and release 2D drawings and 3D models using AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Produce drawing packages including BOMs, materials, finishes, fastening methods, and installation procedures
• Review drawings for clarity, completeness, dimensional accuracy, and ASME compliance
• Incorporate drawing changes into redlines and as-built drawings
• Identify drawing issues and coordinate revisions with engineers
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, systems, project, and construction teams
• Support drawing reviews, drawing verification, and PLM/PDM documentation release
• Help improve CAD standards, templates, and drafting best practices

Skills

2D/3D CAD drafting

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

PLM/PDM systems

Siemens Teamcenter

Windchill

ENOVIA

ARAS

Technical writing

Spatial reasoning

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD (optional)

Security clearance (Secret)

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Siemens Teamcenter

Windchill

ENOVIA

ARAS

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

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.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal / Sr Principal Computer Aided Design and Modeling Engineer to support radar system development programs in Colorado Springs, CO.

This is a CAD and drafting-focused role responsible for turning Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) drawings into accurate 2D and 3D models, drawings, specifications, and as-built documentation. The role requires a strong focus on ASME standards, applicable codes, safety compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to produce clear, buildable design packages.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and release 2D drawings and 3D models from concepts, sketches, markups, and calculations using tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Produce complete drawing packages including dimensions, tolerances, bills of materials, material and finish specifications, fastening methods, and installation procedures
• Review drawings and layouts for clarity, completeness, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with ASME standards, applicable codes, and safety requirements
• Incorporate drawing changes into redlines and as-built drawings
• Identify drawing issues and coordinate revisions with engineers
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, systems, project, and construction teams to incorporate changes and resolve issues
• Support drawing reviews, drawing verification, and documentation release using PLM/PDM tools
• Help improve CAD standards, templates, and drafting best practices

This position can be staffed at either a Principal or Sr Principal level, based on the basic qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications

• Principal: 5 years with a Bachelor’s in a related field filed, 3 years with a Master’s, or 1 year with a PhD. 4 additional years required in lieu of a degree.
• Sr Principal: 8 years with a Bachelor’s in a related field, 6 years with a Master’s, or 4 years with a PhD. 4 additional years required in lieu of a degree.
• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance, current and in scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI
• Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD drafting and modeling using AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
• Experience producing fabrication or installation drawings, specifications, and bills of materials in compliance with ASME drafting standards
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems such as Siemens Teamcenter, Windchill, ENOVIA, or ARAS
• Strong attention to detail, spatial reasoning, technical writing, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, or a related STEM field.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance, current and in scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI
• Experience supporting drawing and specification development from COTS provided schematics through as-built documentation
• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter for CAD data management and configuration control
• Experience producing and documenting mechanical hardware interfaces, mounting brackets, cable routing, and cable assemblies
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams and working knowledge of applicable building codes and safety standards
• Familiarity with military or industry documentation standards, including USAF Technical Orders
• Experience with integrated electrical and mechanical systems, including testing and issue resolution
• Experience in a government contracting environment
• Exposure to Agile, Scrum, DevOps, or AI-enabled drafting/modeling assistants

Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00

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.