Principal Aeronautical Engineer
Architecture & Engineering (Physical)Posted 16 Jul 2026
Advertised as “Integration and Test Principal Aeronautical Engineer”
Posted 16 Jul 2026
Advertised as “Integration and Test Principal Aeronautical Engineer”
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
| Base salary | US$98,500 – US$147,500 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyAeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
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.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is searching for a Principal Aeronautical Engineer (Level 3) to be part of our Integration and Test (I&T) team in Launch Systems, at our Chandler, AZ facility.
This position will be 100% on-site in Chandler. Relocation assistance is not available.
Job Responsibilities
The candidate will serve as an Integration and Test Principal Aeronautical Engineer for one of our key programs, requiring the candidate to function in a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment. Daily responsibilities may require direct contact with launch vehicle flight hardware and mechanical or electrical ground support equipment. Specific duties may include:
Establish Space Systems system tools to be used for program execution
Leading/directing/performing hands-on mechanical integration work
Developing/maintaining procedures for the assembly and test of launch vehicle systems
Developing concept of operations for assembly and testing of vehicles
Incorporating hardware design changes
Documenting & dispositioning hardware discrepancies, pursuing root cause & corrective actions
Planning and scheduling day to day tasks
Constant and timely communication with other team members and leadership
Basic Qualifications
Minimum Education / Experience: 5 Years with Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Aerospace Engineering or qualifying discipline; 3 Years with Master of Science in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Aerospace Engineering or qualifying discipline.
Candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Experience with aerospace standards/guidelines
Experience with MES, or other digital work instruction platform
Experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, and high voltage systems
Hands-on mechanical integration experience
Ability to travel 10–20% domestically and internationally; valid U.S. passport required
Your Distinct Strengths:
Ability to innovate and lead digital transformation efforts
Ability to work at a fast pace, while multi-tasking, and still communicate effectively
Ability to work in a team environment, and lead small projects or teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Prior launch vehicle integration and test experience
Prior launch campaign experience
Former/current ME/AE lead on other LV programs, or other similar programs
Experience with external customer interfacing including meetings, presentations & negotiations
Extensive experience with aerospace standards/guidelines
Extensive experience with MES, or other digital work instruction platform
Extensive experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, and high voltage systems
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
We work a 9/80 schedule (9 hours per day Mon-Thurs, 8 hours every other Friday with the alternate Friday off)
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
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.