Sr Principal Aeronautical Engineer

Senior Principal Aeronautical Engineer

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.

About NGMS Flight Test Department

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) Flight Test Department is a unique organization that takes our cutting-edge products from the lab to the airborne environment. Our team designs, analyzes, modifies, integrates, tests, and certifies advanced airborne mission system technologies on a fleet of highly modified R&D aircraft. We bring together experts from engineering, flight test, aircraft maintenance and inspection, and supply chain to deliver innovative solutions with real impact.

Job Overview

Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Senior Principal Aeronautical Engineer to provide technical leadership, guide multidisciplinary teams, and drive innovative structural modifications and repairs on R&D testbed aircraft. The ideal candidate will manage complex projects that integrate sensors and equipment onto aircraft and ensure compliance with FAA airworthiness standards (Title 14 CFR Part 25). This role requires strong technical expertise, communications skills, proven project management skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers in a fast-paced, evolving environment. This position is located in Baltimore, MD.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership and Management
• Oversee aircraft modification and repair projects from concept through certification.
• Develop project plans, manage cost and schedule estimates, and conduct risk management.
• Support manufacturing operations, select and manage vendors, and staff projects appropriately.
• Design and Analysis
• Perform structural design and analysis for aircraft modifications and repairs.
• Create both conceptual and detailed 3D solid models using Siemens NX (or equivalent). Utilize classical hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for evaluating primary and secondary structures.
• Documentation and Certification
• Write comprehensive structural substantiation and technical reports to secure FAA airworthiness approvals.
• Ensure that all engineering drawings, reports, and estimates are complete, accurate, and compliant with certification requirements.
• Collaboration and Mentoring
• Interface and coordinate with test pilots, mechanics, quality control, supply chain, internal program offices, customers, suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Provide technical guidance and mentor junior engineers, sharing best practices and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Trade Studies and Configuration Management
• Conduct trade studies and derive requirements to define overall aircraft configurations based on customer needs.
• Establish bills of material, manage data configurations, and select appropriate fasteners and materials.

Additional Attributes

Strong communication skills (written and verbal) to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequently changing requirements. A commitment to a Just and Safe culture through shared accountability and proactive safety actions.

Basic Required Qualifications

Education & Experience: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Structural, Aerospace Engineering (or a related field) with 8 years of experience; OR a Master's degree in Mechanical, Structural, Aerospace Engineering (or a related field) with 6 years of experience. Technical Skills: Proficiency in creating 3D CAD models with Siemens NX or similar software. Demonstrated experience in airframe structural analysis through hand calculations and FEA tools (e.g., Siemens NX CAE). Familiarity with FAA certification requirements, including Title 14 CFR Part 25. Industry Knowledge: Understanding of various aircraft manufacturing methods (metallic and composite structures, fastening systems, etc.). Proficiency in aviation terminology and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly. Security Requirements: Must possess an Interim DoD Secret clearance prior to start. (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications

Certification: Current FAA Part 23 and/or Part 25 Designated Engineering Representative (DER) in Structures. Lifecycle Expertise: Experience in developing comprehensive aircraft modification data packages and managing projects from concept through flight testing. Specialized Experience: Prior design and analysis of solid laminate and sandwich composite structures for aircraft fairings and radomes. Experience in generating combined aerodynamic and inertial loads and interpreting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis results.