Principal Mechanical Test Engineer

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.

Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible, possible.

Northrop Grumman Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) has an opening for a Principle Mechanical Engineer within the Mechanical Test Engineering team. This position will be located in Redondo Beach, CA at Space Park.

Engineer, a qualified candidate is expected to have an understanding of space hardware, testing methods, floor operations, and tools.  Mechanical Test Engineers (MTE) plan and coordinate the operations required to build and test flight hardware at all levels - subassembly through complete systems. 

This role is primarily at Space Park but can include periodic travel.  Successful candidates should have a strong I&T or manufacturing background to lead the implementation and integration of a new high-rate production line for small satellites. This role is critical in bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing processes and Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) operations, ensuring a seamless transition to high-rate satellite production while maintaining quality and reliability standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Improvement, Production Line Setup, and Optimization:

• Review and analyze metrics to help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies
• Support issue resolution development
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to streamline processes
• Helps facilitate process improvements

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Project Managment:

• Partner with AI&T teams to integrate manufacturing processes into their workflows
• Act as a liaison between design, manufacturing, logistics and test teams

Logistics Support

• Support process development and improved configuration management
• Lead interface for all manufacturing support
• Support the scheduling and logistics of Airbus trolly and container logistics between the FAL, Space Park, and VSFB
• Develop and maintain the launch site shipping list
• Support TE in launch site planning and procedure creation. 

Project Management Support:

• Helps prioritize and assign tasks based on schedule needs and hardware availability.
• Support test engineering transition into new MES tool

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts

 
This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) field from an accredited institution plus 5 years of engineering experience; OR a Masters degree with 3 years of engineering experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering plus 3 years of engineering experience
• Hands-on experience with setting up production lines for high-complexity, low-volume products transitioning to high-volume manufacturing.
• Familiarity with satellite systems, subsystems, and testing protocols.
• Knowledge of automated manufacturing systems and Industry 4.0 principles.
• Experience in manufacturing, high rate, or outside experience in alternate field is a strong plus.

Salary Range: $100,300.00 - $150,500.00

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.

Employees may be eligible for 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 committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA 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.