Senior Principal Engineer Propulsion

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

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.

Job Description

Northrop Grumman’s Defense Systems sector location located in Rocket Center, WV is currently seeking a Sr Principal Engineer Propulsion(Level 4) to support our growing business.

This position in on site at our Rocket Center, WV location. No remote opportunities available for this position.

The Sr. Principal Engineer – Propulsion leads the technical direction, design, and execution of advanced propulsion systems for our next‑generation tactical programs. This role combines deep subject‑matter expertise with strategic vision, driving innovation from concept through flight‑ready hardware while mentoring a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all phases of propulsion system development: requirements capture, conceptual design, detailed analysis, prototyping, testing, and integration.
  • Support and oversee advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite‑element analysis (FEA), and multidisciplinary optimization to meet thrust, efficiency, weight, and reliability targets.
  • Manage hardware and software toolsets (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, NX).
• Partner with program managers to develop schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation plans for propulsion deliverables.
• Provide technical status updates, risk assessments, and corrective action plans to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers, junior scientists, and interns; foster a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
• Lead technical reviews (design (concept through critical), test readiness, flight test) and ensure documentation completeness.
• Identify emerging technologies (additive manufacturing, advanced ceramics, AI‑driven design) and evaluate their applicability to propulsion.
• Lead or contribute to patent filings, technical publications, and conference presentations.
• Liaise with OEM customers, government agencies, and key suppliers to translate requirements into actionable engineering solutions.
• Evaluate supplier proposals, conduct technical audits, and manage technical data exchange.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
• 8 years of related work experience with a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or 6 years with a MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Must be able to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of tactical solid propulsion experience
• Active Secret Clearance
• Skills related to statics, dynamics, fluids, thermodynamics, rocket propulsion, computer skills/programming (MATLAB, FORTRAN, Solid Modeling, Excel) are all desirable.
• Leadership & teamwork capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Self-motivated, willing to learn, and interested in working in a team environment
• Experience developing and delivering presentations and leading small groups
• Able to work in an autonomous work environment on complex projects

Primary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00

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. Employee