Principal OR Sr. Principal Engineer - Dynamics & Aeroelastics

Principal Or Sr. Principal Engineer – Dynamics & AeroelasticsAt 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's Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We're the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what's possible.Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you're driven to invent the future, build what's next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.R&AD has an opening for a Principal OR Sr. Principal Engineer – Dynamics & Aeroelastics to join our team in Redondo Beach, CA.This position will support the Flight Sciences & Vehicle Controls Department with design and analysis needs of unclassified and classified programs and interface with customers to define study areas and report status on current programs and technology development efforts. This role may interface with management and technical teams to define business relationships and technology initiatives for both IRAD (Internal Research and Development) and CRAD (Contractual Research and Development) efforts. This position will support a variety of programs performing analysis, ground test, and flight test activities.Essential Functions:Establish aeroelastic design criteria to guide the development of advanced designsPerform project planning to determine program requirements and develop plans for executionGenerate and validate structural dynamic & aeroelastic FEM modelsExecute modal analysis, evaluate modal correlation across FEM, and test data setsPerform aeroelastic analysis including static aeroelastic solutions, flutter, and gust loadsSupport validation test activities including actuator testing, ground vibration, aeroelastic wind tunnel testing, and flutter flight testingDevelop and present materials for internal and external program related briefingsBuild consensus through peer and Subject Matter Experts (SME) review and communicate test and analysis results to internal and external customersThis position may be filled at either the Principal Aeronautical Engineer – Dynamics & Aeroelastics level or the Senior Principal Aeronautical Engineer– Dynamics & Aeroelastics level, depending upon the qualifications below.Basic Qualifications for Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Dynamics & Aeroelastics:Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a relevant STEM discipline with 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a relevant STEM discipline with 1 year of related engineering experienceProficiency generating and validating structural dynamic & aeroelastic FEM models, utilizing FEMAP & NASTRANProficiency performing aeroelastic analysis including static aeroelastic solutions, flutter, and gust loadsAbility to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Aeronautical Engineer - Dynamics & Aeroelastics:Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a relevant STEM discipline with 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a relevant STEM discipline with 4 years of related engineering experienceProficiency generating and validating structural dynamic & aeroelastic FEM models, utilizing FEMAP & NASTRANProficiency performing aeroelastic analysis including static aeroelastic solutions, flutter, and gust loadsAbility to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.Preferred Qualifications:Active US Government Secret clearanceBachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Aerospace Engineering preferredExperience in Dynamics Analysis Methods and Documentation, as well as the development and manipulation of large Finite Element Models using NASTRAN, FEMAP or other FEM tools.Experience using industry standard analysis software such as NASTRAN, ZAERO, Matlab, etc.Knowledge and experience of coding in PythonKnowledge of the nature and physics of flutter.Knowledge of MIL-STD applicable to aircraft design and certificationExperience with the planning and execution of ground tests required for aircraft certification and validation of structural dynamic models & analyses.Capable of performing vibroacoustic environment definition and related analysesExperience supporting sub-system qualification activitiesFamiliarity with CAD applications (CATIA / NX)Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office with strong technical writing skills and the ability to communicate and present technical material to various stakeholdersAbility and willingness to travel up to 20% timePrimary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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.