Principal MLI Design Engineer/Senior Principal MLI Design Engineer (Level 3/4)
- US citizenship
About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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. Embark on a career putting innovative, reliable, and agile products and ideas into orbit, and beyond.
Northrop Grumman has opportunities waiting for you that play a vital role in human space exploration, national defense, and scientific discovery, supporting multiple programs across the universe. With us, you’ll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start.
Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today. Space Systems 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 is looking for a Principal MLI Design Engineer/Senior Principal MLI Design Engineer (Level 3/4) to support our Thermal Insulated Products (TIP) section within the Environmental & Specialty Test Department. This position will provide the right candidate an opportunity to gain exposure to all facets of spacecraft integration and test operations.
This position will be located in Redondo Beach, California. ## Key Responsibilities - Interface with multiple disciplines to define requirements for MLI (Multi-Layer Insulation) development. - Utilize CAD tools (Catia V5 and others) to create 3D models of spacecraft thermal insulation, fabrication templates, and installation drawings. - Plan and coordinate the fabrication of thermal insulation products from designing templates to meet program schedule milestone dates. - Coordinate, plan, lead, and participate in MLI installation efforts, from initial concept demonstrations to flight installations at unit, subsystem, and system levels. - Provide support during spacecraft launch activities. - Represent the thermal products organization as the prime technical contact on various programs - Knowledge of all types of MLI products and processes (materials, fabrication techniques, installation techniques) - Willingness to work extended hours, alternate shifts, weekends, and travel, as directed - Develop written installation procedures ## 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 (Level 3) - Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university with at least 5 years of experience; 3 years with Master's Degree - Experience working in multi-disciplinary engineering teams - Excellent written and oral communication skills with strong technical briefing skills - Ability to work extended hours, alternate shifts, weekends, and travel, as directed - Must have active Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) at time of application. ## Basic Qualifications (Level 4) - Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university with at least 9 years of experience; 7 years with Master's Degree - Experience working in multi-disciplinary engineering teams - Excellent written and oral communication skills with strong technical briefing skills - Ability to work extended hours, alternate shifts, weekends, and travel, as directed - Must have active Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) at time of application. ## Preferred Qualifications - Active Top Secret (TS), and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). - Experience with Thermal Insulation Product fabrication and integration methodologies - Experience with CATIA V5 and/or CATIA 3DX - Currently possess active DoD TS or SCI clearance - Understanding of and proficiency in CAPE procedure execution - Knowledge of and experience working with critical flight spacecraft hardware Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 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.
From Northrop Grumman's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Northrop Grumman
Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.
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