Principal Structural Engineer- 18272
- US citizenship
- Top Secret clearance
- Secret clearance
How this pay compares
This posting states $109k–$163k a year. Open mechanical engineer jobs in Alabama post a median of $149k a year, the middle half $133k–$164k, across 14 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes 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.
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems in air and space that impact people’s lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our work preserves freedom, democracy, and advances human discovery and our understanding of the universe.
We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have a lot of 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 Defense Systems is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer. This position is located in Huntsville, AL and supports Advanced Programs.
This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package. ## What You Will Get To Do The ideal candidate is a team player; but also, a strong independent contributor with strong leadership skills, demonstrated problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, as well as interpersonal and organizational skills and a proactive, detail-oriented approach. ## Primary responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to - Conduct linear and nonlinear finite-element analysis (static, transient, buckling, modal, fatigue, random vibration) using ABAQUS, ANSYS, and FEMAP/Nastran. - Perform structural analysis of deployable mechanisms, including weld and bolted-joint evaluation. - Develop and support test objectives, verification/validation plans, and qualification testing activities. - Produce comprehensive analysis reports, documentation artifacts, and prepare CDRLs for customer deliverables. - Collaborate with ADP leads to integrate mechanical analyses into system-integration efforts and ensure alignment with program requirements. - Identify technical gaps, propose innovative, cost-effective solutions, and drive resolution across interdisciplinary teams. - Ensure analysis deliverables satisfy design requirements, specifications, and applicable standards (e.g., ASCE 7, DoD guidelines). - Support digital-transformation initiatives related to analysis data management and ADP release processes. - Interface with external customers and internal stakeholders, delivering technical presentations and recommendations. ## Position Benefits As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, 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 positions 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 Principal Structural Engineer :Bachelors degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of relevant experience, OR a Masters degree and 3 years of relevant experience, OR a PhD and 1 year of relevant experience. - Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance, at time of application, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years. - Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. - Experience running dynamic and static structural analyses using ANSYS, ABAQUS or FEMAP/Nastran. - Proficiency in post-processing results with MATLAB, MathCAD, or Excel and strong written/oral technical communication skills. ## Preferred Qualifications - Active DoD Top Secret Clearance. - Advanced expertise with ABAQUS, FEMAP, and ANSYS for complex structural analyses. - Experience with structural test planning and execution, including seismic (ASCE 7) and vibration testing. - Familiarity with missile program requirements, propulsion integration, and NX 3D modeling with TeamCenter CPLM. - Demonstrated experience leading technical teams in an Agile environment using JIRA and delivering high-value customer presentations.
Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 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. 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.
Selected agencies hiring now
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
Moseley Technical ServicesEngineering and technical staffing agency
Engineering and technical staffing firm in Huntsville, Alabama, placing engineers and A&P, sheet metal, CNC and quality technicians.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New mechanical, structures and thermal engineering jobs in space in Alabama, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
About Northrop Grumman
Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.
Pay on its listings: 98% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Northrop Grumman's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
More open jobs at Northrop Grumman
- 2027 Associate Software Engineer - Boulder CO$76,200–$114,400/yr
- Business Admin Support
- IR Plume Mod/Sim Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3$83,400–$125,200/yr
- Lead Automation Test Engineer - Level 4$117,500–$176,300/yr
- Network Engineer - Level 3$94,200–$141,200/yr
- Staff AI/ML Software Engineer - Level 5$194,700–$292,100/yr
More mechanical, structures and thermal engineering jobs in space
- Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield)$100,000–$160,000/yr
- Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer$136,000–$220,000/yr
- Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer$150,000–$200,000/yr
- Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer - Composites and Structures$175,000–$215,000/yr
- Vehicle Structures Engineer I (Heat Shield)$90,000–$136,000/yr
- Strength Analyst 3$99,604–$166,007/yr
A mechanical, structures or thermal engineer?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
Northrop Grumman openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from Northrop Grumman's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.