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Mechanical

Principal Engineer Mechanical (AHT)

Northrop Grumman logoNorthrop Grumman$103,600–$155,400/yrAurora, CO, United StatesFull-timePosted 2d ago

This posting asks for U.S. citizenship. It also names a Top Secret clearance.

The posting offers relocation. More space jobs with relocation

About the role

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: No

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.

Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is seeking a Principal Engineer Mechanical for itsAurora, Colorado work location.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, model, and update mechanical designs using CAD tools.
  • Create, manage, and maintain accurate Bills of Material (BOM) for parts, subassemblies, and top-level assemblies.
  • Support requirements development by:
  • Reviewing system and subsystem requirements for mechanical impact.
  • Deriving and refining mechanical requirements.
  • Ensuring mechanical designs comply with allocated requirements.
  • Create and release detailed engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, notes, and callouts, in accordance with applicable standards.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (systems, electrical, manufacturing, supply chain) to ensure design intent, manufacturability, and integration.
  • Participate in design reviews, drawing checks, and configuration control activities.
  • Support troubleshooting and resolution of mechanical issues during build, integration, and test.
  • Document work products in accordance with company procedures and support configuration management of CAD models and drawings.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline and 5 years of experience, or Masters degree and 3 years of experience. 4 additional years required in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience with mechanical design and modeling using CAD software (e.g., Creo, NX, SolidWorks, CATIA).
  • Experience creating and maintaining BOMs for mechanical assemblies.
  • Experience generating and updating engineering drawings, including GD&T and tolerance practices.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.

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Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in an aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated engineering environment.
  • Familiarity with configuration management practices for CAD models and drawings.
  • Experience working to relevant standards (e.g., ASME Y14 series).
  • Exposure to requirements management tools and model-based engineering practices.
  • Hands-on experience supporting prototype builds, testing, or production transition.

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

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.

Copied from the listing Northrop Grumman published, verified 31 Oct 2026.

About Northrop Grumman

Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.

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