Sr Principal Chief Engineer

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the technical direction and execution of all engineering aspects on a program including design, development, implementation, integration, testing, and delivery of product to the customer.
• Serve as the senior technical leader for the program engineering team and as a technical advisor and delegate to the program manager.
• Ensure all engineering teams adhere to sound engineering processes, company policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain cognizance over technical activities within programs' Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and promote best engineering practices across the company.
• Perform systems engineering and program management roles as necessary.
• Set a vision, build a high-performing team, and lead technical decision-making.
• Engage with customers to guide technical specifications and requirements evolution.
• Support proposal development with technical input, risk assessment, and requirements compliance.
• Represent the technical voice of the customer and communicate Northrop Grumman's technical value.
• Lead architecture trade studies, early program technical interactions, and communicate customer goals.
• Support program setup, initial start, and milestone review planning.
• Oversee design evolution, technical risk mitigation, manufacturability, and cost performance.
• Mentor junior engineers and share lessons learned across the value stream.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 9+ years of related technical experience, or Master's degree with 7+ years of experience.
• Experience as a Subject Matter Expert, Technical Lead, IPT Lead, Chief Engineer, or similar leadership role.
• Broad experience across multiple engineering disciplines including design, analysis, materials, manufacturing, and test.
• Experience designing, building, testing, and deploying mission-critical systems through LRIP, IOC, and FRP.
• Technical proficiency in materials testing, metals, fiber reinforced composites, failure mechanisms, and applications.
• Experience with discrepancy resolution, RCCA, MRB, and FRB processes.
• Familiarity with FAA, FAR, and DoD requirements and programs.
• Experience in aircraft structural and/or mechanical systems design and analysis.
• Knowledge of RF electrical properties, RF analysis, and test techniques.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Nice to Have

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Familiarity with ceramic materials and high-temperature applications.
• Experience with design and analysis software such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, NX, Teamcenter, LS Dyna.
• Experience with cost account management (CAM).
• Current, active DoD Secret clearance (or ability to obtain Top-Secret and SCI clearances).
• Experience with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and foreign customers.
• Ability to utilize enterprise experience to resolve technical issues and attract new business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a STEM field, preferably Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience in designing, analyzing, and deploying mission-critical systems.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills.
• Experience with proposal development and technical risk management.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive health coverage, life and disability insurance.
• Flexible work options, back-up child and elder care programs.
• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and long-term incentives.
• Support for employees' life and work balance through Total Rewards.