Northrop Grumman

2026 Associate Engineer Structural / Engineer Structural - Rancho Bernardo CA

Northrop Grumman$76K — $114K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or similar STEM degree required.
  • U.S. citizenship required for security clearance eligibility.
  • Eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance and program special access within a reasonable time frame.
  • Master's degree or 2 years of related experience may be required for Engineer Structural role.
  • Preferred GPA of 3.25 or higher and relevant internship or extracurricular experience.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with a diverse team of engineers.
  • Provide technical support across disciplines.
  • Participate in technical exchange meetings and milestone reviews.
  • Interface with stakeholders to ensure design robustness.
  • Work on composite materials design and integration.
  • Utilize CATIA and Teamcenter for design-related tasks.
  • Perform GD&T activities for manufacturing designs.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Health insurance coverage provided.
  • Life and disability insurance included.
  • Savings plan options available.
  • Paid time off for vacation and personal business.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman is seeking an Associate Structural Aeronautical / Engineer Structural. This position will be located on-site at our Aeronautics Systems Sector in Rancho Bernardo, CA (other locations may include Palmdale, CA or Redondo Beach/El Segundo, CA).

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Vehicle Engineering group. In Vehicle Engineering, we develop manned and unmanned aircraft platforms for all programs in the Aeronautics Systems Sector. In this role, you will need to thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels. You will be responsible for collaborating across a multi-disciplinary team of engineers responsible for developing, modifying, and maintaining aircraft design configurations using current engineering practices and standards. Some responsibilities you can expect include conceptual design, preliminary / layout, and detail design, drawing release, design review presentations, and support to fabrication.

Essential Functions

The selected candidate will perform the following, including, but not limited to:
  • Collaborate with team of engineers.
  • Provide technical support to other disciplines as required.
  • Participate in internal program, customer and/or supplier technical exchange meetings and/or formal program milestone reviews to provide and/or obtain progress status updates.
  • Interface with relevant stakeholders, including cross-functional teams, customers, and suppliers, to ensure robust and maintainable configurations are produced.
  • Works on design and integration of composite materials and their applications.
  • Leverages knowledge of aircraft structure concepts including best practices for material selection of materials and metallic/composites trade analyses.
  • Capture best practices in designing various aircraft systems including composites and/or metallic and their associated requirements for composites and/or metallic structures.
  • Perform design related tasks utilizing the CATIA, and Teamcenter tool suite.
  • Integrate subsystems components and structural configurations into various types of aircraft applications.
  • Perform GD&T activities associated with producing and manufacturing of designs.
  • Ability to design for affordability leveraging Agile methodology.


This requisition may be filled at either an Associate Engineer Structural (level 1) or Engineer Structural (level 2).

Basic Qualifications for an Associate Engineer Structural

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:
  • Be completing or has completed their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026.
  • Be majoring in or having majored in: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar STEM degree.
  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite). Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access may be required to start.


Basic Qualifications for an Engineer Structural

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:
  • Be completing or has completed their Master's degree from an accredited institution by August 2026 or is completing their Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of Aeronautical engineering experience (or similar engineering experience) by August 2026.
  • Be majoring in or having majored in: Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar STEM degree.
  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite). Final approved U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special Access may be required to start.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.25/4.0 or higher
  • Previous internship/co-op or other work experience, leadership & teamwork capabilities, interpersonal communication skills, and activities (professional/community/extracurricular).
  • Experience in bonded composite structural analysis of primary and secondary aircraft structures.
  • Experience in metallic structural analysis of primary and secondary aircraft structures.
  • Experience with structural analysis methods and documentation, including hand-sheet analysis and large Finite Element Model manipulation.
  • Experience with CATIA.
  • Familiarity with PATRAN or FEMAP.


Pay Range
  • Associate Engineer Structural: $ 76,200 - $114,400
  • Engineer Structural: $91,800 - $137,600


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Primary Level Salary Range: $76,200.00 - $114,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00

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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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