Northrop Grumman

Structural Thermal Engineer Level 2/3 (AHT)

Northrop Grumman$91K — $171K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or related field
  • 2-5 years of thermal engineering experience in aerospace or defense
  • Familiarity with thermal-analysis software like FEMAP or SINDA
  • Understanding of heat transfer fundamentals: conduction, convection, radiation
  • Experience with thermal-vacuum chambers, hot-fire rigs, and temperature measurement instruments
  • Knowledge of MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, and compliance documentation
  • Strong communication skills to convey complex thermal concepts

Responsibilities

  • Interpret customer specifications for thermal analyses
  • Develop system-level thermal models of assemblies and sub-assemblies
  • Create high-fidelity thermal models of circuit-card assemblies
  • Conduct thermal simulations to predict temperature fields
  • Collaborate with engineering teams on manufacturability and objectives
  • Prepare for Technical Reviews like PDR and CDR
  • Design thermal environmental test plans to validate hardware performance
  • Document and present analysis results and recommendations

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company paid holidays
  • Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business
  • Relocation assistance may be available
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Structural Thermal Engineer Level 2 or 3 located in Woodland Hills, a part of our Advanced Weapon Systems Business Unit. We are a leading defense contractor specializing in advanced missile systems and aerospace technologies. Our mission-critical programs demand innovative thermal solutions that ensure reliability, performance, and safety under extreme conditions. Join a high-impact team that delivers cutting-edge capabilities to our nation's warfighters.

This position is required to be full-time, on-site in the Woodland Hills, CA location. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must have ability to obtain and maintain a US Government DoD Secret security clearance.

Structural Thermal Engineer is responsible for the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of missile subsystems throughout the product life-cycle. The role works within a multidisciplinary team to ensure that all thermal solutions meet stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements under extreme operating environments.

Due to workload cycles, this position needs to support other teams including structural, Mass Property, Dynamic, M&P, and maybe system or design.

Key Responsibilities:
• Interpret customer statements of work and technical specifications to extract and define the boundary conditions for all thermal analyses.
• Develop comprehensive system-level thermal models of complete assemblies, as well as detailed sub-assembly and part-level models.
• Build high-fidelity thermal models of circuit-card assemblies that extend down to individual component junctions.
• Conduct both steady-state and transient thermal simulations to predict temperature fields, heat-flow paths, and required heat-sinking solutions.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure design concepts are manufacturable and meet program objectives.
• Prepare and support Technical Reviews, including Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and Critical Design Review (CDR).
• Execute hand-calculation checks to validate and cross-verify computational thermal models.
• Design and specify thermal environmental test plans that confirm model predictions and certify hardware performance.
• Compile, document, and present analysis results, recommendations, and risk assessments to internal peers and external customers.
• Serve as the technical liaison with suppliers and customers, providing clarification, data exchange, and support as required.

Basic Qualifications Level 2:
• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a closely related field with 2 years of thermal-engineering experience on aerospace or defense missile programs (design, analysis, or testing) or MS degree with 0 years of experience in the same.
• Familiar with thermal-analysis software such as FEMAP or SINDA, or equivalent tools.
• Basic understanding of heat-transfer fundamentals: conduction, convection, radiation, and phase-change processes.
• Experience with thermal-vacuum chambers, hot-fire rigs, high-temperature ovens, and temperature-measurement instrumentation (thermocouples, RTDs, IR cameras).
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, and other defense-related thermal-safety standards; ability to prepare compliance documentation.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance

Basic Qualifications Level 3:
• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a closely related field with 5 years of thermal-engineering experience on aerospace or defense missile programs (design, analysis, or testing) or MS degree with 3 years of experience in the same.
• Proficiency with thermal-analysis software such as FEMAP or SINDA, or equivalent tools.
• Strong grasp of heat-transfer fundamentals: conduction, convection, radiation, and phase-change processes.
• Hands-on experience with thermal-vacuum chambers, hot-fire rigs, high-temperature ovens, and temperature-measurement instrumentation (thermocouples, RTDs, IR cameras).
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, and other defense-related thermal-safety standards; ability to prepare compliance documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to clearly convey complex thermal concepts to multidisciplinary audiences.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
• SINDA skill plus
• Knowledge of MINIVER or other aero heating codes a plus

#LI-BC2

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

Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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