Senior Principal Component Engineering Specialist

At Northrop Grumman, our workforce enjoys remarkable opportunities to engage in groundbreaking systems that influence lives globally today and for future generations. Our innovative and creative spirit has positioned us at the forefront of numerous technological milestones in our nation's history, from pioneering transatlantic flights to stealth technology and lunar landings. We seek individuals with bold ideas, courage, and a pioneering mindset to collaborate in shaping the future while enjoying the journey. Our culture is rooted in intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and embracing your authentic self at work, driven by an unyielding commitment to achieve what others deem impossible. Our employees are not merely part of history; they are actively making it.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a reliable provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) division challenges the limits of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and advances various scientific fields. Our team is dedicated to delivering the skills and innovative technologies necessary to develop, design, produce, and sustain optimized product lines across the sector, providing a significant advantage to the warfighter. Be a part of our mission.

We are seeking a Principal / Senior Principal Engineering Design (Component Engineering Subject Matter Expert). In this role, you will have a rewarding opportunity to contribute to our enterprise-wide digital transformation. Utilizing Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps, and Agile methodologies, we continue to enhance our delivery of critical national defense products and capabilities. Our success hinges on our ability to embrace change, act swiftly, and perpetually drive innovation. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, transparent, and team-oriented, emphasizing empowerment, shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research, coordinate, and assist technical engineering personnel in the selection and qualification of electronic, electric, and electro-mechanical components/assemblies to ensure compliance with product specifications and reliability.
• Provide Parts Material and Processes (PM&P) management and analysis to support next-generation systems.
• Analyze preliminary plans and execute Part and Material Management Plans (PMMP) to meet organizational, customer, and governmental objectives for product longevity.
• Component Engineering plays a crucial role in establishing a sustainable system with qualified parts.
• Review engineering part selections for compliance with MIL-STD 11991A.
• Recommend and assist in identifying sources of supply and develop alternative sources.
• Conduct part management activities in accordance with the PM&P Management Plan.
• Coordinate component review activities and manage part review production velocity.
• Ensure accuracy of existing and new part numbers and descriptions, cross-referencing with manufacturers' part numbers.
• Manage and update part data within the product lifecycle management (PLM) system.
• Review and adjudicate non-conforming components as required.
• Oversee approved components for design, ensuring lifecycle status and qualification requirements are met.
• Develop, coordinate, and manage qualification testing evaluations for non-standard parts.
• Conduct fault analysis of components as necessary.
• Work on material processes, lead-free control plans, and hexavalent chromium management strategies as per program requirements.
• Propose design or component selection changes to enhance system reliability.
• Support counterfeit parts prevention initiatives in compliance with relevant standards.
• Utilize and contribute to Program Approved Parts List (PAPL) and Approved Vendor Lists (AVL) management.
• Participate in Engineering Review Board (ERB), Change Control Board (CCB), Material Review Board (MRB), and Failure Review Board (FRB) as needed.
• Provide support to design teams regarding cost, availability, and technical advantages of various component options.
• Contribute insights to new designs to enhance product reliability.
• Develop recommendations for process improvements to streamline part selection and review processes.
• Prepare materials for various programs and technical meetings.
• Utilize strong communication skills and work with minimal supervision.

This position may be filled as either a Principal Engineering Design (Component Engineering SME) or Senior Principal Engineering Design (Component Engineering SME).

Basic Qualifications for Principal Engineering Design (Component Engineering SME):

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, STEM, or related field with 5 years of experience; or 3 years of relevant experience with a Master’s (MS) degree; or 0 years of experience with a PhD.
• An additional 4 years of relevant experience/education may be considered in lieu of a BS degree.
• Experience in design, reliability, maintenance, or component engineering.
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks (Kanban, Jira, Confluence, SharePoint).
• Experience in electronic and/or mechanical component analysis and selection.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Clearance: Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOD Secret Clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Engineering Design (Component Engineering SME):

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, STEM, or related field with 9 years of experience; or 7 years of relevant experience with a Master’s (MS) degree; or 4 years with a PhD.
• An additional 4 years of relevant experience/education may be considered in lieu of a BS degree.
• Experience in design, reliability, maintenance, or component engineering.
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks (Kanban, Jira, Confluence, SharePoint).
• Experience in electronic and/or mechanical component analysis and selection.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SD-19, SD-22, and MIL STD 11991A.
• Proficiency in using IHS Part Intelligence, GIDEP, Part Finder, or equivalent tools.
• Knowledge of FRACAS and reliability engineering.
• Experience with DLA ASSIST and/or DLA Qualified Products Database (QPD/QPL).
• Familiarity with CPLM, Teamcenter PLM.
• Understanding of DFARS requirements for counterfeit components.

Salary Range: $97,500 - $146,300

Salary Range 2: $120,900 - $181,300

The above salary ranges represent general guidelines; however, Northrop Grumman considers various factors when determining base salary offers, including the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.

Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may qualify for Long Term Incentives. Northrop Grumman also offers a variety of benefits, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plans, company-paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.

Northrop Grumman is committed to fostering a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted roles.