> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1409028-flight-systems-futures-sr-principal-mechanical-engineer-top-sec](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1409028-flight-systems-futures-sr-principal-mechanical-engineer-top-sec). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Flight Systems Futures Sr Principal Mechanical Engineer (Top Sec - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Roy, UT, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $111,700.0 - $167,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** 3d Models, Computer-Aided Design, Abaqus, Systems Engineering, Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA), Data Reduction, Femap, White-Box Testing, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Nastran (Computer-Aided Design Software), Requirements Traceability, Software Requirements Analysis, Scripting, Hypermesh, SC Clearance, Creo, Ansys - **Published:** July 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9051258/flight-systems-futures-sr-principal-mechanical-engineer-top-sec ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field with * Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience * Must be a US Citizen * Active Top Secret clearance at time of application, current and within scope, renewed or initiated within the last 6 years. * Must be able to be successfully screened for Enhanced Security Clearances, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs * 5+ years of relevant structural analysis or design experience * 3+ years experience performing finite element analysis (FEA) of metallic and/or composite structures using industry tools (e.g., NASTRAN, Abaqus, ANSYS, or similar) * 3+ years experience generating and checking stress reports, margins of safety, and load paths for primary and secondary structures * 3+ years experience of classical hand calculations (beam/plate theory, bolted and bonded joints, stability, fatigue/fracture basics) to complement FEA * 3+ years experience interpreting loads and environments (aero/thermal/pressure/inertial) and applying them appropriately in structural models * 3+ years experience performing air vehicle dynamic structural assessments (Shock and Vibe) * 3+ years experience with systems packaging, sizing, and weight tradeoffs and analysis * 5+ years experience with CAD and pre/post-processing tools (e.g., NX, CATIA, Creo, HyperMesh, Femap, or similar) * Demonstrated ability to document technical work clearly and present results to a cross-functional team (structures, aero, TPS, systems) * Willing to travel up to 25% of the time * Experience on hypersonic, high-speed, or reentry vehicle programs, or similarly demanding environments (missiles, launch vehicles, spacecraft) * Experience with: * Thermal-structural coupling (applying aerothermal/TPS temperatures in structural models, assessing thermal stresses) * Nonlinear analysis (geometric and/or material nonlinearity, contact, large deflection) * Fatigue and fracture mechanics for mission profiles with significant thermal or dynamic loading * Familiarity with high-temperature materials and TPS-support structures (e.g., CMCs, high-temperature alloys, advanced composites) * Experience supporting structural test (component, subassembly, or system level): test planning, instrumentation input, predicting test response, and correlating models to data * Experience with requirements and verification: writing structural requirements, defining verification methods, and maintaining traceability * Scripting or automation skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) for model setup, post-processing, and data reduction * Experience working in a configuration-controlled environment with formal design reviews (PDR/CDR) and change management * Knowledge of Hypersonic Reentry Vehicle systems, environments, and typical structural tests and assessments * Knowledge of Launch Vehicle interfaces and environments * Knowledge of advanced materials and manufacturing processes ## Description * Define and maintain the overall mechanical layout for the vehicle and major subsystems (structures, TPS hardware, mechanisms, payload, avionics packaging). * Coordinate mass properties, interfaces, access, and maintainability across the configuration. * Oversee creation and release of mechanical designs, 3D models, and drawings in collaboration with the design/drafting team. * Ensure interfaces between subsystems are clearly defined, controlled, and compatible (mechanical, thermal, alignment, envelope). * Resolve mechanical integration issues between aerothermal, TPS, structures, GNC, propulsion, and avionics. * Flow down system requirements into clear mechanical requirements, constraints, and design criteria (environments, loads, clearances, margins, materials). * Work with systems engineering to maintain requirements traceability and define mechanical verification methods (analysis, inspection, test). * Collaborate with manufacturing and operations to ensure designs are producible, testable, and supportable. * Support build and integration on the factory floor (build issues, nonconformance disposition, redlines). * Provide technical direction to mechanical suppliers (requirements, reviews, deviations, acceptance). * Plan and coordinate mechanical engineering work across a small team (tasking, priorities, schedules). * Review and approve design work products, ensuring consistency with program standards and best practices. * Mentor junior engineers and foster strong communication across disciplines and IPTs. ## 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