Mechanical Design Engineer - Level 4

Role summary

Mechanical Design Engineer - Level 4 is a full-time role at Northrop Grumman in San Diego, California, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-10-25. Salary: USD 129,300–193,900 per year. Experience level: 5-10.

Job title

Mechanical Design Engineer - Level 4

Company

Northrop Grumman

Location

San Diego, California, United States

Work arrangement

on-site

Employment type

full-time

Category

Trades & Construction

Salary

USD 129,300–193,900 per year

Experience level

5-10

Date posted

2026-10-25

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Job Description

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer – Level 4 to join our MEP Team in San Diego, California . This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Northrop Grumman Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit designs, builds, and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include satellites and associated space components and services, launch vehicles and related propulsion systems, missile products, subsystems and defense electronics, precision weapons, armament systems, and advanced aerospace structures.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will develop and design composite components, assemblies, and associated manufacturing and test tooling. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Test, and other Engineering functions to ensure successful execution and delivery of hardware.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Design complex assemblies including high strength & stiffness composite laminates, honeycomb sandwich structures, and metallic interface hardware

Create, prototype, design, and analyze tools and fixtures for manufacturing and testing of composite parts and assemblies. Tools include layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and test fixtures

Develop and refine components and subsystems utilizing design skills, hand calculations, CAD modeling software and analytical tools

Perform detailed 3D designs and generate 2D engineering drawings

Participate and present in internal and external (customer) design reviews. Includes generation of presentation media for PDR, CDR, and MRR type reviews

Support manufacturing and test of fixtures and hardware as required

Aid in the generation of manufacturing and test plans

Support procurement of flight hardware and tooling

Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals of the program team, matrix organization, and customers

Support continuous improvement of departmental tools and procedures

Ensure designs meet manufacturing and test plans, while maintaining targets for cost and schedule

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with eight (8) years of experience in a structural design field; OR Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with six (6) years of experience in a structural design field.

Aerospace experience with product definition and design. Understanding of specifications, SOW's, drawings, ICD compliance

Understanding of aerospace materials and assembly methods (bonding/fastening)

Ability to perform design of complex, multi-piece tool assemblies to ensure successful execution of manufacturing and test plans

Experience in Siemens NX and Teamcenter.

Experience in drawing generation, with practical knowledge and use of GD&T

Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) principles and mistake-proofing techniques

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with aerospace tooling, including composite layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Experience with composite/metallic assemblies including bonded/fastened joints and associated materials, adhesives and fasteners

Demonstrated initiative and strong interpersonal skills, thriving both independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Experience with composite manufacturing processes and applications (layup, machining, bonding & assembly)

Active Government clearance

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

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