Principal/Sr. Principal Structural Analysis Engineer (Active TS or SCI)
United States-California-Redondo Beach$114k–$213kPosted Jul 13, 2026
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
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.
Northrop Grumman Space Sector is seeking a Principal/Sr. Principal Structural Analysis Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join the Vehicle Engineering Directorate within Western Region Engineering. This position is located onsite in Redondo Beach, California.
The Principal/Sr. Principal Structural Analysis Engineer will analyze, research, and develop structural‑engineering specifications for metallic, non‑metallic, and composite materials used in the design and operation of space‑sector products. Responsibilities include evaluating stiffness/strength, durability, and design allowables, as well as creating structural models. Areas of specialization may encompass dynamics and loads (sine, random vibration, acoustic, shock), composite structures, bonded‑joint analysis, stability, static stress, and fatigue. Primary tools include FEMAP, NX NASTRAN, Mathcad, MATLAB, CATIA, and various other software applications.
Additional job responsibilities of a Structural Analysis Engineer include (but are not limited to):
* Metallic and composite structural analyses—develop detailed procedures, evaluate fittings/fasteners/joints/splices, apply acoustics/vibration expertise, plan structural‑integrity testing, create design criteria, assess stability, crippling, durability, and conduct finite‑element modeling.
* Layout sizing and structural‑integrity evaluations.
* Review of material, system, and subsystem requirements.
* Create FEA models and perform system‑ and subsystem‑level structural analyses.
* Participate and present in internal and external (customer) design reviews.
* Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining focus on common project goals.
This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Structural Analysis Engineer level or a Sr. Principal Structural Analysis Engineer level based on the qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualifications - Principal Structural Analysis Engineer (Level 3):
* Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 5 + years of engineering experience or Master’s degree in STEM with 3+ years of engineering experience or Ph.D. in STEM with 1+ year of engineering experience.
* Experience with finite‑element analysis tools (FEMAP, NASTRAN).
* Experience sizing metallic and composite structures.
* Must have active SCI access at the time of application or an active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company, prior to the start date.
Basic Qualifications - Sr. Principal Structural Analysis Engineer (Level 4):
* Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience or Master’s degree in STEM with 6+ years of engineering experience or Ph.D. in STEM with 4+ years of engineering experience.
* Experience with finite‑element analysis tools (FEMAP, NASTRAN).
* Experience sizing metallic and composite structures.
* Must have active SCI access at the time...