Principal Mechanical Engineer
United States-Virginia-DullesPosted Jul 13, 2026
Skip to main contentHomeProfileJob SearchApplicationsMy EventsJoin Talent NetworkSign InSingle PositionView All JobsPrincipal Mechanical EngineerUnited States-Virginia-Dulles No longer accepting applications.Job IDR10239900Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Mechanical Engineer – Level 3 to join our team in Dulles, VA. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.Northrop Grumman's Dulles Satellite Manufacturing Facility integrates, tests, and launches state-of-the-art geosynchronous satellites, low-Earth-orbit science and technology spacecraft, International Space Station vehicles, and a host of other orbit technologies.In this job, you will:No design workManufacturing production environment where Engineers coordinate system-level builds and empower touch-labor Technicians. Daily interfacing with Program managers, Functional supervisors, and other disciplines like Elec/RF/QA is required, so good communication skills under occasionally stressful situations is essential.Occasional Hands-on work around extremely fragile space product installations and modifications. After proving reliability over time, more hands-on work becomes availableSecond/third shift 24/7, weekend work, and occasional 4+ weeks travel on launch campaigns (international travel) are *required* of everyone. Occasional short-term projects with travel required. A rotating off-shift coverage allows Engineers to plan ahead up to 3 months, but last minute requests are common to support the dynamic schedules seen in I&TBasic Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 1 year of professional experience. No clearance required to startAbility to demonstrate general technical knowledge in manufacturing including interpreting complex engineering drawings, schematics, and diagrams.100% adherence to established ISO processes, diligence to detail, and efficient execution with quality results for cost effectivenessAbility to learn quickly. Bonding, taping, torquing, etc. with delicate honeycomb composite/aluminum panels and aluminum brackets a minimum. Must have "a touch" for delicate equipment.Ability to identify issues, escalate to appropriate channels, and implement solutions after engineering review to routine process problems of limited scope.Ability to work with diverse team, take constructive feedback from QA support personnel, and understudy with assigned mentor for up to 6 months is requiredKnowledge of basic Excel, Word, Powerpoint, general computer handling, and Tool Control required. ESD, FOD, and 5S management techniques also helpful. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of advanced machine shop principles helpful. Little to no machine shop work is done by I&T Techs, but interfacing with Machine Dept. required on occasion.Security Clearance not required, but ability to initiate clearance process *strongly* preferredExperience with working inside Clean Rooms, Hazardous Material Handling, Hazardous Operations protocols, and related operational protocols strongly recommended.Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:https://www.northropgrumman.com/spaceWorking 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