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Posted June 09, 2026
Northrop Grumman

Sr Principal Engineer Propulsion - R10235501

Elkton, MD, US Full Time
$135800 - $203600
Reference: R10235501

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: 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 Propulsion Systems and Controls (PS&C) facility in Elkton, Maryland began solid-propellant rocket operations in 1948. Today, the Elkton PS&C facility designs, develops, and produces solid-propellant propulsion, ordnance and motion controls systems in programs professionally managed for a wide variety of Government and commercial customers. The facility also serves as the hub for offsite engineering and test facilities in Ronkonkoma, NY and Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

Elkton, Maryland is located on the Upper Chesapeake Bay, midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Discover charming small towns, parks with miles of trails, specialty and antique shops, award winning restaurants, and inns.  You can hike, bike, camp, bird watch, ride horseback, or drop a fishing line.  Five rivers, Chesapeake Bay and the C&D Canal can be explored by boat or by land. Experience panoramic views from Turkey Point Lighthouse on a bluff overlooking the Bay, or from the banks of the C&D Canal where ships from around the globe cruise. https://www.ccgov.org/government/tourism

Northrop Grumman is in need of an experience Senior Principle Propulsion Engineer to work at its Elkton, Maryland facility.  The position can be hired into as a Senior Principal Engineer level 4. 

Job Responsibilities:

Perform analysis, design, or test of one or more moderately complex materials (including energetics), structural components, and control systems for propulsion systems. Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company standards and customer requirements to develop propulsion systems (electric, solid/liquid fuel rocket, air-breathing, thrusters) for application in launch vehicles, missile systems, and space mission systems. Coordinate strategy for developing and leveraging multi-disciplinary design, optimization, and analysis processes to support mission requirements. Define and coordinate the conduct of testing required to evaluate design work.

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS ME with 8+ years of engineering experience with 5 or more years working with HTPB non aluminized composite propellants products
  • 5+ years experience designing / building / assembling Divert Attitude Control Systems
  • Experience working with valve manufacturer’s that incorporate refractory metals like rhenium and tungsten for high temperature environments
  • Technical oversite for suppliers of rocket motor materials and components
  • Manufacturing experience with composite case on propellant systems
  • Failure investigation (Root cause / corrective action) exposure
  • Experience working with cross functional teams in the design and development of new products
  • Experience mentoring early career entry employees
  • Experience evaluating manufacturing lines and implementing improvements that have increased profits by double digits
  • No relocation

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00

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. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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