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Principal/Senior Principal Structural Engineer

Principal/Senior Principal Structural Engineer

CompanyNorthrop Grumman
LocationGoleta, CA, USA
Salary$100300 – $187300
TypeFull-Time
DegreesBachelor’s, Master’s
Experience LevelSenior, Expert or higher

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) discipline with five or more years applicable experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with three or more years applicable experience
  • Spacecraft/Aerospace materials experience for metals, adhesives, thermoplastics, etc.
  • Experience with FEA analysis, preferably ANSYS or Femap/NASTRAN, for structural analysis of designs
  • Ability to verify validity of simulation results by hand-calcs and/or comparison with heritage programs and to perform bolted joint analyses
  • US Citizenship is a requirement
  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with nine or more years applicable experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with seven or more years applicable experience
  • Experience with FEA modeling & analysis (ANSYS or Femap/NASTRAN) for design of structures
  • Experience with system/sub-system FEA modeling/analysis, piece parts, static, modal, buckling, dynamic (sine, random, acoustic), thermal strength/distortion, and bolted joint analyses
  • Knowledge of failure theories for metallic, composite, adhesive, and honeycomb core structures
  • Ability to verify simulation results by hand-calcs and/or comparison with heritage programs
  • Must be self-motivated with excellent technical communication skills
  • US Citizenship is a requirement

Responsibilities

  • Create FEA models based on Creo assembly/part geometries. Make assumptions/simplifications to adequately represent load path, boundary conditions, and material properties.
  • Perform static, sine, random vibe, and acoustic dynamic analyses and compute strength margins, develop notching, response and force limiting. Develop driving load cases for piece part analyses.
  • Modelling and analysis of sandwich panels, composite materials, and bonded joints. Assess strength based on pertinent failure modes of sandwich composite structures.
  • Review drawings, requirements for materials, structure systems & subsystems and perform required analyses to demonstrate compliance.
  • Document static/dynamic test plans and procedure requirements
  • Participate and present in internal and external (customer) design reviews
  • Strive for the highest possible structural performance that is also cost effective and assures complete reliability
  • Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals of the program team, matrix organization, and customers

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with structures and mechanisms for moving mechanical assemblies such as solar arrays, booms, and other support structures and mechanisms for satellite subsystems
  • Demonstrable problem-solving skills with hands-on project experience
  • Candidate has detailed mechanical design knowledge of structures, mechanisms, release and drive actuators, bearings, and material selection
  • Working knowledge of applicable manufacturing processes such as machining, finishing, and rapid prototyping
  • Non-linear and transient FEA analysis
  • Multibody and flexible body dynamic analyses
  • Experience with vibration testing of flight hardware
  • Four or more years of direct Mechanical Engineering experience, preferably in the spacecraft or aerospace industry, with significant project ownership
  • Ability to work independently as well as in an integrated team and adapt to change and dynamic requirements
  • Strong communication and analytical skills and discipline with the ability to organize and prioritize job assignments and tasks
  • Experience with thermal engineering concepts, thermal analysis techniques, and experience utilizing software such as Thermal Desktop
  • Practical understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5-2009)
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint…)