Chief Engineer - 5
Northrop GrummanDescription
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.If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome. As a Propulsion Engineer – Level 5 your role at Promontory, UT will be pivotal in supporting missions critical to national and global security. Ready to join forces with our visionary team?
The NASA Programs Nozzle Deputy Chief Engineer is responsible for technical planning and execution across the Integrated Product Team (IPT). Reporting to the NASA Programs Deputy Chief Engineer Manager with dotted line reported to the NASA Programs Chief Engineer, this role supports all aspects of nozzle development—including wrapping, machining, bonding, and associated adhesives—through design and analysis, testing (subscale and ground), verification/certification, and production support. The deputy chief engineer is responsible for the technical integrity of the nozzle with given cost and schedule constraints, including technical review of hardware discrepancies. The SLS program currently operates two five‑segment booster configurations: a baseline design that is flight‑certified and in production, and a new booster under development to replace the baseline on later missions.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Lead IPT technical planning, risk management, and execution for nozzle‑related activities.
Technical Project Planning and Logic Development. Owner of requirements and requirements compliance
Oversee design reviews, analysis, and documentation for nozzle wrapping, machining, bonding, and adhesive processes.
Coordinate ground‑test campaigns, ensuring data quality and compliance with verification and certification requirements.
Provide technical guidance and support to production teams, addressing manufacturing issues, and implementing corrective actions.
Support Program Management Office to monitor cost, schedule, and performance metrics to ensure that nozzle deliverables meet program objectives.
Interface with the NASA Programs Chief Engineer, Deputy Chief Engineer Manager, and external stakeholders to communicate status, risks, and technical decisions.
Mentor junior engineers and facilitate knowledge sharing across the nozzle engineering community. Project-level scope execution tracking and control
Support for Configuration Control Boards, Flight Review Boards and Material Review Boards (as required)
Other duties as assigned
Why you? You’re the candidate we’re searching for if you are ready to achieve the impossible alongside like-minded innovators.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with 12 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 10 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 8 years of professional experience.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance
Minimum 8 years of experience in propulsion hardware development, preferably with nozzle design, manufacturing, or testing.
Proven experience leading technical teams within a high‑stakes aerospace program.
Strong knowledge of structural and thermal analysis, and materials science.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline.
Experience with the Space Launch System (SLS) or comparable launch vehicle programs.
Familiarity with NASA standards, procedures, and certification processes.
Expertise in finite‑element analysis, CFD, and advanced manufacturing techniques for rocket nozzles.
Leadership experience in multi‑disciplinary IPTs and mentorship of senior engineers.
Published technical papers or patents related to propulsion or nozzle technologies.
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
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: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00The 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.