Propulsion Engineer - Elkton MD

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
Relocation assistance may be available.

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START:
No

CLEARANCE TYPE:
Secret

TRAVEL:
Yes, 10% of the Time

Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Staff Propulsion Engineer to own and lead solid‑propellant rocket motor (SRM) engineering design efforts at its Elkton, Maryland facility. The role will be hired into Staff Engineer level 5 in the High‑Speed Tactical Boosters (HSTB) group, focusing on solid rocket motors for launch vehicles, missile systems, and space missions.

• Perform architecture‑level trade studies and lead technical analyses, risk/opportunity assessments, and strategic objective support.
• Perform design and high‑level analysis of SRM materials (including energetics), structural components, and control systems for propulsion applications.
• Apply engineering principles, industry and company standards, and customer requirements to develop propulsion hardware such as valves, solid rocket motors, and thrusters for launch vehicles, missile systems, and space missions.
• Lead multidisciplinary design, optimization, and analysis strategies to meet mission requirements. Take ownership of the product development process and delegate work.
• Define, plan, and oversee testing activities required to validate designs, including solid rocket motor tests at the Elkton campus or external ranges.
• Mentor junior engineers, build and transfer knowledge, and conduct independent reviews of milestones and technical work products.
• Participate in failure investigations, determine corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support technical business development activities such as proposals and white‑paper preparation.

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM and at least 12 years of experience; or Master’s degree with 10 years of experience; or PhD with 8 years of experience.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams in the design and development of new products.
• Experience mentoring early‑career and/or entry‑level employees.

• Rocketry, solid rocket motors, aerospace propulsion systems, missiles, flight vehicles, and/or energetics.
• Experience with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, CAD, and product lifecycle management (PLM) tools.
• Background in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and/or aeronautical engineering.
• Proficiency in multi‑disciplinary teamwork.
• Knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5‑2009), design for assembly/manufacturing (DFA/DFM), and engineering design principles.
• Skill with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
• Active DoD Secret clearance.

This position falls under a Federal Explosives License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for this location. Candidates hired into this role will be required to complete and submit an Employee Possessor Questionnaire to ATF for approval to be a possessor.

Primary Level Salary Range: $ – $.

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Daily bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions and share in company results. Leadership positions may also qualify for long‑term incentives. Benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation and personal business.

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  U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.