Aerodynamics Systems Engineer 4 (AHT)
Northrop Grumman
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Los Angeles, CA · Posted October 2, 2026
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About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
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 Defense Systems (DS) is seeking an Aerodynamics Systems Engineer 4 to provide technical solutions to a wide range of complex difficult aerodynamics problems for weapon systems within the Advanced Weapons Business Unit located in Northridge, CA. Our Advanced Weapons team designs, develops, and manufactures missile systems that support U.S. national and allied security objectives.
This position is required to be full-time, on-site in the Northridge, CA location. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must have a current US Government DoW Secret security clearance .
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Aerodynamics Systems Engineer 4 will independently determine and develop approach to aerodynamics solutions to complex difficult aerodynamics problems. This role focuses on the performance, stability, and controllability of missiles and other guided weapons across the flight envelope. You will work closely with systems engineering, guidance and control, test, and manufacturing teams to ensure aerodynamic performance requirements are met and verified. Your work will provide aerodynamic analysis and design activities for advanced weapon systems, supporting U.S. Government and defense customers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collaborate with other engineering disciplines in supersonic/hypersonic airframe design and analysis with appropriate aerodynamic methodologies and prediction tools.
Design CFD and Wind Tunnel test matrix. Conduct CFD and Wind Tunnel tests and evaluate test results. Generate and verify aerodynamic coefficient table and modeling them in the 6DOF (degree-of-freedom) simulation testbed.
Conduct design reviews of aero models and compare them to validated models or empirically derived data. Attend and present at various design reviews and test readiness reviews.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant experience; or MS with 6 years of the prior mentioned experience or a PhD with 4 years of the same experience
Experience using Ansys Fluent, STAR-CCM+, or CFD++
Strong aerodynamic design experience, including control surface sizing and prediction of 6 component aerodynamic coefficients
Experience developing stability and control derivatives, developing test matrices for CFD and wind tunnel testing, conducting CFD analyses and wind tunnel tests, and critically evaluating test and analytic results
Experience developing 6DOF aerodynamic models and verifying aerodynamic models in 6DOF nonlinear simulations
Experience with FNS CFD solvers, potential flow codes, Missile DATCOM or equivalent, MATLAB, and Simulink
Experience collaborating in flight vehicle system development
Current US Government DoW Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Masters or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or Aerodynamics
Experience in the following: Tactical missile design, Flight vehicle control actuation system sizing, Flight dynamics analyses and predictions
Working knowledge of Multi-Disciplined Analysis and Optimization
Understanding of Configuration management, Missile guidance and flight control, inclusive of the software development process
#NorthridgeOct26
Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
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.