2027 Associate Propulsion Engineer/Propulsion Engineer

Location: Promontory, UT (May also consider Clearfield, UT; Salt Lake City, UT; or Magna, UT)

About the Role

Northrop Grumman is seeking an Associate Propulsion Engineer or a Propulsion Engineer to join their Propulsion Engineering Team. This role supports various engineering functions including Design and Analysis, Material Science, Product Development, and Test and Integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and analysis of propulsion system components such as rocket motors, nozzles, materials, and propellant grains.
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations, including CFD, to predict propulsion system performance, thermal response, and structural integrity.
• Support the design, execution, and documentation of propulsion system tests, including data acquisition and post-test analysis.
• Contribute to technical documentation, including design specifications, 3D CAD models, drawings, test plans, and engineering reports.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and interdisciplinary teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action planning for propulsion system issues.
• Participate in design reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain awareness of industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies in propulsion engineering.
• Help implement collaborative engineering processes across multiple disciplines to optimize design performance and achieve cost and manufacturing rate objectives.
• Work with senior engineers to evaluate manufacturing and product defects against performance requirements and identify improvement actions.
• Evaluate supply chain items and materials for suitability in designs and production, supporting quality and performance requirements (often using Statistical Process Control tools).

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Associate Propulsion Engineer Qualifications:
• Completing or has completed a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Major in Mechanical, Chemical, Material Science, or Aerospace Engineering or related STEM field.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Ability to obtain Special Access Program access.
• Propulsion Engineer Qualifications:
• Completing or has completed a Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Major in Mechanical, Chemical, Material Science, or Aerospace Engineering or related STEM field.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Ability to obtain Special Access Program access.

Preferred Qualifications (For Both Levels)

• Internships or co-op experience in aerospace, defense, or propulsion.
• Hands-on experience with engineering tools such as ANSYS/CFD, MATLAB, Python, and CAD.
• Experience with energetics, rockets, or chemical propulsion in school projects (e.g., rocketry clubs, coursework, or capstone assignments).
• Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher.