2026 Associate Propulsion Engineer/Propulsion Engineer

About the Role

Northrop Grumman is seeking Associate Propulsion Engineers and Propulsion Engineers for its Space sector in Promontory, UT. This role is part of the Propulsion Engineering Team and 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, including rocket motors, nozzles, materials, and propellant grains.
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations to predict propulsion system performance, including CFD, 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 such as design specifications, 3D CAD models and drawings, test plans, and engineering reports.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and interdisciplinary teams and experts 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 engineering disciplines.
• Work with senior engineers to evaluate manufacturing and product defects.
• Evaluate supply chain items and materials for suitability in designs and production.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Associate Propulsion Engineer:
• 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.
• Propulsion Engineer:
• 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 (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite).
• Ability to obtain Special Access Program access within a reasonable period of time.

Qualifications

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

Location

• Promontory, UT
• May also consider candidates in Clearfield, UT; Salt Lake City, UT; or Magna, UT.

Salary Range

• Associate Propulsion Engineer: $65,800 - $98,800
• Propulsion Engineer: $79,300 - $118,900