Sr. Principal Data & Instrumentation Wind Tunnel Engineer

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Redondo Beach
Posted on: January 21, 2023

Job Description:

Sr. Principal Data & Instrumentation Wind Tunnel Engineer

• Clearance Type: Secret
• Telecommute: No- Teleworking not available for this position
• Shift: 1st Shift (United States of America)
• Travel Required: Yes, 25% of the Time
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available
• Positions Available: 1 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.
  
  The Data Engineer will be supporting wind tunnel and ground test activities. Responsibilities will include the following tasks: developing data reduction and data analysis tools, source selection and implementation of data acquisition hardware and software, instrumentation sensor selection and specification, and maintaining/upgrading existing facility systems. Duties include supporting fellow engineers with the preparation of system specifications, statements of work, drawings and schematics that satisfy test and system requirements. Design and adapt data system interfaces to specific testing needs. Design, develop and maintain databases that manage test instrumentation and data system requirements. Support engineering requests for data products and assist in analytical data processing. Prospective candidates will also provide full-spectrum data engineering support for tests conducted at company facilities as well as company sponsored tests located at other facilities.Essential Functions:
  • Follow test methods, procedures, and standards during the performance of tests.
  • Write data reduction and processing code as needed to support special and unique testing efforts.
  • Program in engineering software environments (e.g. LabView, Python, C++, Fortran) to create PID control systems for unique aeromechanical hardware.
  • Utilize strain gages, pressure transducers, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, ---etc. to accurately capture the state and condition of test hardware.
  • Conduct tests and record data to assist with engineering evaluation and analysis.
  • Work with team leads to provide guidance and selection of instrumentation, sensors and tools to meet test objectives.
  • Setup of equipment and instrumentation in accordance with test procedures and specifications.
  • Produce engineering documentation, reports, drawings, and schematics.
  • Develop, update, and maintain wind tunnel test processes and procedures.
  • Prepare presentations that convey project status and challenges, and communicate to leadership as needed, along with contributing towards the department's technical tools and resources.
  • Support offsite testing activities.Basic Qualifications:
    • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) from an accredited university with 8 years of relevant industry experience.
    • A current active in-scope U.S. Government (DoD) Department of Defense Secret security clearance and ability to obtain special program access is required.
    • Comprehend aerodynamic and propulsion principles and coefficients.
    • Applicants must have familiarity with coding in common engineering languages, e.g. C/C++, Python, Matlab, and LabView.
    • Basic understanding of Wheatstone bridge sensors, strain gages, thermocouples, accelerometers, optical encoders.
    • Systems engineering experience with the ability to identify and interpret requirements and generate ICDs (Interface Control Document).
    • Ability to read, interpret and implement technical drawings, electrical schematics, requirements specifications and test procedures.
    • Familiarity with electronic equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power supplies and multi-meters.
    • Highly motivated and willing to quickly learn aspects of wind tunnel testing and data acquisition.
    • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.Preferred Qualifications:
      • Bachelors/Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering with focus on controls or applications with instrumentation and data collection.
      • 10 years of engineering experience in an aerospace engineering environment.
      • Experience in electro-mechanical assembly (soldering irons, crimpers, etc.).
      • Experience with wind tunnel operations and testing methods.
      • Direct hands-on experience with data acquisition systems and test measurement.
      • Experience with electro-mechanical controls engineering applications.
      • Knowledge of specialized wind tunnel instrumentation types and their usage (force balances, electronically scanned pressure modules, hot wire anemometry).
      • Strain gage design, selection and application experience.
      • Understanding of metrology, uncertainty analysis, and sources of measurement error.
      • Knowledge with the Fortran programming language. Salary Range: $129,700 USD - $194,500 USD Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ .Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO . U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.
        • Be part of a culture that thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work.
        • Use your skills to build and deliver innovative tech solutions that protect the world and shape a better future.
        • Enjoy benefits like work-life balance, education assistance and paid time off.Did you know?Northrop Grumman leads the industry team for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, the largest, most complex and powerful space telescope ever built. Launched in December 2021, the telescope incorporates innovative design, advanced technology, and groundbreaking engineering, and will fundamentally alter our understanding of the universe.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Redondo Beach , Sr. Principal Data & Instrumentation Wind Tunnel Engineer, Engineering , Redondo Beach, California