Principal Engineer - Mechanical & Structures

AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: AU- Secret (NV1)

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

We are Northrop Grumman Australia. Our 800 strong team is leveraging unparalleled global resources to deliver sovereign Defence capability aligned to the Government’s priorities across Aeronautics, Mission Critical Systems, Space and Guided Weapons. As we build our business and our capabilities, we are also developing a reputation as a great place to work. Help us define what is possible for our nation and for your career. 

We have an opportunity for a Principal Engineer, Mechanical & Structures to provide senior engineering authority supporting the KC‑30A aircraft in service with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Your Role

This is a senior role for an experienced aerospace engineer who wants genuine ownership — trusted to independently review and approve engineering solutions, guide airworthiness decisions, and mentor engineers in a regulated 21J design environment. Your judgement carries weight here.

The role is based in Springfield, Greater Brisbane, offering long‑term stability, strong engineering standards, and the chance to influence how a maturing Military Design Organisation operates.

Key Responsibilities    

As a senior member of the Airframes team, you will provide technical leadership across mechanical and structures engineering activities, including:

• independent review and approval of design artefacts, repairs and modifications
• exercising delegated engineering authority across MDO, CAM and MTCH activities
• assessing airworthiness issues, technical risks and system safety impacts
• mentoring engineers and strengthening technical standards across the team
• contributing to continuous improvement of engineering processes and governance

About You

You are an experienced aviation engineer with strong exposure to continuing airworthiness and design assurance. You are comfortable making engineering decisions, standing behind them, and guiding others through complex technical challenges.

You bring deep experience in a 21J Design Organisation, solid knowledge of certification and configuration management, and the credibility to hold or obtain DE1 and CVE authority. You value engineering integrity, clear accountability, and environments where quality comes before shortcuts.

What we Offer  

We have built our benefits to help you define your possible.  

• Professional Development – further education, leadership development, professional industry memberships and unlimited access to a range of online training
• Purchased annual leave – 2 weeks
• Salary packaging including novated car leases
• Generous paid parental leave – 18 Weeks
• Volunteer and enhanced Reservist Leave
• Health & Wellbeing program
• Employee Assistance Program

Everyone Matters 
Doing the right thing and sharing success are two values underpinning how we behave at Northrop Grumman. Here, everyone matters including candidates from diverse backgrounds. 

We are particularly proud of our commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as demonstrated through our Second Innovate RAP (2024-2026), and our support for Veteran employment, and welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Veterans to apply to join our team. 

For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact thea.baker@au.ngc.com Please note files cannot be received via this email.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, you must be an Australian Citizen. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are applicable, as such your nationality may be a factor in determining your suitability for this role. You will also need to satisfy police checks and employment screening verification.