Northrop Grumman

Principal Engineer - Avionics

3 Locations
Full-time
Posted Nov 4, 2026

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Job description

AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: AU-Protected (Baseline)

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

Lead engineering excellence on a world class military aviation platform. Northrop Grumman Australia is seeking a Principal Engineer to shape the future of the C-27J Spartan.

This is a rare opportunity to combine technical leadership, aircraft design, airworthiness, certification and operational problem-solving while working on a live Defence aviation capability.

You'll be part of a highly regarded engineering team delivering critical design services, technical investigations, modifications and avionics solutions that help keep aircraft mission ready.

What's in it for you?

We've built an environment where talented engineers can do meaningful work, continue developing their careers and enjoy genuine flexibility.

•9-Day Fortnight & Hybrid Working – Greater flexibility to balance work, study, family and personal commitments.

•Career Development – Further education support, leadership development programs, professional memberships and unlimited access to online learning.

•Additional Leave Options – Purchase up to two weeks additional annual leave, plus volunteer and enhanced Defence Reservist leave.

•18 Weeks Paid Parental Leave – Supporting you and your family through every stage of life.

•Salary Packaging Benefits – Including novated vehicle leasing options.

•Health & Wellbeing Support – Access to wellbeing initiatives and our Employee Assistance Program.

•Meaningful Work – Contribute to the safe operation of critical Defence aviation capability.

About the Opportunity

As a Principal Avionics Engineer, you'll support the continuing airworthiness and design activities of the C-27J Spartan platform.

Working alongside design, maintenance, airworthiness and operational stakeholders, you'll investigate complex aircraft issues, develop engineering solutions, support modifications and contribute to the ongoing safety and effectiveness of the fleet.

This role offers the opportunity to develop Engineering Authority and certification responsibilities while mentoring the next generation of engineers.

What You'll Be Doing

•Lead technical investigations into aircraft avionics issues

•Develop and review aircraft modifications and repairs

•Support flight trials, testing and systems integration activities

•Conduct safety and risk assessments

•Provide specialist avionics advice to internal and external stakeholders

•Support airworthiness and certification activities

•Mentor and coach engineers across the team

•Contribute to engineering excellence and continuous improvement

To be Successful in this role, Ideally you'll bring:

•Degree-qualified Engineering credentials in Avionics, Electronics, Electrical or similar

•Extensive aviation engineering experience

•Exposure to aircraft certification, design, systems engineering or airworthiness

•Australian Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain an AGSVA NV1 Security Clearance

•Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

•Desire to mentor and develop engineering capability

Don't tick every box? We'd still love to hear from you. If you have a relevant engineering background and believe you could bring value to our team, we encourage you to apply!

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.

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.

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