Principal Metrology Engineer

We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal Metrology Engineer based out of our Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center.
What You'll Get to Do:

Provide technical leadership for the Laboratory (with the Lead Metrologist)

Support calibration systems and activities involving the traceable and systematic test and measurement characteristics such as length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, luminous intensity, and derived units of physical or chemical measure

Identify the magnitude of error sources contributing to uncertainty of results to determine reliability of measurement process in quantitative terms

Develop calibration methods and techniques based on principles of measurement science, technical analysis of measurement problems, and accuracy and precision requirements

Develop and evaluate metrology calibration systems that measure characteristics of objects, substances, or phenomena, such as length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, luminous intensity, and derived units of physical or chemical measure

Essential Functions:
Standards & Methods

Develop calibration standards, systems and procedures

Inspect and evaluate new calibration standards for proper operation before releasing to calibration laboratory

Recommend standards for use in calibration applications, including Test Equipment Justification

Design and document measurement reference material for laboratory use

Perform uncertainty evaluation and analysis for measurement standards and associated measurement

Calibration

Perform interval analysis

Perform calibrations as required (We have a team of Calibration Technicians who perform routine calibrations.)

Lead or participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis of measurement issues or measurement system problems

Equipment

Evaluate and recommend M&TE for use in measurement applications

Evaluate suppliers' products and work with them to resolve product issues and make improvements

Train technicians and engineers in calibration methodologies and measurement principles

Workflow

Support the workflow as needed (exceptions, extensions, etc.)

Basic Qualifications for the Principal Metrologist:

Bachelor of Science degree or higher in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and a minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience OR a Master's degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant engineering experience

Experience in Mechanical and Electrical Metrology and Calibration with the ability to assist technicians in the performance of calibration

Experience designing and documenting measurement reference material and uncertainty for laboratory use; problem solving for uncertainty

Experience training technicians and engineers in calibration methodologies and measurement principles

Experience in solving technical problems

Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.

US citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Dimensions, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure/Vacuum, and Electrical Metrology

Experience troubleshooting, calibrating, and programming devices, machine centers, VTL's, VBM's and CMMs

Experience in a programming language (PYTHON, C++, Java)

What We Can Offer You:*
Be part of a culture that thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work.
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and 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 application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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 and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Client-provided location(s): Charlottesville, VA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10221723

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-03-13T20:13:19