Sr. Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Sr. Principal Manufacturing Engineering job duties involve the following:

Provide guidance to Engineering regarding design concepts to ensure the best manufacturing technique is being used to meet the Engineering design

Participate in tool design reviews to ensure tools are feasible and reduce build times and program costs during assembly

Define sequence of operations for product builds, investigate and initiate corrective actions and improvements that involve non-conforming product and identify improvement opportunities in areas that require producibility and affordability initiatives

As a member of the Advanced Automation team, you will define, develop, implement, and transition new technology solutions to manufacturing to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality. Manufacturing concept and process solutions for production applications cover advanced technologies including but not limited to composites fabrication, assembly, automation, inspection, direct part manufacturing, LO technologies, as well as digital capabilities. The role requires incorporation of requirements into development plans and evaluation of performance of processes and tools to verify their efficiency.
In addition, you will identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure technical, schedule, and cost objectives are met, and product quality is maintained. In this role, you will provide guidance regarding design concepts, directly support, and ensure the successful implementation of new solution capabilities released to production, and specification requirements to best utilize resources and manufacturing techniques, and ensure processes and procedures are in compliance with regulations. This role involves interfacing with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, and executive management. In addition, the role will require the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic/fast-paced work environment. Support leadership in maintaining budget responsibilities and project management objectives.
As a member of the team, you will be involved with all aspects of the technology development and transition to production activities. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

Identify customer needs and define requirements

Identify and develop innovative solutions leveraging technology to meet customer needs

Generate statements of work, requirements, and test plan documents

Develop project deliverables and detail plans, 5) execute established project plans with transition of new capability

Sr. Principal Manufacturing Engineers for Aeronautics Systems are expected to provide technical solutions to a wide range of complex and difficult problems. They are problem solvers who can provide results that are innovative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organization objectives. We seek Manufacturing Engineers that use a unique skill set that includes a hands-on approach and act as the technical representative voice for the Manufacturing organization.
Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of engineering experience or Master's Degree with 7 years of engineering experience or PhD Degree with 4 years of engineering experience

Experience supporting manufacturing / production operations with an understanding of manufacturing processes and procedures

Experience in machining, robotics, or numerical control programming

Experience in composites, automation, heating systems or coatings application

Experience working or knowledge of Process Work Instructions (PWI)

Experience in creating work instructions, training materials & visual aids

Experience reviewing and interpreting Blueprints and 3-D models

Experience in system requirements development, acceptance testing and training

Experience working hands-on in a production assembly line environment

Experience in troubleshooting systems, and root cause and corrective action analysis

Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook

Ability to interface / communicate with multiple levels of leadership, engineering, production, customers, and suppliers

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Ability to work 1st shift, or 2nd shift and any work schedule (times may vary)

This position requires international travel, must be willing to travel at least 50% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Experience in project management and execution (proposal creation, scheduling, budget tracking)

Experience in Manufacturing Execution System and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems

Experience in solid modeling design using NX Siemens, CATIA or Solid Works

Experience providing innovative techniques focused on improving product designs and tooling assemblies or equipment

Experience in using Microsoft Office Project, Visio, SharePoint

Experience in Transition to Production activities

Current and active Secret or Top-Secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $124,900.00 - $187,300.00The 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): Palmdale, CA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10204193

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-08-22T20:11:10