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Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an opening for a Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The position requires on-site support located in Palmdale, CA where technology and teamwork come together. The selected candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman’s Manufacturing Engineering Team working in a collaborative environment while promoting a positive and proactive teamwork environment.

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. 

  • Provide liaison support for Engineering definition to influence low production costs for integrated assembly related to electrical, hydraulics, fuels, fluids and propulsion systems

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 have the ability to 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 experience in engineering, production assembly/fabrication including composites, metallic, coatings application, and/or production manufacturing operations, Master’s Degree with 6 years of experience in engineering, production assembly/fabrication including composites, metallic, coatings application, and/or production manufacturing operations, or PhD with 4 years of experience in engineering, production assembly/fabrication including composites, metallic, coatings application, and/or production manufacturing operations

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems 

  • Proficient reviewing and interpreting Blueprints and 3-D models

  • Proficient knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)

  • Ability to interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors

  • Composite experience and process knowledge

  • Experience with project management and/or leading projects

  • Ability to work 1st shift "5:00am-3:30pm" or 2nd shift "4:12pm-2:42am" and any work schedule (times may vary) 

  • 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 travel up to 10%

  • Active in-scope DOD Secret security clearance that has been granted / renewed within the past 5 years

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access

  • Liaison Mfg. Eng. Physical Demands: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

    • Traverse unit/product and operate in manufacturing/production environment to include: tooling, stands, ladders, steps etc. while wearing appropriate PPE, Occasionally enter confined space.

    • Ability to work for extended periods of time at a workstation on a computer or similar device for up to 10 hours / duration of shift. Occasional extended periods of standing, bending, kneeling

    • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to, steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards)

    • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair)

    • Must be able to access and navigate all areas in the facility and access all machinery.

    • Ability to be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

  • BTP Mfg. Eng. Physical Demands: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to

    • Ability to work for extended periods of time at a workstation on a computer or similar device for up to 10 hours / duration of shift. Occasional extended periods of standing, bending, kneeling.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • STEM Degree (Science, Technical, Engineering or Mathematical)

  • Experience working hands-on in a production assembly line environment

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

  • Secret or Top Secrete clearance preferred

Salary Range: $124,900.00 - $187,300.00

The 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.

Average salary estimate

$156100 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$124900K
$187300K

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What You Should Know About Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer, ngc

At Northrop Grumman, the position of Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer isn't just about engineering; it's about revolutionizing the future. Based in the vibrant city of Palmdale, California, you’ll join a dynamic team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology across various domains. In this role, you'll provide essential guidance to the Engineering team to ensure manufacturing techniques align perfectly with innovative design concepts. Your contributions will significantly influence the design reviews for tools, ensuring they are efficient and effective, ultimately minimizing production costs and build times. As an integral part of the Manufacturing Engineering team, you'll tackle complex challenges by investigating non-conforming products and spearheading initiatives designed to enhance producibility and affordability. In this collaborative environment, your hands-on approach and technical expertise will provide innovative and practical solutions to multifaceted issues while being the voice of Manufacturing within the organization. A solid engineering background with experience in production assembly/fabrication is required, alongside capabilities in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with EMS tools. If you're ready to leave your mark on history and contribute to projects that impact lives globally, we encourage you to come on board with Northrop Grumman and build the future with us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer Role at ngc
What qualifications are needed for the Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer position at Northrop Grumman?

To qualify for the Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer role at Northrop Grumman, applicants should hold a Bachelor’s Degree along with at least 8 years of engineering experience in manufacturing operations. Alternatively, a Master’s Degree with 6 years or a PhD with 4 years of relevant experience also meets the qualification criteria. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems, and possess a solid knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), along with the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

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What are the primary responsibilities of a Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Northrop Grumman?

As a Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will have a variety of responsibilities that include guiding the Engineering team on manufacturing techniques, participating in tool design reviews, defining production operation sequences, and identifying areas for improvement in manufacturing processes. Your role will also involve addressing non-conforming products to enhance overall producibility and affordability of the assembly line.

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Does the Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer position offer relocation assistance at Northrop Grumman?

Yes, Northrop Grumman may provide relocation assistance for the Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer position, acknowledging the significance of attracting top talent for this crucial role. This support can be beneficial for candidates who may be relocating from other regions to work in Palmdale, California.

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What are the travel requirements for the Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Northrop Grumman?

In the Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer role at Northrop Grumman, candidates should expect occasional travel, averaging around 10% of the time. This aspect of the job allows for broader collaboration with teams and sites crucial to the project efforts and overall mission.

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What benefits are offered to Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineers at Northrop Grumman?

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package for Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineers, including health and life insurance, a 401(k) savings plan, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. Employees may also receive annual bonuses and other incentives based on performance, contributing to a rewarding work experience.

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Common Interview Questions for Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer
Can you describe your experience with production assembly and fabrication processes?

In response to this question, focus on specific projects where you have utilized your skills in production assembly and fabrication. Highlight relevant techniques and materials you've worked with and explain how you approached problem-solving within those processes to improve efficiency and quality.

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What strategies do you use to ensure effective communication within your team?

When answering, mention specific communication methods you employ, such as collaborative tools, regular check-ins, and open-door policies. Share examples of how effective communication has led to successful project outcomes in previous roles.

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How do you handle non-conforming products in a manufacturing environment?

Discuss your systematic approach to identifying, documenting, and addressing non-conforming products. Highlight a specific incident where you resolved a defect and improved the process to prevent future occurrences, emphasizing your analytical skills.

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What tools do you use for project management, and how do they help in your engineering work?

Talk about the specific project management tools you're proficient in and how they enhance your productivity and collaboration. Describe a project where these tools played a pivotal role in meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards.

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How do you ensure that manufacturing techniques align with design specifications?

Address your understanding of the importance of collaboration between Engineering and Manufacturing. Explain the techniques you use to align manufacturing processes with design requirements, such as reviewing design plans thoroughly and participating in design reviews.

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Can you give an example of how you've improved a manufacturing process?

Provide a specific example where you identified a bottleneck in the manufacturing process, the steps you took to address it, and the positive outcome of those actions. Demonstrating tangible results in your answer can strengthen your candidacy.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe your experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

Discuss your familiarity with GD&T, including any projects where you have applied these principles. Mention how understanding GD&T has helped you in accurately interpreting blueprints and ensuring quality manufacturing.

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How do you balance competing priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment?

Explain your approach to prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and project importance. Share an example of how you successfully managed multiple responsibilities while maintaining high-quality work and meeting project goals.

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How do you stay current with advancements in manufacturing technologies?

Mention the resources you use to keep updated with the latest trends and technologies in manufacturing, including industry journals, webinars, and professional networks. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning will resonate with interviewers.

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What role do you believe teamwork plays in engineering projects?

Discuss your views on teamwork as essential to successful engineering projects. Share an experience that illustrates how collaboration led to innovative solutions or improved efficiency, showcasing your ability to work well with others.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 6, 2025

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