Principal/Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

At the heart of who we are, Northrop Grumman is an American manufacturing company building the next generation of innovation for the United States and its allies. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Waynesboro, VA will deliver advanced radars, communications antennas, and electronic warfare capabilities. Slated to open in 2026, we are adding hundreds of high-quality jobs in the heart of Virginia. Together, we will work to deliver the world's most advanced technologies to protect our national security.

A security clearance is not required to apply to or to start this job. The selected candidate will be processed for a security clearance after she/he starts the job.

We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer or a Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer based out of Waynesboro, Virginia.

  

What You'll Get to Do:

Support Assembly and Coating operations at our Central Virginia manufacturing facilities.

As a hands-on ME, you will design, implement, and improve work instruction and manufacturing operations in our Assembly and Coating cells, engaging in digital tools to streamline operations and manufacturing sequences.  You will collaborate with peers, assemblers, and technicians to ensure operational readiness.  Knowledge of equipment functionality and capability are paramount as you support metric driven decisions on operations and maintenance KPI's.  You will also troubleshoot equipment and perform preventive maintenance tasks while developing process improvements.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Support manufacturing by developing processes and methodologies with a focus on safety, yields, cost, and process stability and capability.

• Provide ROI justification for process improvements and equipment purchases.

• Develop and implement shop floor digital solutions for PM and Operations.

• Collaborate with OEM's when troubleshooting and developing failure mode corrective actions.

• Develop digital work instructions for manufacturing and maintenance tasks.

We are looking for candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, possess excellent communication skills, and have a passion for innovation and teamwork.

Travel will be less than 25% and will decrease after the first 12-18 months.

This requisition may be filled as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer or a Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer.

 

Basic Qualifications for the Principal Manufacturing Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production and/or equipment maintenance. Or a Master's degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production and/or equipment maintenance. Candidates with an Associate's degree and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production and/or equipment maintenance will also be considered.

• Experience developing digital work instruction for complete processes or assemblies

• Experience in MS Office software applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.)

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret level security clearance

• US Citizenship is required.

Basic Qualifications for the Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production and/or equipment maintenance. Or a Master's degree and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production and/or equipment maintenance. Candidates with an Associate's degree and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production and/or equipment maintenance will also be considered.

• Experience developing digital work instruction for complete processes or assemblies

• Experience in MS Office software applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.)

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret level security clearance

• US Citizenship is required.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering

• Experience with antenna and electronic warfare assemblies

• DFM/DFA experience

• Experience with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting

• Experience with material coating and bonding processes

• Experience in automation systems and experience in production environments

• CAD modeling experience

• Bonding, material coating experience

• Experience with inventory and logistics

• Experience with PLCs and automation solutions

• Six Sigma certification and proficiency in applied statistics

• Demonstrated experience using artificial intelligence to accelerate effective process development 

 

What We Can Offer You:

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, $134,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $111, $167,500.00The 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 U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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