Northrop Grumman Aeronautics System Sector is seeking a Director Tool Engineering 1 to join our team of qualified, diverse, individuals to lead a Team of Tool designers, engineers, analysts, and technical trade technicians and shops supporting the Strike program. This position will be based out of Palmdale, CA.
The Director of Tool Engineering will be responsible for providing strategic and tactical leadership overseeing all aspects of tool development/design, fabrication, installation implementation, and maintenance. This includes leading major tooling proposals and packages along with cost and schedule development, project management, visibility and communication of these statements of work. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in aerospace and automation tooling specific to operations, fabrication, installation, metrology and managing in-house and outside suppliers/supplier management.
Candidates need to demonstrate a proven track record of successful leadership and a deep understanding of tooling and automation as it relates to assembly lines. Directing the work of tooling managers representing technical, manufacturing and administrative disciplines who are assigned to multiple sites, resolving constraints between functions, and setting /driving organizational strategy. This is a highly visible role that requires excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, which will include the following responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the tooling engineering and technical teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback.
- Collaborate with Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Facilities, Tooling Quality, and Production teams to ensure seamless integration of tooling packages.
- As a CAM, develop and manage various tooling budgets (direct/nonrecurring, sustaining, indirect, capital) to ensure total cost management, budget performance and effective resource allocation.
- Oversee the design/development, fabrication, and installation of tooling fixtures, automation, and equipment required for manufacturing operations.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address tooling/automation issues and improve quality.
- Provide maintenance to all tools/automation/equipment, develop/maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor tooling performance, and identify areas for cost savings and avoidance.
This position will offer 1st Shift – 9/80 with the ability to come in on weekends and work off hours as required by the business, engaging in learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others.
Basic Qualifications:
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree and 10 years’ experience in Tooling/Tool Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline or a Master’s degree and 8+ years’ experience in Tooling/Tool Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Must have 4+ years of management or leadership experience.
- Experience and understanding of tooling processes, including machining, fabrications, assembly, and testing
- Must have an active DoD Secret clearance and the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs and prior to commencement of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- STEM Degree or BS of Science
- Previous tooling and automation experience as it relates to aerospace tooling.
- Managing multiple suppliers across multiple projects
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree and 10 years' experience in Tooling/Tool Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering discipline OR Master's degree and 8+ years' experience
- 4+ years of management or leadership experience
- Experience and understanding of tooling processes, including machining, fabrications, assembly, and testing
- Active DoD Secret clearance and ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access
- Travel availability up to 25%
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems
- Previous aerospace tooling and automation experience
- Managing multiple suppliers across multiple projects
- Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
- Strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional team management skills
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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