Northrop Grumman's Intelligence Systems Division is a leading designer, producer, and supplier of spacecraft components that power and enable satellites of all classes. Products include spacecraft panels, bus structures, precision optical structures, deployable structural systems and mechanisms, solar arrays, and antenna reflectors. Our products are on virtually every U.S. satellite built in the last 20 years. Learn more about Mission Enabling Products at our website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/spacecraft-components/.
Our Deployables Operating Unit is hiring for a Manufacturing Engineer (Level 2). This position will be located in Goleta, CA.
Core Responsibilities:
Develops manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for assembly of spacecraft deployable mechanisms.
Designs sequence of operations and specifies procedures for the fabrication of tools and equipment and other functions that affect product performance.
May incorporate inspection and test requirements into the production plan.
Inspects performance of machinery, equipment, and tools to verify their efficiency, and investigates and initiates corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure product quality.
Provides guidance to engineering regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques.
Ensures processes and procedures are in compliance with regulations and best-practices.
This requisition may be filled at either a Manufacturing Engineer (Level 2) or a Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Level 3) grade based on the qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualifications for Manufacturing Engineer (Level 2):
2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree; 0 years of relevant experience with a Masters' degree; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Hands on experience resolving productivity or quality issues in a manufacturing or development environment.
Experience with Root Cause & Corrective Actions (RCCA) and Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Technical leadership of complex projects.
GD&T Geometric Dimension & Tolerancing, also known by ASME y14.5
Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
Understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
Preferred Qualifications:
Manufacturing or Systems Engineering experience with spaceflight hardware.
Experience with Root Cause & Corrective Actions (RCCA) and Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Technical leadership of complex projects.
GD&T Geometric Dimension & Tolerancing, also known by ASME y14.5
Experience with process innovation.
Experience with MES (Manufacturing Execution System).
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree with 2 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 0 years of relevant experience; an additional 4 years of experience may substitute for the degree.
- Hands-on experience resolving productivity or quality issues in a manufacturing or development environment.
- Experience with Root Cause and Corrective Actions (RCCA).
- Experience with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
- Technical leadership of complex projects.
- Knowledge of GD&T and ASME Y14.5.
- Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
- Understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
- Manufacturing or systems engineering experience with spaceflight hardware.
- Experience with process innovation.
- Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
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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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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.








