Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal CNC Programmer or Sr. Principal CNC Programmer based out of Sunnyvale, CA.
Marine Systems is a leading provider of naval propulsion and tactical equipment support systems. This position requires a candidate who will specialize in the fabrication (machining) of high-value, large-scale precision metal components (low-volume / high-mix) and someone with a strong background in plasma and oxy-fuel cutting and computer numerical control (CNC) programming experience.
What You’ll get to Do:
Create, validate, and maintain CNC programs that support the machining of large-scale, complex, precision metal components fabricated on plasma and oxy-fuel cutters (CAM file generation, post-processor machine code generation).
Perform technical data package review of components that require fabrication (CAD models & engineering drawings).
Develop advanced nesting strategies to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap. Identify, select, and procure appropriate tooling for job-specific applications (based on part material, geometry, features, tolerances, system rigidity, and equipment capability).
Perform program prove-out validation (computer simulation tools, ‘tabletop’ peer reviews, First Time Process Reviews, machine dry runs).
Participate in and lead cross-functional teams comprised of machinists/operators, manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, supply chain representatives, quality engineers/inspectors, and operations/program management to support program schedule & performance goals, mitigate manufacturing risks, and improve operational efficiency.
Evaluate new equipment, software upgrades, and cutting technologies; make recommendations for capital investments.
This position is for a 1st Shift position; however, occasional extended shift, off-shift, and/or weekend support may be required.
Occasional travel may be required for training purposes or to participate in equipment selection/acceptance activities (less than 10%).
This position can be filled at a Principal CNC Programmer or Sr. Principal CNC Programmer level.
Basic Qualifications for the Principal CNC Programmer:
Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR 3 or more years with a Master's (4 years of additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
Minimum 2 years of direct experience working in a machining CNC programming role.
Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding manufacturing blueprints and process plans.
Minimum 2 years of experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Experience creating and editing CNC programs that support the machining of precision components.
Experience creating and/or editing 3D CAM files.
Ability to work swing, graveyard, and weekend shifts (up to 20%).
Basic Qualifications for the Sr. Principal CNC Programmer:
Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; OR 6 or more years with a Master's (4 years of additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
Minimum 2 years of direct experience working in a machining CNC programming role.
Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding manufacturing blueprints and process plans.
Minimum 2 years of experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Experience creating and editing CNC programs that support the machining of precision components.
Experience creating and/or editing 3D CAM files.
Ability to work swing, graveyard, and weekend shifts (up to 20%).
Preferred Qualifications for Principal CNC Programmer and Sr. Principal CNC Programmer:
Experience/proficiency working with materials requirements planning (MRP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and SAP experience preferred.
Experience using Sigmanest or Pronest to create NC programs for multi-axis plasma and oxy-fuel cutters.
Experience in CNC programming for multi-axis waterjets and laser cutters.
Experience with Siemens NX CAD/CAM.
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that fosters your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and the 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!
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree with minimum 5 years relevant experience OR Master's with 3+ years (or equivalent experience)
- Bachelor's degree with minimum 8 years relevant experience OR Master's with 6+ years (Sr. Principal level)
- Minimum 2 years direct experience in a machining CNC programming role
- Experience reading and interpreting manufacturing blueprints and process plans
- Minimum 2 years experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- Experience creating and editing CNC programs supporting precision components
- Experience creating and/or editing 3D CAM files
- Ability to work swing, graveyard, and weekend shifts (up to 20%)
- Experience/proficiency with MRP, MES, and SAP (preferred)
- Experience using Sigmanest or Pronest for multi-axis plasma and oxy-fuel cutters (preferred)
- Experience in CNC programming for multi-axis waterjets and laser cutters (preferred)
- Experience with Siemens NX CAD/CAM (preferred)
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.
