Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Our Industrial Engineers thrive in an environment of daily unique challenges and close proximity to products. Partnering with production, successful Industrial Engineers lead troubleshooting and ensure excellence in hardware and software. Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product, collaborate and communicate well across functions, and are innovative problem solvers. Best suited to this role are those who enjoy learning and bring a sense of urgency and energy to their tasks.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join us as a Principal Industrial Engineer to support our continuous improvement (CI) efforts base in Rolling Meadows, IL. (This is a full-time on-site position).
What you will get to do:
This position will drive a sustainable culture of continuous improvement and will champion implementation of lean principles and structured problem-solving techniques to support all manufacturing processes.
Lead cross functional improvement projects from concept to closure and sustainment
Collaborate with site leadership and teams to ensure alignment with sector initiatives
Manage and analyze databases to drive insights and CI activities (standard work, 5S, storage optimization, and root cause analysis) to reduce waste and improve labor efficiency
Facilitate root cause analyses, value stream mapping, kaizen events, and other structured improvement activities to achieve results
Perform forecasting, simulation modeling, and bottleneck analyses specifically in ramping production lines to optimize product flow and critical paths through the factory
Serve as a subject matter expert in Six Sigma methodologies, including supporting the Green Belt certification process
Establish or support training programs for production operations to sustain process improvements
The ideal candidate will possess:
Demonstrated success leading cross functional teams and implementing improvement projects in a manufacturing environment
Facilitation, coaching, and communication skills with the ability to engage and motivate teams at all levels
Excellent analytical skills with data visualizations and reporting experience
Basic Qualifications for the Principal Industrial Engineer:
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in manufacturing/production, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering roles
Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement certification
Experience in Root Cause Corrective Action/Problem Solving with quantifiable improvement results
The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance
U.S. Citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications:
Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent continuous improvement certification
Experience with Microsoft Excel (Formulas: VLOOKUP, INDEXMATCH, IF statements, pivot tables, pivot charts etc.)
Experience using simulation software for forecasting and capacity modeling
Experience with Minitab Statistical Software
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that 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!
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00The 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 in Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 5 years relevant experience in manufacturing/production, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering
- Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement certification
- Experience in Root Cause Corrective Action/Problem Solving with quantifiable improvement results
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and implementing manufacturing improvement projects
- Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent
- Experience with Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, IF statements, pivot tables/charts)
- Experience using simulation software for forecasting and capacity modeling
- Experience with Minitab statistical software
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.
