We are currently seeking talented individuals for a Principal Engineer Manufacturing position at the Rocket Center, WV location just outside of Cumberland MD. The Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) site in Rocket Center designs, develops, and manufactures tactical rocket motors, medium caliber ammunition, composite components and end items, and fuze and electronics equipment. For decades, the dedicated and highly skilled team at ABL have supported national security efforts by developing and building defense systems for DoD customers and U.S. allies.
This position will we be located on-site at our Rocket Center, WV location. No remote opportunities are available for this position.
The Manufacturing Engineer develops and oversees manufacturing processes based on design requirements. The candidate will develop and maintain detailed work instructions for assigned products/processes, provide suggestions to improve productivity, compile and analyze processing data, investigate manufacturing problems and implement corrective actions, support proposal and development activities and provide day to day support to manufacturing personnel.
Responsibilities
- Adhere to all department and plant safety rules
- Develop Manufacturing Process and Documentation that ensures production hardware and test articles meet engineering and configuration requirements
- Provide analysis and data to support review boards and investigations
- Instruct machine operators on technique and operation of manufacturing equipment
- Perform observations of manufacturing process to establish reasonable expectation of daily throughput
- Interface with all levels and departments of plant
- Prepare tooling sheets, create CNC code and assist operations in machine setup and debug
- Prepare process drawings
- Participate in tooling design, fact finding, and failure investigations
- Monitor manufacturing process through review of SPC data
- Willingness to work off shift when needed
Basic Qualifications Principal Engineer Manufacturing:
- High school diploma and 9 years of relevant experience OR Bachelors degree in a STEM discipline and at least 5 years of relevant experience OR Masters degree in a STEM discipline and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
- Experience in a machine shop environment,
- Capable of writing and editing CNC programs for both turning and machining centers.
- Capable of CNC machine setup and optimization of process.
- Computer skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Experience using CAD/CAM software, AutoCAD, Mastercam, Solid Works or NX.
- Experience with cutting tool selection, fixture design and metal and/ or composite material processing.
- Knowledge and experience with SPC techniques.
- Experience with operation and programming of robotic part loaders.
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively with external customers and all plant personnel.
- Comfortable making presentations in front of peers and senior leadership.
- Working knowledge of GD&T as defined by ANSI/ASME Y14.5M-1994.
- Have an understanding and working knowledge of Lean manufacturing.
- U.S. citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications Principal Engineer Manufacturing:
- Experience with multi-spindle machines.
- Experience with cold forming.
Skills Required
- High school diploma and 9 years OR Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years OR Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of relevant experience.
- Experience in a machine shop environment.
- Capable of writing and editing CNC programs for turning and machining centers.
- Capable of CNC machine setup and optimization of process.
- Computer skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Experience using CAD/CAM software such as AutoCAD, Mastercam, SolidWorks, or NX.
- Experience with cutting tool selection, fixture design and metal and/or composite material processing.
- Knowledge and experience with SPC techniques.
- Experience with operation and programming of robotic part loaders.
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively with external customers and all plant personnel.
- Comfortable making presentations in front of peers and senior leadership.
- Working knowledge of GD&T as defined by ANSI/ASME Y14.5M-1994.
- Understanding and working knowledge of Lean manufacturing.
- U.S. citizenship.
- Experience with multi-spindle machines.
- Experience with cold forming.
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.








