Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Engineer Tool/ Sr. Principal Tool Engineer- Tool Design Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA.
We're seeking a motivated team player to implement and assist activities for our tooling assembly line. Typical candidate has a background/experience/education in manufacturing/mechanical engineering, design, graphics, writing/ illustration, views, and animation.
A successful Principal Engineer Tool/ Sr. Principal Tool Engineer- Tool Design Engineer (TD) – Shall be able to design simple to complex tooling, Drill Jigs and Assembly Jigs, Dies, via Catia/NX to support production. This person shall be able to conceptualize these designs in 3D, detail the CAD model and detail the drawings for fabrication. These drawings shall be properly laid out using views and dimensions that are in compliance with ASME Y14.1-5 standards. The TD, while being the principle contributor and/or leader, shall work with internal/external customers, and colleagues to ensure that the design meets the customer needs and see it through each phase of the engineering process (Design, Fabrication, and Implementation). In addition, it is essential that this person have the ability to mentor less experienced engineers, work autonomously and in a team environment, adapt to processes and company policy while providing input or methods of process/design innovation. Duties include, but are not limited to: Execution/Lead/Coordination of design and fabrication requirements for tools and fixtures with customers, both internal and external. Performing tolerance analysis to ensure form/fit/function. Conduct root cause failure investigations and implement associated corrective actions. Lead and Assist Product Development Team with new product designs to ensure manufacturability, validate process/technology. Core Competencies - Manufacturing Methods - Knowledge of manufacturing, methods, fabrication processes (e.g., forming, stamping, machining, heat treatment, machines/machine tools, cutting tools and fluids, N/C programming, instrumentation, data acquisition and control systems). Ability to select the best method of producing parts, tools or assemblies. Verifiable performance record that includes the various aspects of assembly line operation, Computer Aided Design Tools, Extensive knowledge of computer aided design tools and systems (e.g., computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), computer aided three dimensional interactive (CATIA), Unigraphics). Engineering Drawings & Specs - Excellent ability to read, understand, and interpret engineering drawings and specifications. Basic level understanding of GD&T
Basic Qualifications for Principal Tool Design Engineer:
Bachelor's Degree with 5 years of experience OR a Master’s Degree with 3 years of experience OR a PhD Degree with 1 years of experience in production assembly/fabrication (aerospace preferred) including but not limited to, composites, metallic, coatings application, and production manufacturing operations.
The ability to work 1st shift M-TH then M-Fri 9/80 and any work schedule and necessary to support the program.
Ability to understand/read/apply GD&T to a blueprint.
Ability to communicate with various levels of leadership - Must be able to coordinate and resolve interpersonal and technical problems. Must work well either in a team environment or independently. Ability to work well with little to no supervision.
Ability to obtain and retain DOD clearance and program access in a reasonable time frame.
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Tool Design Engineer:
Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of experience OR a Master’s Degree with 6 years of experience OR a PhD Degree with 4 years of experience in production assembly/fabrication (aerospace preferred) including but not limited to, composites, metallic, coatings application, and production manufacturing operations.
The ability to work 1st shift M-TH then M-Fri 9/80 and any work schedule necessary to support the program.
Ability to understand/read/apply GD&T to a blueprint.
Ability to coordinate with 5+ people ranging from fabrication experts to engineering experts in an effort to define large/ complex statement of work.
Ability to communicate with various levels of leadership - Must be able to coordinate and resolve interpersonal and technical problems. Must work well either in a team environment or independently. Ability to work well with little to no supervision.
Ability to obtain and retain DOD clearance and program access in a reasonable time frame.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's STEM Degree OR Master's STEM Degree
Professional Engineer License
5 years of experience in Catia or NX, 5 years of experience using ASME Y 14.5 in a design role.
5 years of experience in Tool Design
Ability to understand and interpret program/project business needs and develop tooling concept and manufacturing process specifications, plans and processes that support those requirements.
Current and active in-Scope DOD Secret or Top Secret Clearance as well as the ability to obtain Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree with 5 years experience or Master's with 3 years or PhD with 1 year in production assembly/fabrication (aerospace preferred)
- Bachelor's degree with 8 years experience or Master's with 6 years or PhD with 4 years for Senior Principal level (production assembly/fabrication, aerospace preferred)
- Ability to design tooling, drill jigs, assembly jigs and dies using CATIA or NX and produce detailed CAD models and fabrication drawings
- Ability to create drawings compliant with ASME standards and apply GD&T to blueprints
- Knowledge of manufacturing methods and fabrication processes (forming, stamping, machining, heat treatment, cutting tools) including N/C programming and related tooling processes
- Ability to lead/coordinate design and fabrication requirements with internal and external customers and manage complex statements of work
- Ability to mentor less experienced engineers, work autonomously and in teams, and communicate with various levels of leadership
- Ability to obtain and retain DoD clearance and program access in a reasonable time frame
- Ability to work specified shift schedules (1st shift M-TH then M-Fri 9/80 or other required schedules)
- Current and active in-scope DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain Program Special Access
- Bachelor's or Master's STEM degree
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- 5+ years experience in CATIA or NX and 5+ years using ASME Y14.5 in a design role
- 5+ years of tool design experience
- Ability to develop tooling concepts and manufacturing process specifications that meet program/project business needs
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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