Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer/Sr. Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Posted 4 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
2 Locations
In-Office
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Develops and transitions advanced manufacturing technology solutions for aerospace production, including composites, assembly, automation, inspection, direct part manufacturing, low-observable technologies, and digital manufacturing. Evaluates process and tool performance, manages corrective actions, ensures quality and regulatory compliance, and coordinates technical, schedule, and cost objectives. Provides technical guidance, manages projects and budgets, interfaces with customers and leadership, and supports process development and systems integration.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 3) or Senior Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 4) to join the Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Innovation team in Palmdale, CA or El Segundo, CA.


In this role, you will help define, develop, implement, and transition advanced manufacturing technology solutions that improve efficiency, reduce cost, and enhance quality. These solutions support production applications across a range of advanced manufacturing areas, including but not limited to:


  • Composites fabrication
  • Assembly
  • Automation
  • Inspection
  • Direct part manufacturing
  • Low observable (LO) technologies
  • Digital manufacturing capabilities

You will be responsible for incorporating requirements into development plans and evaluating process and tool performance to verify effectiveness. The role also includes identifying issues, initiating corrective actions, and ensuring technical, schedule, and cost objectives are achieved while maintaining product quality.


Additional responsibilities include:

  • Providing guidance on design concepts, TRL/MRL maturity, and specification requirements
  • Recommending effective use of manufacturing techniques and resources
  • Ensuring processes and procedures comply with applicable regulations and standards
  • Interfacing with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering teams, and executive leadership
  • Managing multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
  • Applying budgeting and project management skills to scope, execute, and track project efforts

This position may be filled at either level based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.


Basic Qualifications for Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 3):

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 4 years of experience in engineering, aviation, systems engineering, aerospace, or manufacturing/production or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 3 of experience in engineering, aviation, systems engineering, aerospace, or manufacturing/production or PhD in a STEM discipline with 0 years of experience
  • Experience working with IPTs, stakeholders, and customers such as the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy
  • Project or program management experience, including proposal development, scheduling, and budget tracking
  • Strong familiarity with process development and process controls
  • Ability to travel 20–35%
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 4):

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of experience in engineering, aviation, systems engineering, aerospace, or manufacturing/production or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 6 of experience in engineering, aviation, systems engineering, aerospace, or manufacturing/production or PhD in a STEM discipline with 4 years of experience in engineering, aviation, systems engineering, aerospace, or manufacturing/production
  • Experience working with IPTs, stakeholders, and customers such as the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy
  • Project or program management experience, including proposal development, scheduling, and budget tracking
  • Strong familiarity with process development and process controls
  • Ability to travel 20–35%
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Preferred Qualifications

  • Current active U.S. Government Secret clearance with a periodic reinvestigation or original adjudication completed within the last 5 years
  • Current Program Special access
  • Demonstrated technical leadership, sound judgment, and decisiveness in ambiguous or fast-moving situations
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering processes
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project, and Visio
  • Experience developing, integrating, and deploying network architecture and digital infrastructure
  • Experience translating broad customer or stakeholder needs into clear technical requirements
  • Proposal experience and involvement in early phases of the program lifecycle
  • Advanced communication systems experience
  • Experience operating in high-rate production environments with increasing schedules and delivery demands
  • Experience with Siemens NX, TcE, CPLM, SAP, and Manufacturing Execution Systems
  • CAM experience
  • Experience integrating hardware and software within manufacturing systems
  • Experience in production assembly or fabrication environments, including one or more of the following: Digital transformation, Augmented reality / virtual reality, Systems integration, Industrial IoT, RFID, Manufacturing operations
  • Extensive experience with edge user devices such as HoloLens 1, HoloLens 2, and tablets
  • Working knowledge of classified information systems infrastructure
  • Digital manufacturing experience
  • Architecture, design, and integration experience for engineering systems and software
  • Strong technical writing skills

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

The 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 a STEM discipline plus 4 years of relevant engineering, aviation, systems engineering, aerospace, or manufacturing/production experience; or Master's degree plus 3 years; or PhD with 0 years
  • Experience working with integrated product teams, stakeholders, and customers such as the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy
  • Project or program management experience, including proposal development, scheduling, and budget tracking
  • Strong familiarity with process development and process controls
  • Ability to travel 20-35%
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance and Program Special access
  • Current active U.S. Government Secret clearance with recent periodic reinvestigation or original adjudication
  • Current Program Special access
  • Demonstrated technical leadership, sound judgment, and decisiveness
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering processes
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project, and Visio
  • Experience developing, integrating, and deploying network architecture and digital infrastructure
  • Experience translating customer or stakeholder needs into technical requirements
  • Proposal experience and involvement in early program lifecycle phases
  • Advanced communication systems experience
  • Experience in high-rate production environments
  • Experience with Siemens NX, TcE, CPLM, SAP, and Manufacturing Execution Systems
  • CAM experience
  • Experience integrating hardware and software within manufacturing systems
  • Production assembly or fabrication experience, including digital transformation, augmented or virtual reality, systems integration, Industrial IoT, RFID, or manufacturing operations
  • Experience with HoloLens 1, HoloLens 2, and tablets
  • Working knowledge of classified information systems infrastructure
  • Digital manufacturing experience
  • Architecture, design, and integration experience for engineering systems and software
  • Strong technical writing skills

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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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