Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Waynesboro, VA will deliver advanced radars, communications antennas, and electronic warfare capabilities. Slated to open in 2026, we are adding hundreds of high-quality jobs in the heart of Virginia. Together, we will work to deliver the world’s most advanced technologies to protect our national security.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal Metrology Engineer based out of our Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center.
What You'll Get to Do:
Provide technical leadership for the Laboratory (with the Lead Metrologist)
Support calibration systems and activities involving the traceable and systematic test and measurement characteristics such as length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, luminous intensity, and derived units of physical or chemical measure
Identify the magnitude of error sources contributing to uncertainty of results to determine reliability of measurement process in quantitative terms
Develop calibration methods and techniques based on principles of measurement science, technical analysis of measurement problems, and accuracy and precision requirements
Develop and evaluate metrology calibration systems that measure characteristics of objects, substances, or phenomena, such as length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, luminous intensity, and derived units of physical or chemical measure
Essential Functions:
Standards & Methods
Develop calibration standards, systems and procedures
Inspect and evaluate new calibration standards for proper operation before releasing to calibration laboratory
Recommend standards for use in calibration applications, including Test Equipment Justification
Design and document measurement reference material for laboratory use
Perform uncertainty evaluation and analysis for measurement standards and associated measurement
Calibration
Perform interval analysis
Perform calibrations as required (We have a team of Calibration Technicians who perform routine calibrations.)
Lead or participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis of measurement issues or measurement system problems
Equipment
Evaluate and recommend M&TE for use in measurement applications
Evaluate suppliers’ products and work with them to resolve product issues and make improvements
Train technicians and engineers in calibration methodologies and measurement principles
Workflow
Support the workflow as needed (exceptions, extensions, etc.)
#MPR
Basic Qualifications for the Principal Metrologist:
Bachelor of Science degree or higher in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and a minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering experience OR a Master’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant engineering experience
Experience in Mechanical and Electrical Metrology and Calibration with the ability to assist technicians in the performance of calibration
Experience designing and documenting measurement reference material and uncertainty for laboratory use; problem solving for uncertainty
Experience training technicians and engineers in calibration methodologies and measurement principles
Experience in solving technical problems
Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
US citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Dimensions, Temperature, Humidity, Pressure/Vacuum, and Electrical Metrology
Experience troubleshooting, calibrating, and programming devices, machine centers, VTL’s, VBM’s and CMMs
Experience in a programming language (PYTHON, C++, Java)
What We Can Offer You:
Be part of a culture that thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work.
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which 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!
Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00The 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 of Science in STEM and minimum 5 years relevant engineering experience OR Master's degree and minimum 3 years relevant engineering experience
- Experience in Mechanical and Electrical Metrology and Calibration with ability to assist technicians
- Experience designing and documenting measurement reference material and uncertainty analysis
- Experience training technicians and engineers in calibration methodologies and measurement principles
- Experience solving technical problems
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Experience with dimensions, temperature, humidity, pressure/vacuum, and electrical metrology
- Experience troubleshooting, calibrating, and programming devices, machine centers, VTLs, VBMs and CMMs
- Experience in a programming language (Python, C++, Java)
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.






