Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Principal (level 3) or Sr. Principal (Level 4) Technical Editor and Writer to support our Armament Systems business site in Mesa, AZ.
Essential Functions:
Writes, rewrites and/or edits technical documents such as technical procedure manuals, user manuals, programming manuals, service manuals, operational specifications, and related technical publications to communicate clearly and effectively using Extensible Markup Language (XML). Acquires subject knowledge by interviewing product developers, observing performance of production methods, referring to technical specifications, blueprints, engineering illustrations, and trade journals. Oversees preparation of illustrative materials, selecting drawings, sketches, diagrams and charts. Conducts quality review of materials.
Please note this position may be filled as a Level 3 (Principal) or Level 4 (Sr Principal) Technical Editor and Writer depending on the candidate’s education and/or years of experience.
Basic Qualifications:
This position emphasizes skills first
Qualifications for Principal Technical Editor and Writer (Level 3)
- Bachelors degree & 5 years of related technical editor writer experience, OR a masters degree & 3 years of technical editor experience, OR a high school diploma & 9 years of related technical editor writer experience
- Must have experience developing, writing and illustrating mechanical and electrical procedures for field service technical manuals.
- Complete understanding and application of principles, concepts, practices, and standards
- Knowledge of DoD industry practices (TO 00-5-1, Mil-STD-38784, MIL-STD-3048, Mil-STD-1808). Independently demonstrates the skill and ability to perform fairly complex professional tasks
- Experience with Standards for Tech Manuals (MIL-STD-40051, S1000D, etc.)
- Must be able to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and system description documents.
Qualifications for Sr Principal Technical Editor and Writer (Level 4)
- Bachelors degree & 8 years of related technical editor writer experience, OR a masters degree & 6 years of technical editor experience, OR a high school diploma & 12 years of related technical editor writer experience
- Complete understanding and application of principles, concepts, practices, and standards
- Must have experience developing, writing and illustrating mechanical and electrical procedures for field service technical manuals.
- Knowledge of DoD industry practices (TO 00-5-1, Mil-STD-38784, MIL-STD-3048, Mil-STD-1808). Independently demonstrates the skill and ability to perform fairly complex professional tasks
- Experience with Standards for Tech Manuals (MIL-STD-40051, S1000D, etc.)
- Must be able to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and system description documents.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience with Raytheon EAGLE software, both LPD and EPS
- Experience with Interleaf Quicksilver
- Experience in Advanced Adobe Acrobat and/or Adobe Illustrator
- Experience with Adobe FrameMaker
- Experience with templates (creating and working in)
- Strong PC skills and proficient knowledge with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related technical editor/writer experience; or master’s degree and 3 years of technical editor experience; or high school diploma and 9 years of related experience for Principal level.
- Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related technical editor/writer experience; or master’s degree and 6 years of technical editor experience; or high school diploma and 12 years of related experience for Senior Principal level.
- Experience developing, writing, and illustrating mechanical and electrical procedures for field-service technical manuals.
- Complete understanding and application of relevant principles, concepts, practices, and standards.
- Knowledge of DoD industry practices, including TO 00-5-1, MIL-STD-38784, MIL-STD-3048, and MIL-STD-1808.
- Experience with technical manual standards such as MIL-STD-40051 and S1000D.
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and system description documents.
- Hands-on experience with Raytheon EAGLE software, including LPD and EPS.
- Experience with Interleaf Quicksilver.
- Experience with advanced Adobe Acrobat and/or Adobe Illustrator.
- Experience with Adobe FrameMaker.
- Experience creating and working with templates.
- Strong PC skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
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
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.







