Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Process Engineer based out of Rolling Meadows, IL.
The Process Engineer will be part of Northrop Grumman's Manufacturing Engineering team, where they will work on products such as Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture (EO DAS), Internal FLIR Targeting System (IFTS), and Electro-Optical Subsystem (EOSS) Systems. They will research, design, develop, order, test, maintain, and identify improvements / corrective actions for a variety of electronic equipment, electronic and optical systems, including lasers, infrared sensors, fiber optics, along with an assortment of production and test equipment and associated systems.
What you will get to do:
- Research, design, develop, procure, test, maintain, and implement improvements or corrective actions for a range of electronic and electro optical equipment—lasers, infrared sensors, fiber optic systems, and associated test hardware.
- Support repair and sustainment of Electro Optical Distributed Aperture (EO DAS) sensors and integrated FLIR targeting systems.
- Design and validate new manufacturing processes and custom fixtures.
- Create and maintain manufacturing engineering documentation such as change notices, routing instructions, and electronic work instructions (eWI).
- Provide technical guidance and engineering assessments to production technicians, covering failure analysis, process methodology, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Troubleshoot production hardware to pinpoint root cause failures and recommend corrective measures.
- Collaborate with suppliers to resolve technical hardware issues.
- Develop and analyze performance metrics to drive cost reductions and efficiency gains.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) to lower costs and boost production efficiency.
- Work with suppliers to resolve technical hardware issues.
- Create and analyze metrics to target cost and efficiency improvements.
The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, organization skills, and the ability to collaborate in a team environment.
Basic Qualifications for the Process Engineer:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
- Experience in process development, fixture design, and troubleshooting.
- Experience in hardware design and manufacturing.
- Experience with reviewing engineering drawings
- Experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- US citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications for the Process Engineer:
- Six Sigma Certification
- Experience with infrared camera systems and internal workings
- Experience in laser welding
- Experienced user of SAP
- Experience with Electro-optical systems
- Northrop Grumman work experience
- Experience in test, & validation of Electronic or Circuit Card assemblies
- Technical writing expertise, including the creation of work instructions
- Experience with Microsoft Project and Earned Value Management
- Experience with any engineering related software tools, such as NX or other CAD software.
- Active security clearance.
What We Can Offer You:
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!
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00The 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 degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline with at least 2 years of relevant work experience, or a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
- Experience in process development, fixture design, and troubleshooting
- Experience in hardware design and manufacturing
- Experience reviewing engineering drawings
- Experience in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Six Sigma certification
- Experience with infrared camera systems and their internal workings
- Experience in laser welding
- Experience using SAP
- Experience with electro-optical systems
- Northrop Grumman work experience
- Experience testing and validating electronic or circuit card assemblies
- Technical writing expertise, including creating work instructions
- Experience with Microsoft Project and Earned Value Management
- Experience with engineering software tools such as NX or other CAD software
- Active security clearance
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.









