Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking Principal / Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer. This position will be located in Vandenberg, CA
Join the Production Operations MFG Engineering team for Sentinel and take part in engineering solutions to deploy and deliver a state-of-the-art weapon system to our customer. This position requires a highly motivated self-starter with knowledge in the fabrication, assembly, system integration, deployment and testing of engineered products. The candidate will be involved in all engineering activities supporting the deployment of critical test systems for the Sentinel program. This includes, but is not limited to, working with suppliers to develop a compliant Manufacturing Plan, conducting Manufacturing Readiness Assessment (MRA) events, engineering solutions for the deployment and install of products, Bill of Materials creation, developing work and installation instructions, supporting system test, and tool design. The candidate will demonstrate exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, be capable of working a variety of tasks in a proactive manner, can task orient, and communicate effectively with varying levels of Government, NGC, and Supplier personnel.
The candidate will provide advanced technological ideas and Subject Matter Expertise (SME) to resolve technical questions and ensure compliance and execution to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Statement of Work (SOW) requirements. Primary responsibilities will include providing technical and administrative leadership and guidance to the various program Integrated Product Team (IPT) cohorts and Suppliers in support of:
• Production documentation and data
• Build/Buy
• Assembly, installation, and work instructions
• Specialty Tooling design, development, and production in support of test installation activities
• Team liaison and SME for engineering support during field test activities
Job Responsibilities:
• Represents the organization as a technical contact, interacts with senior personnel on important technical matters, facilitates inter-team coordination, and reinforces leadership’s vision and goals
• Develop processes by studying requirements; research, design, modify, and test production/installation methods and equipment
• Collaborates with Design Engineering on design to ensure practical manufacturing, installation, and fabrication solutions
• Coordinates with the integration team(s) on day-to-day activities; resolves complex process issues
• Research and evaluate commercially available tools and equipment to support test activities
• Investigates root cause of discrepancies and implements corrective actions
• Troubleshoots existing processes to improve safety, quality, cost, and efficiency
• Develops and maintains detailed work and install instructions for assigned products/processes
• Educates/trains operators on new and existing processes
• Establish and maintain a program project plan and schedule that is aligned with the program Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)
• Provide on-site engineering support during field installations
• Provides advanced technological ideas and Subject Matter Expertise (SME) to resolve technical questions and ensure compliance to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Statement of Work (SOW) requirements
• Implement Lean practices to continually identify opportunities for improvement
Position Benefits
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including
• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts
This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
Basic Qualifications:
Principal Manufacturing Engineer (T03): Bachelors degree with 5 years of experience; Master's degree with 3 years of experience, or PhD with 1 year of experience 4 years additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Sr. Principal Manufacturing Engineer (T04): Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience, 6 years with a Masters, or 4 years with a PhD; 4 years additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Required for both levels:
• Must have 3 years working experience in a digital manufacturing environment using core systems (PLM/ERP/MES)
• Must have an Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in an engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, etc.
• Experience working in a test environment
• Experience deploying engineering solutions to the field
• Previous experience in production for a military program
• Previous experience on EMD projects
• Experience with Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM)
• An understanding of Manufacturing Readiness Assessment’s and establishing Manufacturing Readiness Levels per DoD customer requirements
• Prior experience developing and designing tooling for field work and installations
• An understanding of tooling, work instructions, and visual aid
Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $12,900.00 - $193,900.00The 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's degree with 5 years of experience, master's degree with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year for Principal level; four additional years may substitute for a degree.
- Bachelor's degree with at least 8 years of experience, master's degree with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years for Senior Principal level; four additional years may substitute for a degree.
- At least 3 years of experience working in a digital manufacturing environment using PLM, ERP, or MES systems.
- Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program approval.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in an engineering discipline such as mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering.
- Experience working in a test environment.
- Experience deploying engineering solutions to the field.
- Previous production experience on a military program.
- Previous experience on Engineering and Manufacturing Development projects.
- Experience with Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.
- Understanding of Manufacturing Readiness Assessments and Manufacturing Readiness Levels.
- Experience developing and designing tooling for field work and installations.
- Understanding of tooling, work instructions, and visual aids.
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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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.
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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.
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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.









