Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a
Sr. Principal CNC Programmer based out of Sunnyvale, CA.
Marine Systems is a leading provider of naval propulsion and tactical equipment support systems. This position requires a candidate who will specialize in the fabrication (machining) of high-value, large-scale precision metal components (low-volume / high-mix) and someone with a strong background and working knowledge of metal removal/machining fundamentals and computer numerical control (CNC) programming experience.
What You’ll get to Do:
Create and edit CNC programs that support the machining of large-scale, complex, precision metal components fabricated on multiple-axis CNC milling & turning machining centers (CAM file generation, post-processor machine code generation).
Perform technical data package review of components that require fabrication (CAD model & engineering drawing validation).
Perform machining process development & optimization (part setup/fixturing, machining strategy/order of operations, tool selection, speed/feed process parameter selection).
Identify, select, and procure appropriate tooling for job-specific applications (based on part material, geometry, features, tolerances, system rigidity, and equipment capability).
Perform program prove-out validation (computer simulation tools, ‘tabletop’ peer reviews, First Time Process Reviews, machine dry runs).
Work with machinists, manufacturing engineers, and design engineers to identify process improvement opportunities (reduced machining/setup time, improved part quality, reduced manufacturing risk) and incorporate required design changes (customer-driven changes, technical performance improvements, improved manufacturability).
Participate in and lead cross-functional teams comprised of machinists/operators, manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, supply chain representatives, quality engineers/inspectors, and operations/program management to support program schedule & performance goals, mitigate manufacturing risks, and improve operational efficiency.
Occasional travel may be required for training purposes or to participate in equipment selection/acceptance activities (less than 10%).
This is a 4th Shift opportunity
Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 12-hour shifts (5:30am to 5:30pm)
Basic Qualifications for the Sr. Principal CNC Programmer:
Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; OR 6 or more years with a Master's (4 years of additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
Minimum 2 years of direct experience working in a machining CNC programming role.
Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding manufacturing blueprints and process plans.
Minimum 2 years of experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Experience creating and editing CNC programs that support the machining of precision components.
Experience creating and/or editing 3D CAM files.
Ability to obtain a US Government Secret clearance.
U.S. Citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications for the Sr. Principal CNC Programmer:
Experience/proficiency working with materials requirements planning (MRP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and SAP experience preferred.
Experience using Siemens NX CAD/CAM software to create NC programs for multiple-axis CNC milling & turning machining centers.
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that fosters growth and supports the mutual success of our people and the 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: $129,300.00 - $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 minimum 8 years relevant experience OR Master's with 6+ years OR equivalent experience in lieu of degree
- Minimum 2 years direct experience working in a machining CNC programming role
- Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding manufacturing blueprints and process plans
- Minimum 2 years experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- Experience creating and editing CNC programs that support machining of precision components
- Experience creating and/or editing 3D CAM files
- Ability to obtain a US Government Secret clearance
- U.S. Citizenship
- Experience/proficiency with MRP, MES, and SAP
- Experience using Siemens NX CAD/CAM for multi-axis CNC milling and turning
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.







