Sr Principal Engineer Manufacturing Systems

Sorry, this job was removed at 07:24 p.m. (UTC) on Tuesday, Nov 03, 2026
Be an Early Applicant
Rolling Meadows, IL, USA
In-Office
136K-204K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Lead manufacturing systems engineering for IRCM/RFCM product lines: develop manufacturing plans, readiness assessments, automation designs, cost models, and maturity plans; drive digital transformation, capital/NCTA/CRAD planning, and cross-functional producibility solutions to prepare programs for production.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

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 Manufacturing Engineering is seeking a Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer (MSE) to join our Operations Team based in Rolling Meadows, IL.

The Manufacturing Systems Engineer will be responsible for shaping and executing the Product Line strategy as well as consulting as a subject matter expert on capital projects, MTA and IRAD efforts.

This requisition is for multiple Manufacturing Systems Engineer roles:

  • The first role will be an MSE for the Infrared Counter Measure (IRCM) product line

  • The second role will be an MSE for the Radio Frequency Counter Measure (RFCM) product line

What you will get to do:

  • ​Engage with the program teams during pre-proposal, proposal, and early execution program phases to offer insight into higher yielding, novel, and evolving manufacturing processes.

  • Develop a Manufacturing Plan for each phase of the program

  • Perform a Manufacturing Readiness Assessment (MRA)

  • Lead design for automation efforts

  • Cost Modeling and Design to Cost activities

  • Deploy digital transformation of MSE work products for the use of efficient and successful manufacturing planning

  • Identify producibility gaps between current and required capabilities for executing on new hardware, then developing Manufacturing Maturity Plans (MMP) to address these gaps. MMPs will include but not be limited to execution of Affordability, Manufacturing Planning, NCTA Planning, Capital Planning and Strategic Sourcing Efforts.

  • Ensure success of critical Technology Demonstrator builds in the factory for IRCM programs

  • Establishment of NCTA, CRAD, and Capital funding plans that ensure execution readiness for IRCM programs in the factory and supply base

The Manufacturing Systems Engineering must perform in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high visibility operation.   They must be able to communicate written and verbally, have a passion for people, innovation, and excellence, along with the ability to effectively collaborate with multiple disciplines to solve complex issues.

The ideal candidate will:

  • Effectively communicate technical information both written and verbally

  • Possess demonstrated Project Management skills

Basic Qualifications for the Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineering:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related STEM field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience; OR 6 or more years or relevant work experience with a Master's degree.

  • Demonstrated experience developing and improving manufacturing assembly or test processes for complex hardware

  • Experience in manufacturing system engineering processes and products throughout the program life cycle, as well as providing technical leadership and guidance.

  • Experience with NCTA, CRAD, or Capital project including submittal and execution.

  • Experience with gated development processes and major program reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR).

  • Experience working in cross-functional teams (Design, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain).

  • Experience with Risk and Opportunity identification including mitigation and management

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

  • US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications for the Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineering:

  •  5 or more years of manufacturing engineering related experience

  •  Experience with Line Replaceable Units (LRU) manufacturing

  •  Experience with new product development

  • Experience with any of the following: AS6500, Manufacturing Readiness Assessments, Requirements Traceability and Validation, Value Stream Mapping, Factory Mod-Sim, Root Cause Corrective Action, Manufacturing processes and methods, Cost Engineering, Proposal/BOE experience, Design to Cost understanding, Life Cycle Cost Modeling, Design for Manufacturing, Design for Automation, Producibility, or Design for Additive

  • Active Secret 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: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00

The 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 in a related STEM field with minimum 8 years relevant experience, or Master's with 6+ years
  • Demonstrated experience developing and improving manufacturing assembly or test processes for complex hardware
  • Experience in manufacturing systems engineering across the program lifecycle, providing technical leadership and guidance
  • Experience with NCTA, CRAD, or Capital projects including submittal and execution
  • Experience with gated development processes and major program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR)
  • Experience working in cross-functional teams (Design, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain)
  • Experience with risk and opportunity identification, mitigation, and management
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Effective written and verbal technical communication skills
  • Demonstrated project management skills
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • 5+ years of manufacturing engineering related experience
  • Experience with Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) manufacturing
  • Experience with new product development
  • Experience with AS6500, Manufacturing Readiness Assessments, Requirements Traceability and Validation, Value Stream Mapping, Factory Mod-Sim, RCCA, Cost Engineering, Design to Cost, Life Cycle Cost Modeling, Design for Manufacturing/Automation/Additive, Producibility, or Proposal/BOE experience

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

Similar Jobs

Bectran, Inc Logo Bectran, Inc

Product Specialist

Artificial Intelligence • Fintech • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software • Automation
In-Office
Schaumburg, IL, USA
65 Employees
70K-80K Annually

HiBob Logo HiBob

Account Manager

HR Tech • Information Technology • Professional Services • Sales • Software
Remote or Hybrid
US
1350 Employees
85K-100K Annually

HiBob Logo HiBob

Sales Development Representative

HR Tech • Information Technology • Professional Services • Sales • Software
Remote or Hybrid
US
1350 Employees
67K-67K Annually

Grainger Logo Grainger

Senior Product Manager

eCommerce • Information Technology • Retail • Industrial
Hybrid
Chicago, IL, USA
26000 Employees
134K-224K Annually
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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.

Similar Companies Hiring

Ford Energy Thumbnail
Automotive • Software • Energy • Utilities • Manufacturing • Renewable Energy
Glendale, Kentucky
55 Employees
Revel Thumbnail
Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software
Marina Del Rey, California
70 Employees
Blee Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • Marketing Tech • Software
New York, New York
33 Employees

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account