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 to join the Operations Team. This position is full time onsite in Baltimore, MD. The Manufacturing Systems Engineer will be responsible for shaping and executing the Product Line strategy across the Navigation, Intelligence & Connectivity (NIC) division as well as consulting as a subject matter expert on capital projects, MTA and IRAD efforts.
What you will get to do:
- Engaging with the NIC business units during pre-proposal, proposal, and early execution program phases to offer insight into higher yielding, novel, and evolving manufacturing processes.
- Developing a Manufacturing Plan for each phase of the program
- Performing a Manufacturing Readiness Assessment (MRA)
- Leading design for automation efforts
- Cost Modeling and Design to Cost activities
- Deploying digital transformation of MSE work products for the use of efficient and successful manufacturing planning
- Identifying 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 AMS programs
- Establishment of NCTA, CRAD, and Capital funding plans that ensure execution readiness for NIC programs in the factory and supply base
The Manufacturing Systems Engineer 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.
Basic Qualifications for a Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineering:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related STEM field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience (6 years with a Master's degree)
- Experience with processes and materials used to make Actively Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESA) including semiconductor technology, microelectronic assembly, printed circuit board fabrication, surface mount technology, electromechanical assembly, and materials for RF performance
- 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, and Capital project including submittal and execution
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret as well as SAP/SAR clearances
- US Citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications for a Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineering:
- 5 or more years of manufacturing process engineering related experience
- Experience with Line Replaceable Units (LRU) manufacturing
- Experience with new product development
- Experience with functional electrical test and Test Design Engineering (TDE)
- Experience as a Manufacturing Leader in many of the phases of acquisition, design, integration, and execution.
- Experience providing operations guidance and mentorship to technical engineering peers
- Experience with analytical problem decomposition, root cause analysis, solution development, solution implementation
- Experience showcasing a project’s capabilities & benefits to existing and potential customers to secure funding & support development activities
- Active Secret Clearance.
- Active SAP/SAR 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!
Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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 in a related STEM field
- At least 8 years of relevant professional experience, or 6 years with a master's degree
- Experience with AESA manufacturing processes and materials, including semiconductor technology, microelectronic assembly, PCB fabrication, surface mount technology, electromechanical assembly, and RF materials
- Experience with manufacturing systems engineering processes and products throughout the program life cycle
- Experience providing technical leadership and guidance
- Experience with NCTA, CRAD, and capital projects, including submittal and execution
- Ability to obtain and maintain Department of Defense Secret and SAP/SAR clearances
- U.S. citizenship
- Five or more years of manufacturing process engineering experience
- Experience with Line Replaceable Unit manufacturing
- Experience with new product development
- Experience with functional electrical testing and Test Design Engineering
- Manufacturing leadership experience across acquisition, design, integration, and execution phases
- Experience with analytical problem decomposition, root cause analysis, solution development, and implementation
- Experience presenting project capabilities and benefits to secure funding and development support
- Active Secret clearance
- Active SAP/SAR 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.
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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.
