Northrop Grumman is currently seeking an experienced Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineer to join and lead a team responsible for International Design to Production Transition Programs with the Defense Sector team in the Plymouth, MN offices.
Position Description:
This position will provide Design to Production Transition (DTPT) Mechanical and Manufacturing engineering expertise in the manufacturing of advanced medium caliber ammunition for international pursuits. The person filling this position must understand a wide variety of manufacturing processes (e.g. hydraulic/pneumatic presses, CNC machining, tooling, inspection equipment, etc.) and have experience in a design to production environment. This position requires 50% domestic and international travel.
The successful candidate must have the demonstrated capability to work independently with a wide variety of multi-disciplined team members in remote settings while building strong working relationships. The candidate shall apply strong engineering fundamentals and demonstrate clear communication with those they interact with.
Typical Duties:
- Lead and mentor a small team of 3 to 4 Mechanical engineers with daily tasking and setting appropriate priorities per the master schedule.
- Contribute to or lead Production Transition and Facility Planning using available software tools.
- Ensure appropriate documentation is maintained within the Configuration Management system
- Determine and report on risks and opportunities
- Coordinate, support and/or attend design, production, build, test and production reviews.
- Support the planning and preparation for production and customer acceptance.
- Work with Design Engineering in the preparation for the releases of Engineering Changes, (concept through final release). Work with Design Engineering in the preparation for production of newly developed products (concept through final release).
- Assist in the resolution of complex manufacturing line process issues such as metal finishing and/or heat treating, CNC equipment, complex assembly, inspection equipment, gauging and ammunition processing.
- Provide on-site support at international facilities (requires approximately 50% travel).
- Assemble, maintain, set-up, and de-bug manufacturing equipment for Medium Caliber Ammunition.
- Plan and conduct equipment trials and commissioning to verify performance meets quality and rate standards.
- Train customer technicians/operators on correct operation and maintenance of equipment.
- Ensure and maintain efficient and effective manufacturing line operations.
Skills and areas of responsibility will include but not be limited to the following:
- Communicating issues and status frequently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Technical understanding of mechanical systems and manufacturing processes.
- Requires extensive regular contact with assigned project customers, both internal and external.
- Assist in the preparation of engineering project proposals.
- Participating in customer meetings and resolving engineering and management project issues.
- Design or update manufacturing and assembly process documents.
- Read, understand, and modify equipment/machinery and product drawings and specifications, in both production and testing environments.
- Generate and maintain lists of open issues and diligently track them to resolution.
- Perform failure analysis of physical and functional test results when results do not meet requirements.
- Assist in monitoring and verifying subcontractor's compliance to prime contract requirements and specification.
- Strictly adhere to all safety regulations, and maintain a culture of safety with fellow co-workers.
Basic Qualifications:
- BS degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or other STEM discipline.
- 8+ years of related professional experience; OR a Master of Science in STEM discipline + 6 years of related professional/military experience
- 8 or more years of experience in manufacturing and production of mechanical components and/or systems.
- CNC operation and coding experience.
- Proficiency with mechanical computer aided design software, preferably design and analysis experience with PTC Creo Parametric 4.0, SolidWorks.
- Working knowledge of hydraulics; including pumps, cylinders, etc.
- Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Suite.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Practical understanding of GD&T.
- Experience with precision injection molding a plus.
- Basic knowledge of electrical wiring
- Experience in an environment containing energetic and/or explosive materials
- Experience successfully working with highly diverse teams and with foreign cultures
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or another STEM discipline
- 8+ years of related professional experience, or a Master of Science in a STEM discipline plus 6 years of related professional or military experience
- 8+ years of experience in manufacturing and production of mechanical components or systems
- CNC operation and coding experience
- Proficiency with mechanical computer-aided design software, preferably PTC Creo Parametric 4.0 and SolidWorks
- Working knowledge of hydraulics, including pumps and cylinders
- Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Suite
- Practical understanding of GD&T
- Experience with precision injection molding
- Basic knowledge of electrical wiring
- Experience working with energetic or explosive materials
- Experience working with diverse teams and foreign cultures
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.








