Northrop Grumman is seeking a Staff-level Manufacturing Engineer focused on industrial automation to join our Propulsion Systems & Controls (PS&C) team in Elkton, Maryland. This role leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing processes for energetic, static-sensitive, corrosive, and chemical operations supporting solid-propellant propulsion and ordnance systems.
The Elkton PS&C facility began solid-propellant rocket operations in 1948. Today, the site designs, develops, and produces solid-propellant propulsion and ordnance systems for a wide variety of U.S. Government and commercial customers. Elkton also serves as the manufacturing hub for test facilities and offsite engineering in Ronkonkoma, NY and Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
Located on the Upper Chesapeake Bay between Philadelphia and Baltimore, Elkton offers access to charming small towns, miles of parks and trails, specialty and antique shops, award‑winning restaurants, and waterfront recreation. Residents can enjoy hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, horseback riding, and fishing, as well as boating on five rivers, the Chesapeake Bay, and the C&D Canal. More information about the area can be found through Cecil County Tourism.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the technical leader for automated manufacturing of energetic materials and related assemblies, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met.
- Design and optimize automated manufacturing processes and equipment layouts for highly energetic, static‑sensitive, and chemical operations, ensuring compliance with HOPs, DOD 4145.26, ATF, and related regulatory requirements.
- Develop, launch, and qualify new or upgraded automated production lines, including specification, selection, and integration of robotics, controls, instrumentation, material handling, and preventative maintenance strategies; lead FAT/SAT, commissioning, startup, and acceptance testing.
- Define sequence of operations, process parameters, and quality control plans (inspection, test, SPC) and ensure processes, procedures, and documentation (standard work, routings, BOMs) meet customer, regulatory, and internal requirements, including ERP/MRP integration.
- Collaborate with Hazards Analysis, EH&S, and cross‑functional engineering teams to identify, mitigate, and eliminate safety risks, incorporating safety interlocks, remote operations, and standardized mix requirements into automated process designs.
- Lead advanced Lean, continuous‑improvement, and data‑driven optimization efforts to increase throughput, reduce waste, improve process capability, and drive corrective actions.
- Provide training, mentorship, and technical consultation to operations, maintenance, and quality personnel; lead cross‑functional investigations (RCCA, PFMEA, nonconformance analysis) and act as a technical advisor to management and customers on advanced automation technologies.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or related discipline) and 12 Years with BS; 10 Years with Masters; 8 Years with PhD.
- Significant experience leading automation-focused projects in manufacturing (e.g., automated line deployment, capital equipment integration, complex process improvements).
- Demonstrated expertise with Lean/continuous improvement tools and application to automated or process-intensive operations.
- Experience applying advanced statistical methods to manufacturing processes (SPC, DOE, capability studies) and leading RCCA.
- Ability to work under consultative direction on long-range goals, self-initiate assignments, and determine courses of action to achieve desired results.
- Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams (Operations, Quality, EH&S, Facilities, Supply Chain, Finance).
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in energetics, ordnance, propellants, or other hazardous materials manufacturing environments.
- Deep familiarity with HOPs, DOD 4145.26, and hazard analysis methods (PFMEA, Process FMEA).
- Experience defining TPM/PM programs and working closely with maintenance on automated equipment reliability.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems for routings, BOMs, and WIP tracking.
- Proven ability to serve as an organizational technical leader, develop new principles and concepts, and guide advanced technologies from concept to production.
This position falls under a Federal Explosives License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for this location. Candidates hired into this role will be required to complete and submit an Employee Possessor Questionnaire to ATF for approval to be a possessor.
Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00The 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 Engineering, such as Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or a related discipline, with 12 years of experience; alternatively, 10 years with a master’s degree or 8 years with a PhD.
- Significant experience leading automation-focused manufacturing projects, including automated line deployment, capital equipment integration, or complex process improvements.
- Expertise with Lean and continuous improvement tools applied to automated or process-intensive operations.
- Experience applying advanced statistical methods, including SPC, DOE, capability studies, and RCCA.
- Ability to work under consultative direction, self-initiate assignments, and determine courses of action for long-range goals.
- Strong collaboration skills with Operations, Quality, EH&S, Facilities, Supply Chain, and Finance teams.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.
- Experience in energetics, ordnance, propellants, or hazardous materials manufacturing.
- Familiarity with HOPs, DOD 4145.26, and hazard analysis methods such as PFMEA.
- Experience defining TPM and preventative maintenance programs for automated equipment.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems, routings, BOMs, and WIP tracking.
- Ability to serve as an organizational technical leader and guide advanced technologies from concept to production.
- Completion and submission of an Employee Possessor Questionnaire for ATF approval.
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
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.
