Principal Tool Design Engineer/Senior Principal Tool Design Engineer

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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Tool Design Engineer/Senior Principal Tool Design Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA.

We're seeking a motivated team player to implement and assist activities for our tooling assembly line. Typical candidate has a background/experience/education in manufacturing/mechanical engineering, design, graphics, writing/ illustration, views, and animation.

A successful Tool Designer (TD) for B21 – America’s Next Bomber, shall be able to design simple to complex tooling, Drill Jigs and Assembly Jigs, Dies, via Catia/NX to support production. This person shall be able to conceptualize these designs in 3D, detail the CAD model and detail the drawings for fabrication. These drawings shall be properly laid out using views and dimensions that are in compliance with ASME Y14.1-5 standards. The TD, while being the principle contributor and/or leader, shall work with internal/external customers, and colleagues to ensure that the design meets the customer needs and see it through each phase of the engineering process (Design, Fabrication, and Implementation). In addition, it is essential that this person have the ability to mentor less experienced engineers, work autonomously and in a team environment, adapt to processes and company policy while providing input or methods of process/design innovation. Duties include, but are not limited to: Execution/Lead/Coordination of design and fabrication requirements for tools and fixtures with customers, both internal and external. Performing tolerance analysis to ensure form/fit/function. Conduct root cause failure investigations and implement associated corrective actions. Lead and Assist Product Development Team with new product designs to ensure manufacturability, validate process/technology. Core Competencies - Manufacturing Methods - Knowledge of manufacturing, methods, fabrication processes (e.g., forming, stamping, machining, heat treatment, machines/machine tools, cutting tools and fluids, N/C programming, instrumentation, data acquisition and control systems). Ability to select the best method of producing parts, tools or assemblies. Verifiable performance record that includes the various aspects of assembly line operation, Computer Aided Design Tools, Extensive knowledge of computer aided design tools and systems (e.g., computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), computer aided three dimensional interactive (CATIA), Unigraphics).  Engineering Drawings & Specs - Excellent ability to read, understand, and interpret engineering drawings and specifications. Basic level understanding of GD&T 

Basic Qualifications for Principal Tool Design Engineer:

• Bachelor's Degree in STEM with 5 years of experience in production assembly/fabrication (aerospace preferred) including but not limited to, composites, metallic, coatings application, and production manufacturing operations OR a Master’s Degree in STEM with 3 years of experience.

• The ability to work 1st shift M-TH then M-Fri 9/80 and any work schedule and necessary to support the program

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Tool Design Engineer:

• Bachelor’s STEM Degree with 9 years of experience OR a Master's STEM Degree with 7 years of experience in production assembly/fabrication (aerospace preferred) including but not limited to, composites, metallic, coatings application, and production manufacturing operations.

• The ability to work 1st shift M-TH then M-Fri 9/80 and any work schedule and necessary to support the program

Preferred Qualifications:

• STEM Degree (Science, Technical, Engineering or Mathematical)

• Ability to understand/read/apply GD&T to a blueprint

• Ability to coordinate with 5+ people ranging from fabrication experts to engineering experts in an effort to define large/ complex statement of work

• Ability to communicate with various levels of leadership - Must be able to coordinate and resolve interpersonal and technical problems. Must work well either in a team environment or independently. Ability to work well with little to no supervision

• 5 years of experience in Catia or NX, 5 years of experience using ASME Y 14.5 in a design role.

• 5 years of experience in Tool Design

• Ability to understand and interpret program/project business needs and develop tooling concept and manufacturing process specifications, plans and processes that support those requirements

• Current and active in-Scope DOD Secret or Top Secret Clearance as well as the ability to obtain Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Salary Range: $92,200 USD - $138,400 USD

Salary Range 2: $114,300 USD - $171,500 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.