Principal Tool Design Engineer / Sr. 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 or Sr. Principal Tool Design Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Iuka, MS.

In this role you will be responsible for designing major components or major portions of a functional system to develop or improve products and facilitate manufacturing operations. Developing basic data and makes preliminary layouts, sketches, and notes necessary to present design proposal. Investigating pertinent design factors such as ease of manufacture, availability of materials and equipment, interchangeability, replace ability, strength-weight efficiency, and contractual specification requirements and cost. Coordinating with other organizations affected by design development. Makes layouts of complex assemblies and details parts of devices, mechanisms, and structures. Checking completed layouts and drawings for clarity, completeness, conformity to standards, procedures, specifications, and accuracy of calculations and dimensioning. Identifying design errors, omissions, and other deficiencies, and recommends revisions and/or improvements in design layout to responsible engineers or designers.

Responsibilities may 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.
• Conducting root cause failure investigations and implement associated corrective actions.
• Leading and Assisting Product Development Team with new product designs to ensure manufacturability, validate process/technology.

The most successful candidate in this role has a background/experience/education in manufacturing/mechanical engineering, design, graphics, writing/ illustration, views, and/or animation. A successful Tool Designer (TD) for multiple programs, 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. 

Core Competencies for Success:  

• 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 
• Ability to coordinate with large groups (5 or more) of people at all levels in an effort to define large/ complex statements of work.
• Ability to communicate with various levels of leadership. 
• Ability to coordinate and resolve interpersonal and technical problems. 
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment or independently with little to no supervision. 
• Ability to mentor less experienced engineers

We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. Work schedules can vary, but we strive for a 9/80 work week, which gives us every other Friday off to pursue interests outside of the office.

Basic Qualifications:
This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Tool Design Engineer or Sr. Principal Tool Design Engineer level based on the qualifications below.

Principal Tool Design Engineer:

• Bachelor’s Degree with 5 years of experience in production, manufacturing, tooling or related environment; Master's degree with 3 years of experience in production, manufacturing, tooling or related environment; PhD with 0 years of experience. Note: An additional 4 years of experience and/or education in production, manufacturing, tooling or related environment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience with Siemens NX/CATIA CAD tools
• Ability to work any shift as needed by the business to best support the program. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret level clearance, including Special Access Program within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. 

Sr. Principal Tool Design Engineer:

• Bachelor’s Degree with 9 years of experience in production, manufacturing, tooling or related environment; Master's degree with 7 years of experience in production, manufacturing, tooling or related environment; PhD with 4 years of experience in production, manufacturing, tooling or related environment. Note: An additional 4 years of experience and/or education in production, manufacturing, tooling or related environment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience with Siemens NX/CATIA CAD tools in a design role.
• Ability to work any shift as needed by the business to best support the program. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret level clearance, including Special Access Program within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) or higher
• Active in-Scope DOD Secret Clearance
• Ability to understand/read/apply GD&T to a blueprint.
• Ability to understand and interpret program/project business needs and develop tooling concept and manufacturing process specifications, plans and processes that support those requirements.
• Experience with checking and standardization of models and drawings

ASBUJobs

Salary Range: $77,700 USD - $116,500 USD

Salary Range 2: $96,200 USD - $144,400 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.