Tool Engineer/ Principal Tool Engineer (International Travel 50-75%)

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.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Tool Engineer/ Principal Tool 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 Lead and assist in the development and implementation of Tooling activities. Typical candidate has a background/experience/education in manufacturing/mechanical engineering, design, graphics, writing/ illustration, views, and animation.

Tool Engineer/ Principal Tool Engineer

Job Description: Travel domestically and internationally 50-75%. Designs industrial machinery and equipment, tools, dies, gauges, jigs, fixtures, and machine attachments required for production or experimental use, considering such factors as accessibility, economy, mobility, and performance requirements.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordination of design and fabrication requirements for tools and fixtures with customers, both internal and external

• develop and manages all phases of project: design, document, fabricate, assembly and integration

• Coordinate/develop & execute test plans

• Performing tolerance analysis to ensure form/fit/function

• Conduct root cause failure investigations and implement associated corrective actions

• Develop & evaluate process improvements

• Assist Product Development Team with new product designs to ensure manufacturability, validate process/technology

• Developing manufacturing processes, plans, and procedures for the fabrication of tools and equipment in support of our process work instructions and visual aids of our shop planning process and other functions that affect product performance.

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

• Project Management - Successful project management and leadership experience. Coordination of design and fabrication requirements for tools and fixtures with customers, both internal and external.    

•  Computer Aided Design Tools - Basic knowledge of computer aided design tools and systems (e.g., computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), computer aided three dimensional interactive (CATIA), Mentor Graphics, Unigraphics). Able to manipulate data sets, (e.g., compare CATIA to measurement data, create stereo lithography files).

•  Engineering Drawings & Specs - Basic ability to read, understand, and interpret engineering drawings and specifications. Basic level understanding of GD&T

Basic Qualifications for Tool Engineer 2:

• Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of related experience OR Masters with 0 years of related experience in tooling fabrication and/or production fabrication including composites, metallic, coatings application, and/or production manufacturing operations

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance and Special Program access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need

• Ability to work any shift

• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities

• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally 50-75% 

• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed. 

Basic Qualifications for Tool Engineer 3:

• Bachelor’s Degree (STEM) with 5 years of related experience OR Masters (STEM) with 3 years of related experience OR PhD (STEM) with 0 years of related experience in tooling fabrication and/or production fabrication including composites, metallic, coatings application, and/or production manufacturing operations

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance and Special Program access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need

• Ability to work any shift

• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities

• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally 50-75% 

• Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Tool Engineer 2- STEM Degree (Science, Technical, Engineering or Mathematical)

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

• Experience with MS Project

• Direct Aerospace Tooling experience

• Direct Experience with Catia and or NX or some CAD

• Ability to Read/understand blueprints/GD&T in accordance with ASME 14.5

Salary Range: $74,900 USD - $112,300 USD

Salary Range 2: $92,200 USD - $138,400 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.