Manufacturing 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.

The Payload and Ground Systems (PGS) division of Northrop Grumman's Space Systems sector seeks team members who want to solve interesting, complex problems which protect our nation. We are a trusted mission payload and ground system provider with extensive experience providing end-to-end mission solutions from concept through operations and support.

Northrop Grumman SYNOPTICS is the world-wide leader in the growth, fabrication, and coating of crystalline materials used in laser systems. These “solid-state” laser crystals are used in products ranging from medical lasers to military laser systems. The Charlotte facility has been operating for over 40 years in the laser industry and has developed the reputation of providing the highest quality products with timely deliveries. Within the facility, solid-state oxide and fluoride crystals are grown from a high-temperature melt. SYNOPTICS has full optical fabrication capabilities for various plano and spherical geometries as well as a class 10,000 square foot clean room for high-damage threshold thin-film optical coatings. SYNOPTICS serves the photonics and optics industry across the globe.

We seek a Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing team.

Role and responsibilities

• Research, develop, and implement technical solutions including processes, tooling, and equipment related to:
  • Optical fabrication
  • Crystal growth
  • Thin film coating
• Support production and provide sustaining engineering for the Component Assembly department
• Aid in new product development and effectively manage the lifecycle of multiple priorities and projects
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions on process failures
• Participate in continuous improvement engineering projects
• Perform operator and peer training as needed

Basic Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 0 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree
• Proficient in 3D CAD packages, such as Autodesk Inventor
• Experience in multiple technical areas such as mechanical, electrical, system integration, or lasers and optics
• Proven track record of collaborating with multiple disciplines and personalities

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree(s) in Mechanical, Electrical, or Optical Engineering 
• Graduate level degree in Engineering or related technical field
• Experience with manual and CNC machining, G-code, and CAM software
• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of polishing principles, specifically hard ceramic or crystalline materials

Salary Range: $71,500 USD - $107,300 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.