Sr Principal Engineer Manufacturing Systems

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.

Our Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Additive Manufacturing Technology to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will support our Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Innovation development team and will be located in El Segundo, CA.

Our organization is responsible for developing the manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment necessary to implement advanced designs for aerospace applications.  As a member of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Innovation team, you will identify, develop and implement unique processes, tooling, and equipment for production and prototype programs.  The role will define, develop, and design manufacturing concepts and processes for production applications of manufacturing technologies with a focus on additive manufacturing and its applications. 

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of applied basic mechanical and materials engineering knowledge, and a good understanding of basic physics, in order to devise and execute unique manufacturing development test plans. The position requires experience in project management, including development of the necessary strategies, tactics, approaches, and test plans necessary to develop, demonstrate, validate, and implement manufacturing processes for advanced design concepts. Budget and technical personnel leadership experience is necessary, with knowledge of Earned Value type budget management techniques viewed as beneficial. Familiarity with additive manufacturing design, manufacturing, testing/verification is very beneficial for this position. Experience with Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) practices is helpful for this position, as is experience in conducting trade analysis / trade studies. Strong written and oral communication skills are required as the position involves extensive interfacing with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, and industry suppliers. The role will require the individual to be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders and functional teams. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Translate product design and performance requirements into manufacturing process and technology development requirements

• Interface with design teams to gain understanding of product design and performance requirements, and translate those requirements into manufacturing processes needed to achieve them

• Examine and interpret product design documents / files to gain understanding of product design and performance requirements, and translate those requirements into manufacturing processes needed to achieve them

• Plan and execute manufacturing technology development projects as the project manager

• Perform MRL and TRL analysis

• Evaluate technologies through testing and analysis using laboratory and shop practices OR provide direction through statements of work for doing the same

• Build, gain stakeholder approval, and execute technology development test plans based on product design and performance requirements

• Conduct trade studies to down-select optimal manufacturing approaches

• Manage project schedules and budgets using MS Project and cost account spreadsheets

• Communicate manufacturing process development strategies, tactics, and status across a diverse stakeholder community and gain concurrence among potentially conflicting interests

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

• 401k

• Educational Assistance

• Life Insurance

• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

• Paid Time Off

• Health & Wellness Resources

• Employee Discounts

• This position’s standard work schedule is Day shift, 9/80

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with 9 years’ experience in manufacturing and/or laboratory environments; OR Master's Degree in STEM with 7 years’ experience in manufacturing and / or laboratory environments; OR PhD in STEM with 4 years’ experience in manufacturing and / or laboratory environments

• Strong MS PowerPoint skills and basic MS Excel skills

• Strong ability to define key resources necessary for successful technology development project execution, including personnel, materials, subcontracts, travel, and time / schedule

• Strong ability to write internally and externally executed technical statement(s) of work (SOW), ensuring project success through demonstration of success via task-oriented deliverables

• Ability to interface with suppliers in the role of project / technology development manager, and achieve successful results and written / communicated project deliverables

• Strong problem solving skills with an emphasis on production environments

• Proven ability to learn and master new technologies and techniques

• Self-starter who is able to work with minimal direction

• This position requires a 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

• Ability to travel 10-15% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong understanding of material science and manufacturing processes in general

• Experience with additive manufacturing processes including powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, and material extrusion.

• Experience developing additive manufacturing technologies (including machines and/or materials) for metals, polymers, and composite manufacturing

• Familiarity with non-destructive testing for aerospace grade materials and processes

• Experience and ability to use MS Project to manage technology development projects

• Experience in aerospace materials allowable development

• Strong knowledge and understanding of applied statistics and designs of experiments (DOEs)

• Knowledge of aerospace thermoplastics including, PEEK, PEAK, PEI, etc., and experience additively processing the materials

• Experience in non-destructive testing techniques used in aerospace production

• Experience in chemical engineering, and aerospace-grade polymers

• Experience with quality assurance protocols within aerospace industries

• Experience in proposal development in military aerospace

• Experience interfacing with military aerospace customers

Salary Range: $129,700 USD - $194,500 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.