Senior 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.

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems has an opening for a Senior Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer, to join our Automation and Manufacturing Technology team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in St. Augustine, Florida, where technology and teamwork come together.

The Manufacturing Systems Engineer develops requirements, performs technical planning, manufacturing system development/integration, verification and validation, and evaluates cost (implementation, savings and return on investment) and implementation/program risk impacts. Manufacturing systems engineers follow projects through all manufacturing readiness level phases: concept development, design, fabrication/assembly/test at lab level, production environment demo, full production operations implementation, sustainment/maintenance/ continuous improvement. These projects focus on advanced and emerging manufacturing capabilities/digital technologies with the goal of improving overall production manufacturing quality, span times/time to market and reduce cost. Leads project technical proposal/SOW writing & estimating while ensuring systemic conversion of requirements to design, implementation and production validations.  Manages project cost and schedule through all phases and execution of transition to production activities of the developed systems to program and functional manufacturing spaces. 

Research and implement new technologies while maintaining existing automation systems.

Essential functions include:

• Investigate new technologies to solve current problems and optimize traditional manufacturing processes
• Collaborates with suppliers, tool design, manufacturing, and engineering on manufacturing requirements
• Perform Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis
• Create Statement of Work (SOW) documents
• Derive system requirements
• Assess manufacturing readiness of new technologies
• Coordinate with manufacturing to transition new technology to a production setting
• Manages the design, procurement, and implementation of new technologies and automated systems
• Communicates requirements to suppliers and obtains quotes
• Adapts machine or equipment design to factory and production conditions
• Incorporate inspection and other quality procedures
• Follows Environment, Health, and Safety guidelines
• Provides detailed written instructions that help manufacturing use new advanced manufacturing processes
• Troubleshoot Mechanical, electrical and software problems
• Independently determines and develops approach to technical solutions
• Develop configuration management and digital flow of information
• Lead Digital Transformation initiatives
• Ensures manufacturing processes and procedures are in compliance with customer requirements

We offer multiple shift options, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) and 9 years of experience (7 years with a Masters in STEM) in an aerospace Industry or military aviation role
• Must have demonstrated experience to formulate and execute technical solutions to part, assembly and tooling challenges
• Must have experience with robotics and other automated systems
• Must have experience with computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM)
• Must have Project Management experience
• Must have experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Project, PowerPoint)
• Must have experience in procurement from suppliers
• Must have excellent communication skills, ability to provide justification for implementation of new technology
• Must have an Active, In-Scope, DOD Secret Security Clearance or higher

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
• Experience with developing enhancement processes that improve assembly line production
• Experience in coding (visual basic script, C++, Java, Matlab)
• Experience with subsystem, electrical and hydraulic
• Experience in Coatings and Specialty Materials
• Skills in NX and Process Simulate
• Experience in Tool Design and/or Manufacturing Engineering
• Experience with Optical and Laser Projection Systems
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management
• Knowledge of Environment, Safety and Health requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program
• Experience on first article programs

Salary Range: $112,000 USD - $168,000 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.