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Principal Engineer Manufacturing

Rocket Center, West Virginia, United States
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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.

We are currently seeking talented individuals for a Principal Engineer Manufacturing position at the Rocket Center, WV location just outside of Cumberland MD.  The Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) site in Rocket Center designs, develops, and manufactures tactical rocket motors, medium caliber ammunition, composite components and end items, and fuze and electronics equipment. For decades, the dedicated and highly skilled team at ABL have supported national security efforts by developing and building defense systems for DoD customers and U.S. allies. 

This position will we be located on-site at our Rocket Center, WV location. No remote opportunities are available for this position.

The Manufacturing Engineer develops and oversees manufacturing processes based on design requirements.  The candidate will develop and maintain detailed work instructions for assigned products/processes, provide suggestions to improve productivity, compile and analyze processing data, investigate manufacturing problems and implement corrective actions, support proposal and development activities and provide day to day support to manufacturing personnel.

Responsibilities

  • Adhere to all department and plant safety rules
  • Develop Manufacturing Process and Documentation that ensures production hardware and test articles meet engineering and configuration requirements
  • Provide analysis and data to support review boards and investigations
  • Instruct machine operators on technique and operation of manufacturing equipment
  • Perform observations of manufacturing process to establish reasonable expectation of daily throughput
  • Interface with all levels and departments of plant
  • Prepare tooling sheets, create CNC code and assist operations in machine setup and debug
  • Prepare process drawings
  • Participate in tooling design, fact finding, and failure investigations
  • Monitor manufacturing process through review of SPC data
  • Willingness to work off shift when needed

Basic Qualifications Principal Engineer Manufacturing:

  • High school diploma and 9 years of relevant experience OR Bachelors degree in a STEM discipline and at least 5 years of relevant experience OR Masters degree in a STEM discipline and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in a machine shop environment,
  • Capable of writing and editing CNC programs for both turning and machining centers.
  • Capable of CNC machine setup and optimization of process.
  • Computer skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Experience using CAD/CAM software, AutoCAD, Mastercam, Solid Works or NX.
  • Experience with cutting tool selection, fixture design and metal and/ or composite material processing.
  • Knowledge and experience with SPC techniques.
  • Experience with operation and programming of robotic part loaders.
  • Ability to interact and communicate effectively with external customers and all plant personnel.
  • Comfortable making presentations in front of peers and senior leadership.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T as defined by ANSI/ASME Y14.5M-1994.
  • Have an understanding and working knowledge of Lean manufacturing.
  • U.S. citizenship.

Preferred  Qualifications Principal Engineer Manufacturing:

  • Experience with multi-spindle machines.
  • Experience with cold forming.

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and 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 application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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 and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States, building advanced systems across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The company is known for some of the most complex defense programs in the world, including stealth aircraft, autonomous systems, missile defense technologies, satellites, and space-based intelligence platforms that support U.S. national security operations.

For job seekers, Northrop Grumman offers careers across a wide range of high-impact fields including aerospace engineering, software development, cybersecurity, systems engineering, manufacturing, program management, and intelligence support. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on mission-critical systems that directly support the Department of Defense and intelligence community. Many roles involve long-term programs with significant technical depth and real-world operational impact.

Unlike smaller defense startups focused on narrow capabilities, Northrop Grumman operates across multiple major mission areas, giving employees exposure to highly advanced programs such as stealth platforms, space systems, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation command-and-control systems. The company is also a major leader in classified space and intelligence systems, where cutting-edge engineering and secure infrastructure play a critical role in national defense.

As global competition in space, cyber, and advanced military systems continues to intensify, Northrop Grumman remains one of the most strategically important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking stable, highly technical careers with long-term impact on national security, Northrop Grumman continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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