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Sr Principal Engineer Process

Rolling Meadows, Illinois, United States
Full Time On-site
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector is looking for a Senior Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer located on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL who will lead efforts needed in standing up, modifying and/or sustaining assembly/process capabilities for aerial, military-grade, or space-grade Electronic Warfare Systems and Subsystems.


Key Responsibilities:

As a Technical Leader, this individual will be responsible for:

  • Shaping bids during proposal phase and collaborating with cross functions to achieve producibility in new and updated product design. [Positioning the org for success by providing technical involvement needed prior to start of manufacturing / productionization efforts]
  • Developing a plan/roadmap to address KPIs for identified assemblies by leading cross-functional discussions, preparing ROI/business case and pursuing funding where needed. [Leading continuous improvement initiatives to reduce SRR, cycle time and defects per unit]
  • Leading & driving to on schedule and on budget completion of non-recurring process engineering work packages and capital projects. [Demonstrating technical leadership to ensure NRE activities progress at positive SPI & CPI]
  • Performing Earned Value to track progress and put mitigation in place to address schedule or cost risks. [CAM]
  • Reporting progress at multiple levels of leadership.
  • Process Development/Maintenance: Generate and maintain/revise Manufacturing Engineering Process Specifications, Work Instructions, Routers, Tooling/Fixturing and Equipment.
  • Ability to interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors. 

High-level ethical standards, strong decision-making skills, and building a strong professional relationship / leading cross functional collaborative effort with other disciplines is essential.

Behavioral Traits sought out:

  • The Manufacturing Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups.
  • We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies:

a) Takes high levels of Self-accountability and Ownership

b) Acts with Speed

c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience

d) Leads with Courage

e) Sets vision for the assigned products

f) Builds a High Performing Team

Basic Qualifications for the Sr. Principal Manufacturing Process Engineer (RF Systems):

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical Engineering or related degree with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience; OR a Master of Science (MS) degree in equivalent fields and minimum 6 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience interpreting drawings and specifications.
  • Experience in creating process work instructions, developing/improving manufacturing processes, and/or working in a design or systems environment with limited assistance.
  • Experience in leading medium scale projects or leading continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Experience in working with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Must be willing to get CAM certified within 3 months from start.
  • United States citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications: Manufacturing Process Engineer (RF Systems)

  • CAM certification and experience performing earned value/CAM efforts preferred.
  • Experience with leading executive presentations.
  • Proven excellence with Root Cause Corrective Action methods.
  • Prior experience troubleshooting Circuit Card Assemblies.
  • Proven experience in encapsulation processes.
  • Demonstrated excellence and/or education in use of the DMAIC process.
  • Active DoD Security Clearance but not required.

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00

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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