Principal Energetics MFG Engineer / Sr. Principal Energetics MFG Engineer – Level 3 or Level 4

About

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.

This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Principal Energetics MFG Engineer / Sr. Principal Energetics MFG Engineer – Level 3 or Level 4 to join our team in Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

The successful candidate will own the definition, implementation, and continuous improvement of mechanical, thermal, pyrotechnic, coating, and inspection processes used by operations to verify hardware performance, while ensuring strict compliance, quality, and efficiency throughout the production flow.

This position will work a 4/10 schedule, with every Friday off.

As demand grows, we can anticipate scheduled Friday workdays, the possibility of rotating shifts, and the need for overtime.

Responsibilities

• Create, maintain, and evolve electronic process‑planning documentation for structural hardware.
• Lead corrective‑action investigations for hardware non‑conformances, driving root‑cause resolution and closure.
• Provide expert interpretation of complex drawings, specifications, and interface‑control documents, translating them into clear, actionable process guidance.
• Serve as the technical liaison for operators, clarifying work‑instruction intent and answering detailed technical questions.
• Verify readiness of work instructions, flight‑critical parts, and materials for new or revised processes.
• Participate in, and often chair, pre‑build and post‑build reviews, delivering data‑driven improvement recommendations.
• Conduct audits of manufacturing steps to identify efficiency gains, waste reduction, and safety‑improvement opportunities.
• Evaluate tool and fixture usage, flagging any potential impacts on flight hardware and recommending corrective measures.
• Mentor junior engineers (Level 1/2), delegate tasks, and prioritize work to meet critical program milestones.
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications For Level 3

• Approved STEM Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of professional/relevant experience – OR – Approved STEM Master’s degree with 3 years of professional/relevant experience – OR – Approved STEM PhD with 1 year of professional/relevant experience.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance
• 5+ years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace or high‑precision manufacturing.
• Proven expertise with reading, interpreting, and applying complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Hands‑on experience with any of the following: mechanical assembly & fastening, bonding/coating/paint processes, safety‑critical handling & inspection (e.g., pyrotechnics, NDE).
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) for documentation, data tracking, and collaboration.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills; proven ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary groups, operators, and senior leadership.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time, walk up and down stairs, climb up ladders, reach into tight spaces, and lift up to 49 pounds.

Basic Qualifications For Level 4

• Approved STEM Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional/relevant experience – OR – Approved STEM Master’s degree with 6 years of professional/relevant experience – OR – Approved STEM PhD with 3 year of professional/relevant experience.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance
• 8+ years of progressive engineering experience in aerospace or high‑precision manufacturing.
• Proven expertise with reading, interpreting, and applying complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Hands‑on experience with any of the following: mechanical assembly & fastening, bonding/coating/paint processes, safety‑critical handling & inspection (e.g., pyrotechnics, NDE).
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) for documentation, data tracking, and collaboration.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills; proven ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary groups, operators, and senior leadership.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time, walk up and down stairs, climb up ladders, reach into tight spaces, and lift up to 49 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or high‑precision manufacturing environments, with demonstrated success delivering process‑focused projects that support flight‑critical hardware.
• Proven hands‑on expertise in a production environment (e.g., leading build‑line improvements, implementing process changes) rather than solely academic or internship work.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities; experience creating concise technical documentation, work instructions, and delivering presentations to cross‑functional audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail and a quality‑first mindset, with a proven track record of identifying discrepancies and driving corrective actions.
• Advanced problem‑solving skills, including data analysis, root‑cause investigation, and development of practical, safety‑oriented solutions.
• Experience leading or contributing to small‑team or multi‑disciplinary projects, managing scope, schedule, and resources from inception through implementation.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six‑Sigma or other continuous‑improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously on complex, schedule‑driven projects and adapt quickly to shifting production priorities, including occasional overtime or weekend support.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a history of effective collaboration with engineering, operations, quality, supply‑chain, and external vendors.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Clearance required for start: No.
• Clearance type: Secret.
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the time.
• This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
• The position can be filled at either Level 3 or Level 4.
• Work schedule: 4/10 schedule with every Friday off; scheduled Friday workdays, rotating shifts, and overtime possible as demand grows.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO)