Sr Principal Engineer Manufacturing Systems
Northrop Grumman
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Baltimore, MD · $136k–$204k a year · Posted October 22, 2026
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November 2026
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About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP
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 is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and Cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Manufacturing Engineering is seeking a Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer to join the Operations Team. This position is full time onsite in Baltimore, MD. The Manufacturing Systems Engineer will be responsible for shaping and executing the Product Line strategy across the Navigation, Intelligence & Connectivity (NIC) division as well as consulting as a subject matter expert on capital projects, MTA and IRAD efforts.
What you will get to do :
Engaging with the NIC business units during pre-proposal, proposal, and early execution program phases to offer insight into higher yielding, novel, and evolving manufacturing processes.
Developing a Manufacturing Plan for each phase of the program
Performing a Manufacturing Readiness Assessment (MRA)
Leading design for automation efforts
Cost Modeling and Design to Cost activities
Deploying digital transformation of MSE work products for the use of efficient and successful manufacturing planning
Identifying producibility gaps between current and required capabilities for executing on new hardware, then developing Manufacturing Maturity Plans (MMP) to address these gaps. MMPs will include but not be limited to execution of Affordability, Manufacturing Planning, NCTA Planning, Capital Planning and Strategic Sourcing Efforts.
Ensure success of critical Technology Demonstrator builds in the factory for AMS programs
Establishment of NCTA, CRAD, and Capital funding plans that ensure execution readiness for NIC programs in the factory and supply base
The Manufacturing Systems Engineer must perform in a fast-paced, dynamic, and high visibility operation. They must be able to communicate written and verbally, have a passion for people, innovation, and excellence, along with the ability to effectively collaborate with multiple disciplines to solve complex issues.
Basic Qualifications for a Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineering:
Bachelor’s Degree in a related STEM field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience (6 years with a Master's degree)
Experience with processes and materials used to make Actively Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESA) including semiconductor technology, microelectronic assembly, printed circuit board fabrication, surface mount technology, electromechanical assembly, and materials for RF performance
Experience in manufacturing system engineering processes and products throughout the program life cycle, as well as providing technical leadership and guidance.
Experience with NCTA, CRAD, and Capital project including submittal and execution
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret as well as SAP/SAR clearances
US Citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications for a Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineering:
5 or more years of manufacturing process engineering related experience
Experience with Line Replaceable Units (LRU) manufacturing
Experience with new product development
Experience with functional electrical test and Test Design Engineering (TDE)
Experience as a Manufacturing Leader in many of the phases of acquisition, design, integration, and execution.
Experience providing operations guidance and mentorship to technical engineering peers
Experience with analytical problem decomposition, root cause analysis, solution development, solution implementation
Experience showcasing a project’s capabilities & benefits to existing and potential customers to secure funding & support development activities
Active Secret Clearance.
Active SAP/SAR Clearance.
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which 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!
Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
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.