Engineer Technician: CNC/CAM Programmer - Level 3/4

Northrop Grumman • Chandler, AZ

2d • $57,500 - $113,900 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is hiring an Engineering Technician: CNC/CAM Programmer at Level 3 or 4 to join the Mechanical Engineering team within Launch Vehicles at its Chandler, Arizona facility. The position supports the Mechanical Engineering department by programming, setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC machining equipment in a low-volume, high-mix prototyping environment. The technician translates engineering designs into accurate, manufacturable parts and works closely with engineers, machinists, and project stakeholders to meet quality, schedule, and documentation requirements.

The work takes place primarily in a machine shop and engineering laboratory. It may involve standing for extended periods, lifting or moving materials and tooling within established safety limits, and using required personal protective equipment. Travel is 10% of the time. Relocation assistance is not available. A Secret clearance is required, though it is not required to start; the role requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.

Requirements

• Level 3: High school diploma or equivalent and 4 years of additional education and/or related experience.
• Level 4: High school diploma or equivalent and 6 years of additional education and/or related experience.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.
• CNC machining and setup experience, including experience in a prototype, toolroom, R&D, or high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency programming CNC equipment with Siemens NX CAM.
• Ability to independently manage machining work from engineering drawing through finished-part inspection.
• Strong experience with CNC machine setup, operation, prove-out, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings, GD&T, 3D models, and manufacturing documentation.
• Working knowledge of machining practices for common metals and engineering materials, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and plastics.
• Experience selecting tooling, feeds and speeds, workholding, and machining strategies for complex parts.
• Proficiency using precision inspection and measurement tools.
• Ability to follow work instructions exactly and maintain meticulous documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and commitment to quality and safety.
• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with engineers and cross-functional team members.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent practical experience in machining, manufacturing technology, mechanical engineering technology, or a related field.
• 4 or more years of CNC machining and setup experience.
• Experience machining complex multi-axis parts and operating 4-axis and/or 5-axis CNC equipment.
• Experience with CNC turning, mill-turn, wire EDM, manual machining, welding, or other prototype-shop processes.
• Familiarity with PLM, manufacturing execution, quality, or document-control systems.
• Knowledge of fixture design, workholding design, and design-for-manufacturability principles.
• Experience supporting product development, research and development, aerospace, medical device, automotive, robotics, or similarly regulated engineering environments.
• Familiarity with first-article inspection, nonconformance reporting, and root-cause problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Create, review, and optimize CNC machining programs using Siemens NX CAM for prototype and low-volume production parts.
• Interpret engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, specifications, tolerances, and work instructions to determine machining approach, workholding, tooling, and inspection requirements.
• Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and related shop equipment to produce complex prototype components.
• Select and prepare cutting tools, fixtures, workholding, and materials appropriate to part geometry, tolerances, and machining requirements.
• Verify programs through simulation, prove-out, first-article machining, and iterative process refinement.
• Perform in-process and final dimensional inspections using precision measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and bore gauges.
• Identify machining issues, nonconformances, or process risks; troubleshoot independently and promptly communicate findings to engineering stakeholders.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers on design-for-manufacturability, tolerancing, material selection, and prototype build strategy.
• Follow approved work instructions, safety procedures, quality requirements, and configuration-control processes.
• Maintain accurate records for programs, tooling, setups, inspections, material use, and completed work.
• Perform routine CNC machine maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and basic troubleshooting; escalate service needs as appropriate.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient machine-shop work area.
• Support multiple concurrent prototype projects while adapting to changing priorities and short development timelines.
• Assist with continuous improvement activities related to machining processes, tooling, programming standards, and shop capabilities.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
• Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED