Principal/Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 2 or 3)

Northrop Grumman•Chandler, AZ

2d•$79,300 - $147,600•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Launch Systems is seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 2 or Level 3) with strong experience in Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) per DoD requirements. This role is critical to ensuring our advanced aerospace and launch vehicle programs are producible, affordable, and ready to transition from development into production. As a key member of the Manufacturing Engineering / Operations team, you will define and mature manufacturing systems, lead readiness assessments, and partner closely with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management to ensure our products meet cost, schedule, technical, and risk objectives. This position is fully on-site at our Chandler, AZ location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 2 years of relevant manufacturing or systems engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or closely related industry – OR – Master’s degree (for Level 2).
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 5 years of relevant manufacturing or systems engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or closely related industry – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years relevant experience (for Level 3).
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance.
Direct, hands-on experience performing or leading Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA) and applying Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) per DoD guidance.
Demonstrated experience developing and improving manufacturing processes for complex hardware (metal/composite structures, propulsion components, avionics/electronics, assemblies, or similar).
Familiarity with gated development processes and major program reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR).
Experience working in cross-functional teams (Design, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.
Experience with DoD acquisition lifecycle, including integration of MRLs with Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and program milestones.
Prior experience in launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, or high-reliability aerospace systems.
Experience with PLM/MES/ERP systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill, SAP, Solumina, etc.).
Knowledge of AS9100 and other aerospace quality standards.
Lean/Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or above).
Experience conducting manufacturing readiness assessments at suppliers and integrating findings into supply chain strategy.
Strong data analysis skills; experience using statistical methods to evaluate process capability and readiness.

Responsibilities

Lead Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA): Plan, lead, and document MRA activities in accordance with DoD Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) guidelines and program requirements.
Develop and maintain MRL roadmaps and improvement plans for critical technologies, subsystems, and full systems.
Coordinate multi-functional assessment teams (Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management) and drive closure of identified gaps.
Manufacturing Systems & Processes Development: Define, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes and systems for aerospace hardware (structures, mechanisms, propulsion components, avionics assemblies, etc.).
Ensure manufacturability of designs through Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) and early involvement in product development.
Develop process flow diagrams, work instructions, routings, and production line layouts for prototype through rate production.
Risk Management & Production Readiness: Identify manufacturing risks and opportunities and incorporate them into program risk registers and mitigation plans.
Support production readiness reviews (PRR), Manufacturing Process Reviews (MPR), and related gated reviews.
Use MRL criteria to assess supplier and in-house manufacturing capability and maturity, and recommend investments or process changes to achieve target MRLs.
Digital Manufacturing & Systems Integration: Integrate manufacturing systems with enterprise tools (e.g., PLM, MES, ERP) to ensure traceability and configuration control.
Support implementation of digital thread initiatives (model-based definition, MBSE interfaces, digital work instructions, manufacturing simulations).
Analyze process data and performance metrics to inform continuous improvement and readiness decisions.
Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with suppliers to assess and improve their manufacturing readiness, including on-site assessments and process audits aligned with MRL criteria.
Collaborate with Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program teams to ensure manufacturing considerations are incorporated throughout the lifecycle.
Provide clear technical input to make/buy decisions, source selection, and risk-based supplier management.
Continuous Improvement & Compliance: Lead and participate in Lean, Six Sigma, and process improvement initiatives to increase yield, reduce cycle time, and improve quality.
Ensure compliance with applicable DoD, customer, and industry standards for manufacturing systems and documentation.
Prepare and present technical reports, MRA/MRL status, and recommendations to program leadership and customers.