(Skillbridge) Manufacturing Technician (Level 2)

Northrop Grumman • Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA

12d • $25 - $41 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is hiring a Level 2 Mechanical Technician at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The position supports Department of Defense and Space Force programs as an integration and test technician, working in plant operations and at launch sites. The role is 100% on-site and includes on-the-job training on a work schedule equivalent to 40 hours per week as part of the Northrop Grumman SkillBridge Program. SkillBridge participants remain active-duty service members and are not compensated by Northrop Grumman during the program. The training is intended to provide hands-on experience and may offer the potential to convert to a full-time opportunity at its conclusion.

Work includes integration and testing throughout vehicle production, from motor-case delivery through payload encapsulation and final launch. Technicians may perform activities such as composite layup and repair, adhesive bonding, drilling, riveting, fixture fabrication, cable and harness work, soldering, ordnance handling, and mechanical assembly. The role also involves hazardous operations, including lifting and high-pressure pneumatic or hydraulic operations, and requires adherence to safety, security, and quality procedures. The position is 100% on-site, with domestic travel of 10–20% as needed. A 9/80 schedule is used: nine hours per day Monday through Thursday, eight hours every other Friday, and the alternate Friday off. Occasional odd shifts and extra hours may be required, and candidates must be willing to work any shift.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of additional education and/or related experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance of Secret or SCI.
• Experience handling chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol and acetone.
• Ability to read drawings, process specifications, and work-order instructions.
• Willingness to work any shift, including occasional odd shifts and extra hours.
• Ability to travel domestically 10–20% as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, integrity, and work ethic; flexibility to manage multiple tasks; calmness under pressure; effective communication, time management, and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or other two-year technical degree.
• Active U.S. Government clearance of Secret or above.
• Familiarity with Northrop Grumman Corporation processes.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office for work-order and other data requirements.
• Ability to work in an approved integration processing facility while wearing ESD smocks, ordnance jackets, and other PPE.
• Previous aerospace or military experience with large, small, and fragile ESD-sensitive electronics; mixing and applying adhesives and ablative materials; high-pressure pneumatic and hydraulic control systems; ordnance handling, assembly, and test; overhead crane operation; mechanical tools; forklifts, man lifts, and heavy equipment; calibrated measuring devices, multimeters, micrometers, calipers, and torque wrenches; or preventative maintenance and lockout-tagout practices.

Responsibilities

• Support integration and test operations for Department of Defense and Space Force programs, both in-plant and at launch sites.
• Perform integration and testing throughout vehicle build phases, from motor-case delivery through payload encapsulation and final launch.
• Read and follow safety and security policies, technical drawings, work plans, procedures, process specifications, and work-order instructions.
• Develop and maintain technical training and expertise across vehicle production activities, including composite layup and repair; adhesive bonding; match drilling; riveting and fixture fabrication; harness and RF cable layout, routing, and troubleshooting; connector population; J-STD-001 soldering; ordnance handling; and mechanical assembly.
• Participate in hazardous operations involving lifting, ordnance, and high-pressure pneumatic or hydraulic operations; periodically serve as Test Conductor for these operations.
• Uphold and champion safety and quality assurance policies, procedures, and controls to ensure products and services meet or exceed company standards.
• Support continuous product and process improvement and collaborate effectively with teammates.
• Travel domestically as needed.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus, depending on the position

What This Job Offers

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