Sr Principal Engineer Manufacturing

Northrop Grumman • Plymouth, MN

5d • $123,400 - $185,000

About The Position

Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineer to join and lead a team responsible for International Design to Production Transition Programs in the Defense Sector team at its Plymouth, Minnesota offices. The role provides Design to Production Transition mechanical and manufacturing engineering expertise for the manufacture of advanced medium-caliber ammunition for international pursuits. It requires broad knowledge of manufacturing processes and experience in a design-to-production environment, along with the ability to work independently with multidisciplinary teams in remote settings and build strong working relationships. The position requires approximately 50% domestic and international travel.

The successful candidate will lead and mentor a small team of three to four mechanical engineers; support production transition and facility planning; coordinate design, production, build, test, and production reviews; and work with Design Engineering on engineering changes and preparation of new products for production. The role also includes resolving manufacturing-line issues, assembling and commissioning equipment, supporting international facilities, training customer technicians and operators, and maintaining effective manufacturing-line operations. The engineer will communicate project status and issues, support proposals and customer meetings, maintain issue tracking and configuration documentation, and help ensure subcontractor compliance and workplace safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or another STEM discipline.
• At least 8 years of related professional experience, or a Master of Science in a STEM discipline plus at least 6 years of related professional or military experience.
• At least 8 years of experience in manufacturing and production of mechanical components and/or systems.
• CNC operation and coding experience.
• Proficiency with mechanical computer-aided design software.
• Working knowledge of hydraulics, including pumps and cylinders.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Suite.

Nice To Haves

• Design and analysis experience with PTC Creo Parametric 4.0 or SolidWorks.
• Practical understanding of GD&T.
• Experience with precision injection molding.
• Basic knowledge of electrical wiring.
• Experience in an environment containing energetic and/or explosive materials.
• Experience working successfully with highly diverse teams and foreign cultures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of three to four mechanical engineers, assign daily tasks, and set priorities according to the master schedule.
• Contribute to or lead production transition and facility planning using available software tools.
• Ensure appropriate documentation is maintained in the Configuration Management system.
• Determine and report risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate, support, and/or attend design, production, build, test, and production reviews.
• Support planning and preparation for production and customer acceptance.
• Work with Design Engineering to prepare and release Engineering Changes, from concept through final release.
• Work with Design Engineering to prepare newly developed products for production, from concept through final release.
• Help resolve complex manufacturing-line process issues involving metal finishing, heat treating, CNC equipment, complex assembly, inspection equipment, gauging, and ammunition processing.
• Provide on-site support at international facilities, requiring approximately 50% travel.
• Assemble, maintain, set up, and debug manufacturing equipment for medium-caliber ammunition.
• Plan and conduct equipment trials and commissioning to verify performance against quality and rate standards.
• Train customer technicians and operators in correct equipment operation and maintenance.
• Ensure and maintain efficient and effective manufacturing-line operations.
• Communicate issues and status frequently and effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Maintain regular contact with assigned internal and external project customers.
• Assist with preparation of engineering project proposals, participate in customer meetings, and resolve engineering and management project issues.
• Design or update manufacturing and assembly process documents.
• Read, understand, and modify equipment, machinery, and product drawings and specifications for production and testing environments.
• Generate and maintain lists of open issues and track them through resolution.
• Perform failure analysis of physical and functional test results that do not meet requirements.
• Assist in monitoring and verifying subcontractor compliance with prime contract requirements and specifications.
• Adhere to safety regulations and help maintain a safety culture.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior