Sr Principal Engineer Product

Northrop Grumman•San Diego, CA

6d•$129,300 - $193,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement (CI) and Digital Transformation (DT) Lead will provide leadership to our manufacturing team at our San Diego, CA location. This role will serve as a key liaison between factory operations, engineering, quality, and program leadership to drive digitally enabled performance improvements across cost, quality, and schedule. The successful candidate will champion lean‑agile practices, develop and execute manufacturing technology roadmaps, and translate strategic objectives into actionable improvement plans and measurable results supporting manufacturing. As the Site Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead, this role will also build CI capability, influence culture, and positively impact business metrics through structured problem solving, coaching, and change management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement; or a Master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience.
Experience leading cross‑functional continuous improvement or digital transformation initiatives in a manufacturing or production environment.
Experience with lean principles and tools (e.g., value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, visual management, A3 problem solving).
Experience using data and analytics to drive decisions, including familiarity with production metrics, dashboards, and basic statistical analysis.
Demonstrated ability to influence and lead without direct authority, driving change across multiple teams and stakeholders.
Experience facilitating and training with cross-functional teams (both shop‑floor personnel and senior leadership).
US Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Secret Clearance

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with digital literacy with PLM, ERP, and MES systems; familiarity with augmented reality applications and manufacturing simulation software
Familiarity with AI/ML applications in manufacturing (e.g., process optimization, quality monitoring, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance).
Strong understanding of manufacturing automation, including industrial robotics, digital twin modeling, and automated equipment/controls, with proven experience integrating these systems across PLCs, MES, SCADA, and plant‑floor IoT infrastructure.
DOD Secret Clearance
Experience analyzing process and factory performance data for trends and insights using data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), business intelligence / process‑mining tools (e.g., Blue Prism, Celonis), and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab).
Experience designing or deploying robotic process automation and workflow solutions (e.g., Blue Prism, Power Automate, ServiceNow) to streamline repetitive tasks and improve process efficiency.
Experience with lean and Kaizen methodologies to minimize waste, improve flow, and maximize productivity in complex manufacturing environments.
Experience in planning and managing continuous improvement projects using agile or scrum‑like methodologies, including backlog management, iteration planning, and cadence‑based reviews.
Strong analytical and critical‑thinking ability, with experience using advanced problem‑solving techniques (e.g., Six Sigma, Shainin Red X) to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
Expertise in managing organizational change and stakeholder engagement, including communication planning, training, and reinforcement strategies to sustain improvements.

Responsibilities

Serve as the site CI subject matter expert (SME) on continuous improvement tools and methodologies, including lean, Six Sigma, and advanced problem‑solving techniques.
Understand, maintain, and deploy the right CI tools (e.g., manufacturing playbook, CI toolbox), engaging additional SMEs as needed to coach teams on proper use of the tools.
Act as a hands‑on CI practitioner to identify the most impactful issues across the value stream and lead the implementation of effective process improvements.
Lead digital transformation initiatives (e.g., production dashboards, data pipelines, MES/ERP integration, advanced analytics) that improve real‑time visibility and decision‑making for factory performance.
Develop and execute CI and digital transformation training to improve site skill proficiency, introducing others to CI processes and tools, answering questions, sharing examples, and serving as an active coach.
Continuously update CI skill needs for the site, including lean‑agile and digital skills such as Robotics Process Automation, business intelligence, digital transformation, and data analytics.
Facilitate value stream mapping, kaizen events, and problem‑solving workshops to engage cross‑functional teams and frontline employees in identifying waste and implementing sustainable solutions.
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for cost, quality, and schedule; focus on value and quantify the benefits of process improvements wherever possible.
Develop and maintain manufacturing technology and automation roadmaps, coordinating with enterprise and sector teams to evaluate, pilot, and scale new technologies.
Lead integration of automation and connected systems across PLCs, MES, SCADA, and plant‑floor IoT infrastructure to enable digital twin capabilities, advanced robotics, and automated controls.
Partner with IT and business process owners to design and deploy process automation solutions (e.g., workflow automation) that streamline repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and improve process efficiency.
Gain and sustain credibility within the organization by actively seeking opportunities to engage, demonstrating the value of formal problem‑solving tools, and turning CI success stories into organizational “pull” for more improvement.
Keep an intentional strategy around change management; act as an “influencer” who engages stakeholders and customers, provides visibility to the great work being done, and reinforces how local efforts contribute to broader program and business objectives.