Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 4)

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Chandler
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 4) to join our team in Chandler, AZ . This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. The Manufacturing Systems Engineer develops requirements, performs technical planning, manufacturing system development/integration, verification and validation, and evaluates cost (implementation, savings and return on investment) and implementation/program risk impacts. Manufacturing systems engineers follow projects through all manufacturing readiness level phases: concept development, design, fabrication/assembly/test at lab level, production environment demo, full production operations implementation, sustainment/maintenance/ continuous improvement. These projects focus on advanced and emerging manufacturing capabilities/digital technologies with the goal of improving overall production manufacturing quality, span times/time to market and reduce cost. Leads project technical proposal/SOW writing & estimating while ensuring systemic conversion of requirements to design, implementation and production validations. Manages project cost and schedule through all phases and execution of transition to production activities of the developed systems to program and functional manufacturing spaces. Key Responsibilities: Conduct Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRAs) to evaluate production readiness of manufacturing systems, suppliers, and processes at various program milestones. Develop and maintain MRA plans, schedules, and checklists to ensure comprehensive evaluations. Assess production processes for compliance with industry standards, program requirements, and contractual obligations (e.g., AS9100, MIL-STD-882, or proprietary requirements). Identify and analyze risks associated with manufacturing processes, supply chain, materials, and equipment. Propose mitigation strategies to address shortcomings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, quality assurance, and program management to verify manufacturability and production maturity. Evaluate automation, tooling, equipment, and production capabilities relevant to aerospace and defense manufacturing. Participate in supplier assessments and audits to ensure compliance with program and customer requirements. Prepare detailed reports and presentations summarizing MRA findings, including recommendations for process improvements and corrective actions. Monitor the implementation of manufacturing readiness improvements and corrective actions throughout the production lifecycle. Stay updated on emerging manufacturing technologies, industry trends, and best practices to recommend process optimizations. Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years related engineering experience – OR – Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 10 years of related engineering experience. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance Experience performing audits and presenting results to senior staff and customers Experience with Manufacturing Readiness Assessments & Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRA/MRL) Familiarity with contracts and requirements Analytical approach to problem-solving and proven ability to work independently with limited supervision Able to travel to suppliers 10-20% Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Systems Engineering Active U.S. Government DoD Secret (or higher) security clearance, current and within scope Familiarity with Northrop Grumman tools and processes Experience with Manufacturing Engineering System (MES) Microsoft Office Suite Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site. Northrop Grumman Total Rewards Primary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Gilbert , Sr Principal Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 4), Engineering , Chandler, Arizona