RACER Principal Manufacturing Engineer

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START:
No

CLEARANCE TYPE:
Secret

TRAVEL:
Yes, 10% of the Time

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.

Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is searching for an on-site Principal Manufacturing Engineer to be part of our Platform Systems Modernization Fabrication Center, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Engineer Manufacturing supports the development, optimization, and sustainment of manufacturing processes for structural aircraft components.

This role requires proficiency in CNC programming and CAD/CAM for 3-axis and 5-axis machining, with a strong focus on producibility, quality, cost, and schedule performance. The engineer will work closely with design engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure compliant, efficient, and repeatable manufacturing solutions.

• Develop, validate, and optimize CNC programs for 3-axis and 5-axis machining of structural aircraft components (aluminum, titanium, and/or steel).

• Create and modify CAD/CAM models, tool paths, and work instructions to support production and new product introduction (NPI).

• Support manufacturing planning including fixture design, tooling selection, cutting strategies, and cycle time optimization.

• Provide shop floor support to troubleshoot machining issues, improve yields, and resolve nonconformances.

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with engineering specifications, GD&T, AS9100, and customer requirements.

• Collaborate with design engineering to influence part designs for manufacturability and cost reduction (DFM/DFA).

• Support process qualification, first article inspection (FAI), and production readiness reviews.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

• Document manufacturing processes, NC programs, and engineering changes per company procedures.

• High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 9 yrs of years of CNC/CAM experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment. A Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and a minimum of 5 years of CNC/CAM experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment, may also be considered.

• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a machining environment.

• Demonstrated proficiency in CNC programming for 3-axis and 5-axis machines.

• Experience using CAD/CAM software (e.g., CATIA, Solid Works, NX, Mastercam, Creo, or similar).

• Experience machining structural aircraft components or other high-tolerance aerospace parts.

• Strong understanding of GD&T, machining fundamentals, tooling, and fixturing.

• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.

• Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

• Willing/able to travel 10%.

• Wil…