Principal​/Sr. Principal Tool Design Engineer Level 3

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

No clearance required for start. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Clearance and Special Program Access is required.

Yes, approximately 25% of the time.

At Northrop Grumman, employees work on systems that impact people worldwide, from historic achievements such as the first transatlantic flight to modern technologies like stealth bombers and lunar missions. The company seeks individuals who bring bold ideas, courage, and a pioneering spirit to invent the future while fostering intellectual curiosity and diversity.

The Principal/Sr. Principal Tooling Design Engineer (Level 3/4) provides design for industrial machinery, equipment, tools, dies, gauges, jigs, fixtures, and machine attachments needed for production or experimental use. Design considerations include accessibility, economy, mobility, and performance.

• Create 3D models and 2D drawings for new tooling to support various programs.
• Produce effective and safe designs for manufacturing, testing, qualifying, and transporting products.
• Schedule and run 30/60/90% Design Reviews to ensure customer satisfaction throughout the design cycle.
• Work with internal customers to conceptualize and design support equipment for new and existing programs.
• Collaborate with other Tool Engineering functions to deliver designs on time and within budget.
• Understand and monitor budget and schedule for own tasks.
• Review engineering drawings and designs for manufacturability.

Level 3

• Bachelor's degree in STEM with at least 4 years of experience in Mechanical, Design, Tooling, Manufacturing, Die, Product, Aerospace, or Aeronautical engineering.
• Master's degree in STEM with at least 3 years of experience, or PhD with no required experience.
• Experience in design, fabrication, and implementation of tooling for composite and metallic parts.
• Experience with general metallic fabrication (welding, machining).
• Proficiency with Solid modeling (NX preferred) and 2D drafting (CADAM preferred).
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, GD&T, root‑cause corrective action, and project leadership.

Level 4

• Same educational and experience requirements as Level 3.
• Experience leading larger scale projects with minimal supervision.

• Extensive knowledge of the E‑2D platform and 2D vehicle engineering data.
• Familiarity with OSHA design specifications and CAM experience.
• Experience developing and maintaining a tooling budget.
• Knowledge of sheet metal aircraft manufacturing.
• Experience with NX modeling and structural analysis (FEA and hand calculations).
• PE certification and mechanical design and assembly experience.
• Experience managing small to medium design projects.

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 – $.

Secondary Level Salary Range: $ – $.

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company‑paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.
• Eligibility for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and long‑term incentives for senior positions.

The application period is approximately 20 days from the posting date, subject to change based on business needs and candidate availability.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or other protected class. U.S. citizenship is required for all positions requiring a government clearance.

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