Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Principal Manufacturing Engineer Job Description

Support Assembly and Coating operations at our Central Virginia manufacturing facilities. As a hands‑on Manufacturing Engineer, you will design, implement, and improve work instructions and manufacturing operations in our Assembly and Coating cells, utilizing digital tools to streamline operations. You will collaborate with peers, assemblers, and technicians to ensure operational readiness. Knowledge of equipment functionality and capability is crucial as you support metric‑driven decisions on operations and maintenance KPIs.

You will also troubleshoot equipment, perform preventive maintenance tasks, and develop process improvements.

• Develop processes and methodologies with a focus on safety, yields, cost, and process stability and capability.
• Provide return on investment justification for process improvements and equipment purchases.
• Develop and implement shop floor digital solutions for preventive maintenance and operations.
• Collaborate with OEMs when troubleshooting and developing failure mode corrective actions.
• Develop digital work instructions for manufacturing and maintenance tasks.

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production, and/or equipment maintenance. Alternatively, a Master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree and 7 years of relevant experience.
• Experience developing digital work instructions for complete processes or assemblies.
• Proficiency in MS Office software applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret level security clearance.
• US Citizenship is required.

• Bachelor’s Degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering.
• Experience with antenna and electronic warfare assemblies.
• Design for Manufacturability/Design for Assembly (DFM/DFA) experience.
• Experience with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Experience with material coating and bonding processes.
• Experience in automation systems and production environments.
• CAD modeling experience.
• Experience with inventory management.

The position is based in a state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility located in Waynesboro, VA, which will deliver advanced radars, communications antennas, and electronic warfare capabilities. Travel will be less than 25% and will decrease after the first 12‑18 months. This dynamic environment is fast‑paced and focuses on innovation and teamwork. The facility is set to open in 2026, contributing to hundreds of high‑quality jobs in Virginia.

This is a Permanent position based out of Waynesboro, VA.

The pay range for this position is $90,000.00 – $ / yr. Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following:
Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more! Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 – $. Secondary Level Salary Range: $ – $.

This is a fully onsite position in Waynesboro, VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.