Posted:
1/19/2026, 2:06:43 PM
Location(s):
Arizona, United States ⋅ Gilbert, Arizona, United States
Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering
Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems Sector is an industry-leading provider for launch systems capabilities serving national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable, and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible possible.
We are excited to announce an opening for a Principal Manufacturing Engineer who demonstrates the ability to solve complex Manufacturing problems, particularly in Wire Harnesses. This position is 100% on site at our Gilbert, AZ location. Join our innovative team and contribute to the future of space systems manufacturing!
Position Overview:
As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you will be instrumental in optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring alignment with engineering design concepts. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to reduce build times, lower costs, and improve overall quality. Your role will involve providing technical guidance, participating in tool design reviews, and implementing corrective actions for non-conforming products.
Key Responsibilities
Provide guidance to Engineering on design concepts to ensure optimal manufacturing techniques for wire harnesses.
Participate in tool design reviews to ensure feasibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Define and document the sequence of operations for wire harness assembly.
Investigate non-conformance issues and initiate corrective actions and improvements.
Identify and implement improvement opportunities to enhance producibility and affordability.
Serve as a technical liaison to ensure low production costs and high-quality output.
Interpret drawings and specifications to support wire harness production technicians.
Write detailed work instructions to improve production workflow efficiency.
Assist in training employees in new and existing manufacturing processes.
Evaluate and enhance current manufacturing processes with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Specify, identify, and procure new manufacturing equipment to ensure production readiness.
Build 1:1 scale models of mockups to validate designs and improve assembly processes.
Utilize 3D printing technology to create models and parts for prototyping and production support.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 5 years of manufacturing and/or aerospace experience. Or a Master's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline with 3 years of manufacturing and/or aerospace industry experience.
Experience with 3D printing technology.
Familiarity with process flows, manufacturing principles, and production operations.
Strong organizational and communication skills (both oral and written).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with wire harness manufacturing and assembly.
Proficiency with the full suite of Microsoft Office Tools.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering or Systems Engineering.
Documented experience working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
New manufacturing technology development experience.
Experience with computer systems such as MES, Deltek Costpoint, TipQA, PTC Windchill, Tableau, or Minitab.
Website: https://northropgrumman.com/
Headquarter Location: Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Employee Count: 10001+
Year Founded: 1994
IPO Status: Public
Last Funding Type: Grant
Industries: Data Integration ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Remote Sensing ⋅ Security ⋅ Software