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Tool Engineer/Principal Tool Engineer

Northrop Grumman
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Palmdale, CA, USA
Sep 21, 2026
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

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 Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Tool Engineer or Principal Tool Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals located in Palmdale, CA.

Duties Include:

  • Coordination of design and fabrication requirements for tools and fixtures with customers, both internal and external

  • Coordinate/develop & execute test plans

  • Conduct root cause failure investigations and implement associated corrective actions

  • Develop & evaluate process improvements

  • Ensures adequate funding and performs schedule risk assessments to identify and mitigate program cost and schedule and technical risks

  • Lead and manage all phases of project: design, documentation, fabrication, assembly, validation and sustainment

  • Develop high-quality presentations for leadership meetings, workshops, and stakeholder briefings

  • Present project updates effectively to leadership, ensuring clarity and alignment on project progress and next steps

The Tool Engineer shall work with internal/external customers, and colleagues to ensure that the design meets the customer’s needs and see it through each phase of the engineering process (Design, Fabrication, and Implementation).

Basic Qualifications for Tool Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 1 year of technical and/or engineering experience or Master’s degree with 0 years of experience

  • Ability to read, interpret, and analyze technical models and drawings

  • Basic knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T/ASME Y 14.5)

  • Experience coordinating with cross functional teams across multiple organizations

  • Experience with computer aided design tools and systems (e.g., computer aided design / computer aided manufacturing CAD/CAM)

  • Experience managing projects (Cost, schedule and technical performance)

  • This position requires an active in-scope U.S. Government Secret security clearance that has been granted / renewed within the past 5 years and ability to maintain

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

  • Ability to work any shift/schedule as determined by the business

  • Ability to travel at least 10%

Basic Qualifications for Principal Tool Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 4 years of technical and/or engineering experience or Master’s degree with 3 years of engineering experience or PhD with 0 years of experience

  • Ability to read, interpret, and analyze technical models and drawings

  • Intermediate knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T/ASME Y 14.5)

  • Experience coordinating with cross functional teams across multiple organizations

  • Experience with computer aided design tools and systems (e.g., computer aided design / computer aided manufacturing CAD/CAM)

  • Experience managing projects (Cost, schedule and technical performance)

  • This position requires an active in-scope U.S. Government Secret security clearance that has been granted / renewed within the past 5 years and ability to maintain

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

  • Ability to work any shift/schedule as determined by the business

  • Ability to travel at least 10%

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering

  • Current and active DoD Secret or Top-Secret clearance

  • Understanding of Coordination of design and fabrication requirements for tools and fixtures with customers, both internal and external

  • Composite experience and process knowledge

  • Experience in Catia or NX7 or higher

  • Fundamental Engineering Certification

  • Certified Professional Engineer (PE) license

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

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.

Job ID

R10237376

Security Clearance

SECRET
About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines.

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