Description

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics System Sector is seeking a Director Tool Engineering 1 to join our team of qualified, diverse, individuals to lead a Team of Tool designers, engineers, analysts, and technical trade technicians and shops supporting the Strike program. This position will be based out of Palmdale, CA.

The Director of Tool Engineering will be responsible for providing strategic and tactical leadership overseeing all aspects of tool development/design, fabrication, installation implementation, and maintenance. This includes leading major tooling proposals and packages along with cost and schedule development, project management, visibility and communication of these statements of work. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in aerospace and automation tooling specific to operations, fabrication, installation, metrology and managing in-house and outside suppliers/supplier management.

Candidates need to demonstrate a proven track record of successful leadership and a deep understanding of tooling and automation as it relates to assembly lines. Directing the work of tooling managers representing technical, manufacturing and administrative disciplines who are assigned to multiple sites, resolving constraints between functions, and setting /driving organizational strategy. This is a highly visible role that requires excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, which will include the following responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the tooling engineering and technical teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Collaborate with Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Facilities, Tooling Quality, and Production teams to ensure seamless integration of tooling packages.
• As a CAM, develop and manage various tooling budgets (direct/nonrecurring, sustaining, indirect, capital) to ensure total cost management, budget performance and effective resource allocation.
• Oversee the design/development, fabrication, and installation of tooling fixtures, automation, and equipment required for manufacturing operations.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address tooling/automation issues and improve quality.
• Provide maintenance to all tools/automation/equipment, develop/maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor tooling performance, and identify areas for cost savings and avoidance.

This position will offer 1st Shift – 9/80 with the ability to come in on weekends and work off hours as required by the business, engaging in learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others.

Basic Qualifications:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree and 10 years’ experience in Tooling/Tool Engineering,  Manufacturing  Engineering, or a related engineering discipline or a Master’s degree and 8+ years’ experience in Tooling/Tool Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Must have 4+ years of management or leadership experience.
• Experience and understanding of tooling processes, including machining, fabrications, assembly, and testing
• Must have an active DoD Secret clearance and the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs and prior to commencement of employment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• STEM Degree or BS of Science
• Previous tooling and automation experience as it relates to aerospace tooling.
• Managing multiple suppliers across multiple projects
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams.