Principal/Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 2 or 3)
Northrop Grumman · United States-Arizona-Chandler ·
- Work mode
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Principal
- Category
- Software engineering
- Experience
- 2+ years
Northrop Grumman · United States-Arizona-Chandler ·
Northrop Grumman – Launch Systems is seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineer (Level 2 or Level 3) with strong experience in Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) per DoD requirements. This role is critical to ensuring our advanced aerospace and launch vehicle programs are producible, affordable, and ready to transition from development into production.
As a key member of the Manufacturing Engineering / Operations team, you will define and mature manufacturing systems, lead readiness assessments, and partner closely with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management to ensure our products meet cost, schedule, technical, and risk objectives.
This position is fully on-site at our Chandler, AZ location. Relocation assistance is not available.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA):
Plan, lead, and document MRA activities in accordance with DoD Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) guidelines and program requirements.
Develop and maintain MRL roadmaps and improvement plans for critical technologies, subsystems, and full systems.
Coordinate multi-functional assessment teams (Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management) and drive closure of identified gaps.
Manufacturing Systems & Processes Development:
Define, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes and systems for aerospace hardware (structures, mechanisms, propulsion components, avionics assemblies, etc.).
Ensure manufacturability of designs through Design for Manufacturability/Assembly (DFM/DFA) and early involvement in product development.
Develop process flow diagrams, work instructions, routings, and production line layouts for prototype through rate production.
Risk Management & Production Readiness:
Identify manufacturing risks and opportunities and incorporate them into program risk registers and mitigation plans.
Support production readiness reviews (PRR), Manufacturing Process Reviews (MPR), and related gated reviews.
Use MRL criteria to assess supplier and in-house manufacturing capability and maturity, and recommend investments or process changes to achieve target MRLs.
Digital Manufacturing & Systems Integration:
Integrate manufacturing systems with enterprise tools (e.g., PLM, MES, ERP) to ensure traceability and configuration control.
Support implementation of digital thread initiatives (model-based definition, MBSE interfaces, digital work instructions, manufacturing simulations).
Analyze process data and performance metrics to inform continuous improvement and readiness decisions.
Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work with suppliers to assess and improve their manufacturing readiness, including on-site assessments and process audits aligned with MRL criteria.
Collaborate with Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program teams to ensure manufacturing considerations are incorporated throughout the lifecycle.
Provide clear technical input to make/buy decisions, source selection, and risk-based supplier management.
Continuous Improvement & Compliance:
Lead and participate in Lean, Six Sigma, and process improvement initiatives to increase yield, reduce cycle time, and improve quality.
Ensure compliance with applicable DoD, customer, and industry standards for manufacturing systems and documentation.
Prepare and present technical reports, MRA/MRL status, and recommendations to program leadership and customers.
This position may be filled as a Level 2 or Level 3.
Basic Qualifications for Level 2:
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 2 years of relevant manufacturing or systems engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or closely related industry – OR – Master’s degree.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance
Direct, hands-on experience performing or leading Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA) and applying Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) per DoD guidance.
Demonstrated experience developing and improving manufacturing processes for complex hardware (metal/composite structures, propulsion components, avionics/electronics, assemblies, or similar).
Familiarity with gated development processes and major program reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR).
Experience working in cross-functional teams (Design, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain).
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 5 years of relevant manufacturing or systems engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or closely related industry – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years relevant experience.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance
Direct, hands-on experience performing or leading Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA) and applying Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) per DoD guidance.
Demonstrated experience developing and improving manufacturing processes for complex hardware (metal/composite structures, propulsion components, avionics/electronics, assemblies, or similar).
Familiarity with gated development processes and major program reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR).
Experience working in cross-functional teams (Design, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain).
Preferred Qualifications for Both Levels:
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.
Experience with DoD acquisition lifecycle, including integration of MRLs with Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and program milestones.
Prior experience in launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, or high-reliability aerospace systems.
Experience with PLM/MES/ERP systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill, SAP, Solumina, etc.).
Knowledge of AS9100 and other aerospace quality standards.
Lean/Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or above).
Experience conducting manufacturing readiness assessments at suppliers and integrating findings into supply chain strategy.
Strong data analysis skills; experience using statistical methods to evaluate process capability and readiness.
Key Competencies
Strong systems-thinking approach applied to manufacturing environments.
Ability to translate complex engineering and program requirements into practical manufacturing solutions.
Excellent communication skills—able to lead technical discussions and present assessment results to senior leadership and customers.
Proven ability to drive closure of actions, manage multiple priorities, and work in a fast-paced, program-driven environment.
Collaborative mindset with strong problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and decision-making skills.
Work Environment
On-site work in a production and engineering environment with regular interaction with shop floor personnel, engineers, and program leaders.
Occasional travel to supplier sites and other company locations to conduct MRAs and support readiness activities.
We work a 9/80 schedule (9 hours per day Mon-Thurs, 8 hours every other Friday with the alternate Friday off)
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Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00The 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.