Principal Engineer Tool/ Sr. Principal Tool Engineer- Tool Design Engineer

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Palmdale
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

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 has an opening for a Principal Engineer Tool/ Sr. Principal Tool Engineer- Tool Design Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA. We're seeking a motivated team player to implement and assist activities for our tooling assembly line. Typical candidate has a background/experience/education in manufacturing/mechanical engineering, design, graphics, writing/ illustration, views, and animation. A successful Principal Engineer Tool/ Sr. Principal Tool Engineer- Tool Design Engineer (TD) – Shall be able to design simple to complex tooling, Drill Jigs and Assembly Jigs, Dies, via Catia/NX to support production. This person shall be able to conceptualize these designs in 3D, detail the CAD model and detail the drawings for fabrication. These drawings shall be properly laid out using views and dimensions that are in compliance with ASME Y14.1-5 standards. The TD, while being the principle contributor and/or leader, shall work with internal/external customers, and colleagues to ensure that the design meets the customer needs and see it through each phase of the engineering process (Design, Fabrication, and Implementation). In addition, it is essential that this person have the ability to mentor less experienced engineers, work autonomously and in a team environment, adapt to processes and company policy while providing input or methods of process/design innovation. Duties include, but are not limited to: Execution/Lead/Coordination of design and fabrication requirements for tools and fixtures with customers, both internal and external. Performing tolerance analysis to ensure form/fit/function. Conduct root cause failure investigations and implement associated corrective actions. Lead and Assist Product Development Team with new product designs to ensure manufacturability, validate process/technology. Core Competencies - Manufacturing Methods - Knowledge of manufacturing, methods, fabrication processes (e.g., forming, stamping, machining, heat treatment, machines/machine tools, cutting tools and fluids, N/C programming, instrumentation, data acquisition and control systems). Ability to select the best method of producing parts, tools or assemblies. Verifiable performance record that includes the various aspects of assembly line operation, Computer Aided Design Tools, Extensive knowledge of computer aided design tools and systems (e.g., computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), computer aided three dimensional interactive (CATIA), Unigraphics). Engineering Drawings & Specs - Excellent ability to read, understand, and interpret engineering drawings and specifications. Basic level understanding of GD&T Basic Qualifications for Principal Tool Design Engineer: Bachelor's Degree in STEM with 5 years of experience OR a Master’s Degree in STEM with 3 years of experience OR a PhD Degree in STEM with 1 years of experience in production assembly/fabrication (aerospace preferred) including but not limited to, composites, metallic, coatings application, and production manufacturing operations. The ability to work 1st shift M-TH then M-Fri 9/80 and any work schedule and necessary to support the program. Ability to understand/read/apply GD&T to a blueprint. Ability to communicate with various levels of leadership - Must be able to coordinate and resolve interpersonal and technical problems. Must work well either in a team environment or independently. Ability to work well with little to no supervision. Ability to obtain and retain DOD clearance and program access in a reasonable time frame. Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Tool Design Engineer: Bachelor's Degree in STEM with 8 years of experience OR a Master’s Degree in STEM with 6 years of experience OR a PhD Degree in STEM with 4 years of experience in production assembly/fabrication (aerospace preferred) including but not limited to, composites, metallic, coatings application, and production manufacturing operations. The ability to work 1st shift M-TH then M-Fri 9/80 and any work schedule necessary to support the program. Ability to understand/read/apply GD&T to a blueprint. Ability to coordinate with 5 people ranging from fabrication experts to engineering experts in an effort to define large/ complex statement of work. Ability to communicate with various levels of leadership - Must be able to coordinate and resolve interpersonal and technical problems. Must work well either in a team environment or independently. Ability to work well with little to no supervision. Ability to obtain and retain DOD clearance and program access in a reasonable time frame. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's STEM Degree OR Master's STEM Degree with Professional Engineer License. 5 years of experience in Catia or NX, 5 years of experience using ASME Y 14.5 in a design role. 5 years of experience in Tool Design Ability to understand and interpret program/project business needs and develop tooling concept and manufacturing process specifications, plans and processes that support those requirements. Current and active in-Scope DOD Secret or Top Secret Clearance as well as the ability to obtain Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Perris , Principal Engineer Tool/ Sr. Principal Tool Engineer- Tool Design Engineer, Engineering , Palmdale, California