Northrop Grumman

Principal Engineer Manufacturing

Northrop Grumman$103K — $155K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or production improvement.
  • Proficient in Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Skilled in data visualization and reporting techniques.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the comprehensive 5S implementation process across all site areas.
  • Design and manage the I?Card suggestion program to foster continuous improvement.
  • Facilitate implementation of high-impact ideas through pilot testing and scaling.
  • Integrate safety and compliance considerations into all 5S and I?Card activities.
  • Define and track performance indicators to measure improvement efforts effectively.
  • Coach and mentor team members on lean practices and continuous improvement culture.
  • Maintain documentation and reporting for all continuous improvement processes.

Benefits

  • Health Plan
  • Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Education Assistance
  • Training and Development
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (where available)
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Engineer Manufacturing, based out of Sunnyvale, CA. What you will get to do: • Lead, track, execute, and audit Site‑Wide 5S Implementation • Develop, communicate, and enforce the 5S (Sort, Set‑in‑order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) standards and monthly audits across all work areas. • Conduct regular 5S audits, scorecards, and visual management reviews; report findings to leadership and drive corrective actions. • Train supervisors, team leads, and operators on 5S principles, tools, and best practices; create easy‑to‑follow work instructions and visual guides. • Coordinate cross‑functional 5S events (kaizens, blitzes, and quarterly clean‑up days) to maintain high‐level organization and safety. • Design, Launch, and Manage the I‑Card (Improvement Idea) Suggestion Program • Establish the I‑Card process flow (submission, review, evaluation, implementation, feedback) and integrate it into the existing continuous‑improvement platform. • Create simple, accessible templates (paper and digital) for floor‑team members to submit ideas on process efficiency, quality, and safety. • Form a multidisciplinary review board; define evaluation criteria (impact, cost, feasibility) and set turnaround time targets. • Track all suggestions in a centralized database, generate regular performance reports, and recognize contributors through incentive programs. • Facilitate Idea Implementation • Prioritize high‑value I‑Card ideas; develop project charters, timelines, and resource plans. • Lead pilot tests, gather data, and validate results; scale successful pilots to the entire site. • Document lessons learned and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and visual controls accordingly. • Safety & Compliance Integration • Align 5S and I‑Card activities with occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements. • Conduct risk assessments for proposed changes; ensure that all improvements enhance workplace safety. • Promote a safety‑first culture by highlighting safety‑focused suggestions during meetings and visual displays. • Performance Measurement & Continuous Feedback • Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for 5S (e.g., audit scores, audit frequency) and I‑Card (e.g., number of suggestions, implementation rate, cost savings, safety incidents reduced). • Produce weekly/monthly dashboards for management review; use data to drive further improvement cycles. • Gather feedback from floor teams on the usability of 5S tools and the I‑Card system; iterate to improve user experience. • Cross‑Functional Collaboration • Partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and CI team to ensure alignment of improvement initiatives with overall business objectives. • Support other lean tools (Value‑stream mapping, TPM, poka‑yoke, Quality build in station) • Coaching & Cultural Development • Mentor supervisors and “lean champions” to sustain 5S habits and encourage proactive idea generation. • Conduct workshops, short “brown‑bag” sessions, and visual board updates to keep a continuous‑improvement mindset top‑of‑mind. • Documentation & Reporting • Maintain up‑to‑date documentation of 5S standards, I‑Card procedures, and improvement project records. • Prepare executive summaries for senior leadership outlining cost‑benefit analyses, safety impact, and strategic alignment of improvement activities. • Continuous‑Improvement (CI) Repository System • Maintain a centralized CI repository that stores all improvement projects, methodologies, templates, SOPs, and lesson‑learned documents. • Produce dashboards and quarterly reports that visualize repository usage, improvement‑trend metrics, and ROI of captured CI initiatives. • Conduct training sessions and develop user guides to promote adoption of the repository among engineers, operators, and cross‑functional teams. • Act as the subject‑matter expert for audit readiness, providing auditors with quick access to documented CI evidence and traceability records • Position Summary / Responsibilities: • Lead site‑wide 5S implementation: develop standards, run audits, train teams, and drive corrective actions. • Design, launch, and manage the I‑Card (Improvement Idea) suggestion program, from submission workflow to performance reporting and incentives. • Facilitate rapid idea implementation: prioritize high‑impact suggestions, run pilots, scale successes, and update shop operating plans and SOPs. • Integrate safety and compliance into all 5S and I‑Card activities, conducting risk assessments and promoting a safety‑first culture. • Define and track KPIs for 5S, suggestion systems, etc., delivering dashboards and continuous‑feedback loops to senior leadership. • Coach supervisors and lean champions, partner with cross‑functional teams, and maintain comprehensive documentation and executive reports. • Design and maintain a Central Repository for all continuous‑improvement documentation (projects, templates, SOPs, lessons learned). • Serve as the subject‑matter expert for audit readiness, providing quick access to documented CI evidence. Basic Qualifications for Principal Engineer Manufacturing: • Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering degree. • A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in manufacturing/production improvement, capacity planning, or industrial engineering roles • Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies • Experience with data visualizations and reporting • Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance. • U.S. Citizenship required Preferred Qualifications for Principal Engineer Manufacturing: • Bachelor’s degree in STEM in Mechanical Engineering. • Test Facility and/or Power Generation/Chemical Facility operational experience. • Design Software Acuity (AutoCAD, Cero, Solidworks, or equivalent). • Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) or equivalent continuous improvement certification • Active Secret Clearance What We Can Offer You: Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more! #MPR Primary 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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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