Energetics Manufacturing Technician - Level 2

About the role

The Northrop Grumman Propulsion Systems and Controls (PS&C) facility in Elkton, Maryland is seeking a Manufacturing Technician 2. This facility has been operational since 1948 and specializes in solid-propellant rocket propulsion and ordnance systems.

Responsibilities

• Supports processing, management, and handling of energetic materials and electromechanical systems while maintaining strict compliance with energetics safety protocols and electrostatic energy awareness.
• Performs routine testing, checkout, troubleshooting, prototype building, environmental testing, and simple developmental engineering tasks from schematics, diagrams, layouts, defined plans, and verbal/written instructions.
• Aids Engineering with mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical design development, tests, fabrication, modifications, assemblies, components, grounding systems, and component bonding during assembly/fabrication/transport in the presence of energetic materials.
• Supports DCMA oversight/coordination activities (final hardware buy-off and functional-area audits) by providing required energetics documentation and traceability.
• Participates in Hazardous Operation Standards (HOPS) reviews, Plant Propellant Control Board (PPCB) activities, hazard analysis, and other safety-based programs governing energetics operations.
• Maintains work areas in compliance with FOD, ESD, and 5S standards to ensure energetics safety requirements are consistently met.
• Analyzes test/production data and recommends modifications to components, process documentation, or test procedures, considering the unique safety and performance requirements of energetics systems.
• Performs varied but standardized tasks under general supervision; resolves routine questions and escalates more complex issues.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of manufacturing/assembly/test experience in a controlled or safety-critical environment (energetics, aerospace/defense, chemicals, electronics, or similar).
• Ability to follow detailed procedures/work instructions and maintain accurate documentation and traceability.
• Ability to read and work from schematics/diagrams/layouts and written/verbal technical instructions.
• Demonstrated safety mindset and ability to work around hazardous operations with strict procedural compliance (including ESD awareness/discipline).
• Ability to work full-time and support overtime/weekend coverage as needed.
• Ability to maintain 5S, FOD, and ESD standards in assigned work areas.

Qualifications

• Direct experience working with energetic materials, propellants, explosive devices, or energetics manufacturing/test environments.
• Experience supporting DCMA source inspection/buy-off activities and audits (documentation readiness, traceability).
• Familiarity with HOPS/PPCB processes, hazard analysis, and safety-based governance programs in energetics operations.
• Experience with environmental testing and prototype build support.
• Trade school, military technical training, or associate degree in a related technical discipline preferred.

Skills

• Electrostatic control/grounding awareness.
• Prevention of unintended discharge.
• Hazardous Operation Standards (HOPS) reviews.
• Plant Propellant Control Board (PPCB) activities.
• Hazard analysis.
• Safety-based governance programs in energetics operations.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company paid holidays and paid time off (vacation and/or personal business).

Pay

The primary level salary range for this position is $53,500.00 - $89,100.00 annually. 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.