Staff Manufacturing Engineer - 18220

Relocation assistance may be available. This position requires an active DoD Secret clearance at time of application and the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) approval. Travel is required, up to 10% of the time.

About the Role

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer for a position located in Elkton, MD. This role is contingent upon capturing program award(s) and obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding. The ideal candidate is a team player with strong independent-contributor skills, leadership abilities, demonstrated problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and a proactive, detail-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in design reviews, providing feedback on mechanical/electrical designs to ensure deployability, manufacturability, and compliance with industry and DoD standards.
• Perform power-budget analyses and develop/maintain detailed work and installation instructions, procedures, and CONOPS for equipment deployment and checkout.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement manufacturing and deployment processes, including research, design, modification, testing, and integration of commercial tools/equipment.
• Conduct root-cause investigations, implement corrective actions, and apply Lean and statistical process-control techniques to improve safety, quality, cost, and efficiency.
• Coordinate with integration teams, suppliers, and customers (military/government) to develop manufacturing-readiness plans, MRAs, and project schedules aligned with the Integrated Master Schedule.
• Provide on-site engineering support during field installations, train operators on new processes, and ensure successful deployment of Sentinel and other system components.
• Create and present technical analyses, design concepts, and status reports to leadership and stakeholders for approval and decision-making.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering to adapt designs for practical manufacturing, tooling, and field-deployable solutions.
• Develop and maintain program documentation, including Bills of Materials, process-control documents, and compliance records per the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Statement of Work.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert, offering advanced technological ideas and ensuring adherence to engineering and manufacturing-development requirements.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience, OR a PhD and 8 years of relevant experience.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active DoD Secret clearance, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) approval.
• Experience with design reviews, process-control documentation, work instructions, and Bills of Materials.
• Experience with Siemens NX/CPLM or similar tools and a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance.
• Experience with cruise missiles.
• Understanding of MRAs and establishing Manufacturing Readiness Levels per DoD customer requirements.
• Demonstrated experience working in a model-based manufacturing digital environment.
• Demonstrated project-management experience and experience resolving manufacturing process issues while training operators on new processes.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts

Pay

Primary level salary range: $153,600.00 – $230,400.00. The above salary range represents a general guideline; base salary offers consider 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.

Schedule

This position follows a 9/80 work schedule, allowing employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.