Engineer Technician: CNC/CAM Programmer - Level 3/4

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
• CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
• TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

About the role

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 Space System Sector has an opening for an Engineering Technician: CNC/CAM Programmer - Level 3/4 to join the Mechanical Engineering team within Launch Vehicles at the Chandler, AZ facility.

The Engineering Technician: CNC/CAM Programmer supports the Mechanical Engineering department by programming, setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC machining equipment in a low-volume, high-mix prototyping environment. This role translates engineering designs into accurate, manufacturable parts while working closely with engineers, machinists, and project stakeholders to meet quality, schedule, and documentation requirements.

This position works primarily in a machine-shop, and engineering-laboratory environment. The role may require standing for extended periods, lifting or moving materials and tooling within established safety limits, and using required personal protective equipment.

Essential Functions

• Create, review, and optimize CNC machining programs using Siemens NX CAM for prototype and low-volume production parts.
• Interpret engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, specifications, tolerances, and work instructions to determine machining approach, workholding, tooling, and inspection requirements.
• Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and related shop equipment to produce complex prototype components.
• Select and prepare cutting tools, fixtures, workholding, and materials appropriate for part geometry, tolerances, and machining requirements.
• Verify programs through simulation, prove-out, first-article machining, and iterative process refinement.
• Perform in-process and final dimensional inspections using precision measurement equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and other required inspection tools.
• Identify machining issues, nonconformances, or process risks; troubleshoot independently and communicate findings promptly to engineering stakeholders.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers on design-for-manufacturability, tolerancing, material selection, and prototype build strategy.
• Follow approved work instructions, safety procedures, quality requirements, and configuration-control processes exactly.
• Maintain accurate records for programs, tooling, setups, inspections, material use, and completed work.
• Perform routine CNC machine maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and basic troubleshooting; escalate service needs as appropriate.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient machine-shop work area.
• Support multiple concurrent prototype projects while adapting to changing priorities and short development timelines.
• Assist with continuous improvement activities related to machining processes, tooling, programming standards, and shop capabilities.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3

• High school diploma or equivalent and 4 years of additional education and/or related experience.
• Ability to obtain a US Government Secret security clearance
• CNC machining and setup experience, including experience in a prototype, toolroom, R&D, or high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency programming CNC equipment with Siemens NX CAM.
• Ability to independently manage machining work from engineering drawing through finished-part inspection.
• Strong experience with CNC machine setup, operation, prove-out, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
• Ability to read, and interpret complex mechanical drawings, GD&T, 3D models, and manufacturing documentation.
• Working knowledge of machining practices for common metals and engineering materials, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, plastics, and similar materials.
• Experience selecting tooling, feeds and speeds, work holding, and machining strategies for complex parts.
• Proficiency using precision inspection, and measurement tools.
• Demonstrated ability to follow work instructions exactly and maintain meticulous documentation.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and commitment to quality and safety.
• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with engineers and cross-functional team members.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4

• High school diploma or equivalent and 6 years of additional education and/or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or equivalent practical experience in machining, manufacturing technology, mechanical engineering technology, or a related field.
• 4+ years of CNC machining and setup experience
• Experience machining complex multi-axis parts and operating 4-axis and/or 5-axis CNC equipment.
• Experience with CNC turning, mill-turn, wire EDM, manual machining, welding, or other prototype-shop processes.
• Familiarity with PLM, manufacturing execution, quality, or document-control systems.
• Knowledge of fixture design, workholding design, and design-for-manufacturability principles.
• Experience supporting product development, research and development, aerospace, medical device, automotive, robotics, or similarly regulated engineering environments.
• Familiarity with first-article inspection, nonconformance reporting, and root-cause problem solving.

Primary Level Salary Range

$57,500.00 - $95,900.00

Secondary Level Salary Range

$68,300.00 - $113,900.00

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.