Tool Design Engineer - Level 3 or Level 4

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
• CLEARANCE TYPE: None
• 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's Space Sector has an opening for a Tool Design Engineer - Level 3 or Level 4 to join our Mission Enabling Products MEP Team. This position will be located in San Diego, California.

This position can be filled at a level 3 or level 4.

Northrop Grumman Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit designs, builds, and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include satellites and associated space components and services, launch vehicles and related propulsion systems, missile products, subsystems and defense electronics, precision weapons, armament systems, and advanced aerospace structures.

As a Tool Design Engineer, you will develop and design complex composite manufacturing and test tooling. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Test, and other Engineering functions to ensure successful execution and delivery of hardware.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following

• Create, prototype, design, and analyze tools and fixtures for manufacturing and testing of composite parts and assemblies. Tools include layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and test fixtures
• Develop and refine components and subsystems utilizing design skills, hand calculations, CAD modeling software and analytical tools
• Perform detailed 3D designs and generate 2D engineering drawings
• Participate and present in internal and external (customer) design reviews. Includes generation of presentation media for PDR, CDR, and MRR type reviews
• Support manufacturing and test of fixtures and hardware as required
• Aid in the generation of manufacturing and test plans
• Support procurement of hardware and tooling
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals of the program team, matrix organization, and customers
• Support continuous improvement of departmental tools and procedures
• Ensure designs meet manufacturing and test plans, while maintaining targets for cost and schedule

Basic Qualifications for Level 3

• Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with five (5) years working in a structural design field
• Aerospace experience with product definition and design. Understanding of specifications, SOW's, drawings, ICD compliance
• Understanding of aerospace materials and assembly methods (bonding/fastening)
• Ability to perform design of complex, multi-piece tool assemblies to ensure successful execution of manufacturing and test plans
• Experience in CAD and PLM systems, such as Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Experience in drawing generation, with practical knowledge and use of GD&T
• Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) principles and mistake-proofing techniques
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government clearance

Basic Qualifications for Level 4

• Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with eight (8) years working in a structural design field

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience with aerospace tooling, including composite layup molds, precision assembly fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
• Extensive experience with composite/metallic assemblies including bonded/fastened joints and associated materials, adhesives and fasteners
• Demonstrated initiative and strong interpersonal skills, thriving both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Experience with composite manufacturing processes and applications (layup, machining, bonding & assembly)
• Active Government clearance

Additional information

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

• #LosAngelesSpace
• #SpaceEngJobs
• #SpaceGNCJobs

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.