RACER Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Lake Charles
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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. Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future. Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is searching for an on-site Principal Manufacturing Engineer to be part of our Platform Systems Modernization Fabrication Center, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Engineer Manufacturing supports the development, optimization, and sustainment of manufacturing processes for structural aircraft components. This role requires proficiency in CNC programming and CAD/CAM for 3-axis and 5-axis machining, with a strong focus on producibility, quality, cost, and schedule performance. The engineer will work closely with design engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure compliant, efficient, and repeatable manufacturing solutions. Essential Functions: Develop, validate, and optimize CNC programs for 3-axis and 5-axis machining of structural aircraft components (aluminum, titanium, and/or steel). Create and modify CAD/CAM models, tool paths, and work instructions to support production and new product introduction (NPI). Support manufacturing planning including fixture design, tooling selection, cutting strategies, and cycle time optimization. Provide shop floor support to troubleshoot machining issues, improve yields, and resolve nonconformances. Ensure manufacturing processes comply with engineering specifications, GD&T, AS9100, and customer requirements. Collaborate with design engineering to influence part designs for manufacturability and cost reduction (DFM/DFA). Support process qualification, first article inspection (FAI), and production readiness reviews. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and delivery. Document manufacturing processes, NC programs, and engineering changes per company procedures. NGSkills Basic Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 9 yrs of years of CNC/CAM experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment. A Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and a minimum of 5 years of CNC/CAM experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment, may also be considered. 3 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a machining environment. Demonstrated proficiency in CNC programming for 3-axis and 5-axis machines. Experience using CAD/CAM software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX, Mastercam, Creo, or similar). Experience machining structural aircraft components or other high-tolerance aerospace parts. Strong understanding of GD&T, machining fundamentals, tooling, and fixturing. Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications. Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally. U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance. Willing/able to travel 10%. Willing/able to work any shift as required to support the 24/7 operations. Preferred Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Aerospace manufacturing experience with AS9100 or equivalent quality systems. MRB Experience. Experience machining aluminum and titanium aerospace alloys using CNC horizontal and vertical mills. Demonstrated experience using Mastercam, SolidWorks, NX and Calypso software. Familiarity with additive manufacturing. Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. Experience supporting production sustainment in a high-mix, low-volume environment. Knowledge of manufacturing data systems (MES, PLM, or ERP). Works under only general direction. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions. Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00 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. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Port Arthur , RACER Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Engineering , Lake Charles, Texas