Director Tool Engineering 1

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 203,900 - 305,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid time off

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is looking for a Director Tool Engineering I to lead a team of engineers and designers in Palmdale, CA. This position involves strategic leadership in tooling development and overseeing integration with various teams to ensure project success.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, at least 10 years of relevant experience, and strong management skills. The role offers a significant salary range and extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in Tooling/Tool Engineering or 8+ years with a Master’s degree.
• At least 4 years of management experience.
• Experience with tooling processes including machining, fabrication, assembly, and testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead tooling engineering and technical teams.
• Collaborate across various teams to integrate tooling packages.
• Manage tooling budgets for effective resource allocation.
• Oversee design and fabrication of tooling fixtures and equipment.
• Conduct root cause analysis and improve tooling performance.

Skills

Tooling/Tool Engineering

Management/Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Six Sigma Certification

Job description

Position Summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics System Sector is seeking a Director Tool Engineering I to lead a team of tool designers, engineers, analysts, and technical trade technicians supporting the Strike program. The position is based in Palmdale, CA and will provide strategic and tactical leadership overseeing all aspects of tool development, fabrication, installation, and maintenance. The director will manage tooling proposals, cost and schedule development, and project management, coordinating with engineering, manufacturing, facilities, and quality teams. Relocation assistance may be available. Travel may be required up to 25% of the time. Shift schedule is 1st Shift – 9/80 with weekend and off‑hour availability as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the tooling engineering and technical teams, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Collaborate with Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Facilities, Tooling Quality, and Production teams to ensure seamless integration of tooling packages.
• Develop and manage various tooling budgets (direct/nonrecurring, sustaining, indirect, capital) to ensure total cost management and effective resource allocation.
• Oversee the design, development, fabrication, and installation of tooling fixtures, automation, and equipment required for manufacturing operations.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address tooling/automation issues and improve quality.
• Provide maintenance to all tools/automation/equipment, develop/maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor tooling performance, and identify areas for cost savings and avoidance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 10 years’ experience in Tooling/Tool Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline, or Master’s degree with 8+ years’ experience.
• At least 4 years of management or leadership experience.
• Experience with tooling processes including machining, fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Active DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain Special Program Access within a reasonable timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous tooling and automation experience within aerospace tooling.
• Managing multiple suppliers across multiple projects.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage cross‑functional teams.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $203,900.00 – $305,900.00. The position offers overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and potential long‑term incentives. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.