Numerical Control Programmer/ Principal Numerical Control Programmer

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 104,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Palmdale, CA seeks a Numerical Control Programmer on first shift (4/10A, Mon-Thu 6:00 am–4:30 pm). Responsible for converting complex 3D designs into precise G-code/M-code for multi-axis milling and CMM machines using CATIA V5 or Siemens NX.

Work with carbon fiber composites and high-grade aerospace alloys. The role involves toolpath development, CAD/CAM integration, fixture design, and on-floor support with potential overtime and discretionary bonuses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 0 years of experience.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, Catia V5).
• Experience with blueprints & GD&T symbols.
• Experience with Trigonometry and Geometry.
• Experience with G-code, M-code, and post-processing; aerospace composites and alloys.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government clearance.

Responsibilities

• Program Development: Create toolpaths for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and CMM machines using CATIA V5 or Siemens NX.
• CAD/CAM Integration: Analyze CAD models and blueprints to optimize machining sequences.
• Tooling & Fixture Design: Design fixtures and jigs in CAD for aerospace components.
• Simulation & Verification: Run machine simulations (Vericut) to verify toolpaths before production.
• Process Optimization: Reduce cycle times and improve tool life while maintaining quality.
• Documentation: Create setup sheets for machinists.
• Shop Floor Support: Troubleshooting and mentoring operators.

Skills

G-code understanding

GD&T knowledge

CAD/CAM concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree

High School Diploma with 6 years experience

Tools

CATIA V5

Siemens NX

Vericut

Job description

Relocation and Clearance Information

Relocation assistance may be available. Clearance required for start: Yes. Clearance type: Secret. Travel: Yes, 10% of the time.

About Northrop Grumman

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.

Numerical Control Programmer / Principal Numerical Control Programmer

As a Numerical Control Programmer/ Principal Numerical Control Programmer located in Palmdale, CA, you will be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.

Our Palmdale, CA site is seeking a Numerical Control Programmer/ Principal Numerical Control Programmer to join our growing team on the first shift, 4/10A schedule, working Monday - Thursday from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm.

The Numerical Control Programmer/ Principal Numerical Control Programmer is a specialized professional responsible for converting complex 3D engineering designs into precise numerical code (G-code/M-code) that drives multi-axis machining centers using CAD/CAM software such as Catia or Siemens NX. In the aerospace industry, this role involves working with carbon fiber composites and occasional exotic materials (titanium, Inconel, aluminum alloys). Develops and writes programs for numerically controlled machines using engineering specifications and drawings. Analyzes engineering drawings to define the configuration of parts and determine the type and sequence of machine operations.

Core Responsibilities

• Program Development: Utilize software such as CATIA V5 or Siemens NX to create toolpaths for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis milling and CMM machines.


• CAD/CAM Integration: Analyze 3D CAD models and blueprints to determine the most efficient machining sequences and work-holding strategies.


• Tooling & Fixture Design: Design custom fixtures and jigs in CAD to secure aerospace components during the machining process.


• Simulation & Verification: Conducting machine simulations (e.g., using Vericut) to ensure error-free toolpaths before physical production.


• Process Optimization: Continuously refine programs to reduce cycle times, improve tool life, and ensure consistent quality for high-value aerospace parts.


• Documentation: Create detailed setup sheets to guide machinists through the production process.


• Shop Floor Support: Troubleshooting programming issues during setup, performing "prove-outs" on the floor, and mentoring machine operators.

Basic Qualifications

• Numerical Control Program Level 2: Bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 0 years of experience OR High School Diploma and 6 years in lieu of experience.


• Experience with CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, Catia V5).


• Experience with blueprints & GD&T: Expert ability to interpret complex technical drawings and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols.


• Experience with a foundation in Trigonometry and Geometry.


• Experience with understanding of G-code, M-code, and post-processing; expertise in machining aerospace composites and alloys (Titanium, Inconel, Aluminum).


• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government clearance and Special Program Access (PAR) per company and or business needs.

Principal Numerical Control Program Level 3

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with 3 years of experience; OR PhD Degree with 0 years of experience; OR High School Diploma and 9 years in lieu of experience.


• Experience with CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, Catia V5) and CAM software.


• Experience with blueprints & GD&T: Expert ability to interpret complex technical drawings and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols.


• Experience with a foundation in Trigonometry and Geometry for calculating complex cutting paths and angles.


• Experience with understanding of G-code, M-code, and post-processing; expertise in machining aerospace composites and alloys (Titanium, Inconel, Aluminum).


• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government clearance and Special Program Access (PAR) per company and or business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with AS9100 standards and export control regulations (ITAR/EAR). Associate's degree in a mechanical or machining-related curriculum or 6 years of machining and programming experience.

Salary

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00

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.

Benefits

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.

Application Period

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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.

Company Culture

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future.

Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work.

Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.