Principal CNC Programmer /Sr. Principal CNC Programmer

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 103,600 - 155,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plan

Savings Plan

Paid Time Off

Education Assistance

Training and Development

9/80 Work Schedule

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal CNC Programmer to create and maintain CNC programs for complex precision components in the machining sector. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree along with significant relevant experience and possess skills in GD&T and blueprint interpretation.

This role involves leading teams and developing advanced strategies to optimize manufacturing processes. The position offers relocation assistance and requires some travel for training and equipment selection.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in a machining CNC programming role.
• Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding manufacturing blueprints.
• Minimum 2 years of experience using GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Create, validate, and maintain CNC programs for machining components.
• Develop nesting strategies to maximize material utilization.
• Lead cross-functional teams for program schedule support.

Skills

CNC programming

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Blueprint reading

3D CAM file creation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Siemens NX CAD/CAM

SAP

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available. CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No. CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret. TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time.

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.

What You’ll Get to Do:

• Create, validate, and maintain CNC programs that support the machining of large-scale, complex precision metal components fabricated on plasma and oxy‑fuel cutters (CAM file generation, post‑processor machine code generation).
• Perform technical data package review of components that require fabrication (CAD models & engineering drawings).
• Develop advanced nesting strategies to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap.
• Identify, select, and procure appropriate tooling for job‑specific applications (based on part material, geometry, features, tolerances, system rigidity, and equipment capability).
• Perform program prove‑out validation (computer simulation tools, ‘tabletop’ peer reviews, First Time Process Reviews, machine dry runs).
• Participate in and lead cross‑functional teams comprised of machinists/operators, manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, supply chain representatives, quality engineers/inspectors, and operations/program management to support program schedule & performance goals, mitigate manufacturing risks, and improve operational efficiency.
• Evaluate new equipment, software upgrades, and cutting technologies; make recommendations for capital investments.

This position is for a 1st Shift position; however, occasional extended shift, off‑shift, and/or weekend support may be required.

Occasional travel may be required for training purposes or to participate in equipment selection/acceptance activities (less than 10%).

Basic Qualifications for the Principal CNC Programmer:

• Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR 3 or more years with a Master's (4 years of additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
• Minimum 2 years of direct experience working in a machining CNC programming role.
• Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding manufacturing blueprints and process plans.
• Minimum 2 years of experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience creating and editing CNC programs that support the machining of precision components.
• Experience creating and/or editing 3D CAM files.
• Ability to work swing, graveyard, and weekend shifts (up to 20%).

Basic Qualifications for the Sr. Principal CNC Programmer:

• Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; OR 6 or more years with a Master's (4 years of additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
• Minimum 2 years of direct experience working in a machining CNC programming role.
• Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding manufacturing blueprints and process plans.
• Minimum 2 years of experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience creating and editing CNC programs that support the machining of precision components.
• Experience creating and/or editing 3D CAM files.
• Ability to work swing, graveyard, and weekend shifts (up to 20%).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience/proficiency working with materials requirements planning (MRP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and SAP experience preferred.
• Experience using Sigmanest or Pronest to create NC programs for multi‑axis plasma and oxy‑fuel cutters.
• Experience in CNC programming for multi‑axis waterjets and laser cutters.
• Experience with Siemens NX CAD/CAM.

Salary Range:

#MPR Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00. Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00.

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that fosters your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and the company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

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.