Tool Engineer / Principal Tool Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp. in Palmdale, CA, seeks a Tool Engineer or Principal Tool Engineer to design and build complex tools and fixtures.

The role requires CAD experience (NX/Mastercam/SolidWorks) and knowledge of dies, molds, and gaging, with proficiency in machine shop practices. You will supervise tests, collaborate with engineering teams, and ensure safety standards compliance while delivering precise tooling for energetic materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 1 year of manufacturing or tool design experience OR Master’s Degree with 0 years of experience.
• Experience creating drawings to be used in manufacturing following industry standards.
• Experience in machine shop practices and knowledge of material properties and heat treatments.
• Familiarity with Dies, Molds, Gaging, fixtures, and machine design.
• Experience with press tooling, hydraulic and pneumatic presses.
• Proficiency in CAD software NX, Mastercam, and SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, document and oversee the build of complex tools and assemblies.
• Create designs and drawings for tooling to be built and used in production.
• Supervise test and assembly of new designs and adapt equipment for specific purposes.
• Collaborate with engineering, technicians and management throughout the design process.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and maintain drawing records.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Time management

Problem solving

Works with ambiguity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX

Mastercam

SolidWorks

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an opening for a Tool Engineer or Principal Tool Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA.Bring your experience as a Tool Designer to support our Armament Business unit.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIESPlan, design, document and oversee the build of complex tools and assembliesDesign tools, mechanisms, special machine tools using NX and MastercamCreate designs and drawings to be sent out for buildRequires knowledge of mechanics and application of mechanical movementsAdapt standard equipment to special purposesWork independently to solve problems and create new designs, generally with little guidanceSelect materials to be used to meet design and usage requirementsSupervise test and assembly of new design if necessaryFamiliar with ergonomics and with applicable OSHA safety standards relative to pneumatics and hydraulicsCollaborates with engineering, technicians and management throughout the design and build processOrganize and maintain new and existing drawing recordsCOMPETENCIESCustomer ServiceAdvanced computer skills (Microsoft office suite + CAD)Works well under pressureStrong time management skillsAttention to detailEffective communication skillsContinuous improvementMechanical aptitudeWorks with ambiguity**This role may be filled at the Tool Engineer or Principal Tool Engineer level based on the qualifications listed, below**Basic Qualifications Tool Engineer:Bachelor’s degree with 1 year of manufacturing or tool design experience OR Master’s Degree with 0 years of experienceExperience creating drawings to be used in manufacturing following industry and corporate drafting standardsExperience in machine shop practicesKnowledge of the physical properties of materials and how to harden, temper and stress relieve materials to achieve required propertiesMust be knowledgeable in the following design areas: Dies, Molds, Gaging, cutting tools, fixtures, Machine designDesign and assemble precise tools and fixtures to work with energetic materialsExperience in press tooling, both hydraulic and pneumatic pressesExperience using CAD software such as NX, Mastercam, SolidworksAble to work weekly Monday – Thursday 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM; Occasional Fridays and overtime requiredConsiderable amount of time standing and walking, up to 50% of timeBasic Qualifications Principal Tool Engineer:Bachelor’s degree with 4 years of manufacturing or tool design experience OR Master’s Degree with 3 years of manufacturing or tool design experience OR PhD with 0 years of experienceExperience creating drawings to be used in manufacturing following industry and corporate drafting standardsExperience in machine shop practicesKnowledge of the physical properties of materials and how to harden, temper and stress relieve materials to achieve required propertiesMust be knowledgeable in the following design areas: Dies, Molds, Gaging, cutting tools, fixtures, Machine designDesign and assemble precise tools and fixtures to work with energetic materialsExperience in press tooling, both hydraulic and pneumatic pressesExperience using CAD software such as NX, Mastercam, SolidworksAbility to work weekly Monday – Thursday 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM; Occasional Fridays and overtime requiredConsiderable amount of time standing and walking, up to 50% of timePreferred Qualifications:Possess an understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The 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.