Principal/Tool Designer - Level 2 or 3
- US citizenship
About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None 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. Northrop Grumman Space Systems designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world.
Our main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures. ## Job Description Candidate will be responsible for the concept, design, 3D CAD modeling, 2D fabrication drawings, inspection requirements, procurement requirements, verification requirements, and fabrication support for tooling and equipment for Aerospace applications. ## Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following - Interface with review team to assure customer satisfaction with design - Work alongside the engineering and manufacturing team to ensure overall program quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved - Work with internal Customers to design, model and drawft needed support equipment for new and existing programs - Developing tooling concepts, to meet customer requirements - Work closely with Tool Engineers to create 3D CAD models and 2D final drawings - Understand/monitor cost and schedule - Review engineering drawings and designs for manufacturability - Implement Design for Manufacturing into all designs to reduce cost and schedule - Support vendors as needed during fabrication - Inspect tool configuration for drawing compliance, including fit, form and function - Support continuous improvement - Support Operations and Process Engineering in the use of all tooling This position can be filled as a level 2 or level 3 depending on qualifications. ## Level 2 - Minimum of a High Diploma with 6 years of experience OR bachelor’s degree with 2 years’ experience ## Level 3 - Minimum of a High Diploma with 9 years of experience OR bachelor’s degree with 5 years’ experience ## Additional Requirements - Experience in 3D CAD modeling using standard commercial CAD software - Experience in 2D drafting and drawing creation from 3D models - Experience modifying existing 2D drawings and 3D CAD models - Experience in design and fabrication of special tooling and related equipment. - Demonstrated ability to evaluate vendor and equipment capability and ability to perform required tasks to include production of tooling as well as unique aerospace part production - NX modeling and drafting experience - Crisp and concise communication skills to convey designs and share project status - Desire, i.e. passion, to build and manufacture support hardware - Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Strong organizational skills in managing time, projects and resources - Leadership ability - Technical attention to detail - Drive and motivation to be proactive in problem solving and continuous improvement - Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. ## Preferred Requirements - Associates Degree in Mechanical Design or similar - NX CAD modeling software - Siemens TeamCenter Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software - Proficiency in ASME Y14.5 (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, GD&T) - Proficiency with welded assemblies, weld symbols and dimensioning of weldments - Parametric modeling in CAD to automate CAD model creation - Knowledge of programming for CAD Software to automate routine processes Primary Level Salary Range: $81,000.00 - $99,100.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $106,000.00 - $129,000.00 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.
From Northrop Grumman's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Northrop Grumman
Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.
Pay on its listings: 98% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Northrop Grumman's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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