Manufacturing Engineer Associate

About This Role

Northrop Grumman is hiring Manufacturing Engineer Associates to support production of advanced defense systems including the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, GBSD intercontinental ballistic missile, and autonomous systems platforms. This is an early-career opportunity to work on classified programs with national security significance.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Associate
• Company: Northrop Grumman
• Location: Palmdale, CA / El Segundo, CA / Baltimore, MD / Melbourne, FL / Roy, UT
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level (0–2 years)
• Salary Range: $30–$48/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-05-25
• Application Deadline: 2026-06-25

Role Context

You will join a manufacturing engineering team responsible for transitioning new designs from prototype to full-rate production. Northrop Grumman invests heavily in its early-career engineers, offering structured mentoring, access to advanced manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing and composite fabrication, and a defined career ladder from Associate to Principal Engineer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and document manufacturing processes for structural, electronic, or propulsion subsystems
• Support design-for-manufacturability reviews during product development phases
• Coordinate with tooling engineers to design and procure production fixtures
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for production defects
• Analyze and reduce manufacturing cycle time using Lean and Six Sigma methods
• Support configuration management and engineering change implementation
• Brief manufacturing status to program managers and government customers

Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Aerospace Engineering
• Basic knowledge of machining, composites, welding, or electronics assembly
• Familiarity with CAD software (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks)
• Understanding of statistical process control and quality principles
• US citizenship required; must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance
• Strong written and verbal communication for cross-functional team collaboration

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $30–$48/hr based on location and program; signing bonus for select roles
• 9/80 or 4/10 compressed schedules available at most sites
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from hire date
• 401(k) with 3–6% company match depending on tenure
• Paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and employee wellness programs

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates with a strong interest in advanced manufacturing for aerospace and defense. If you want your first job to involve cutting-edge technology, national security programs, and structured professional development, Northrop Grumman's early-career program provides the foundation.

About the Company

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense company with over 95,000 employees and $37 billion in annual revenue. Its manufacturing sites develop some of the most technologically advanced defense platforms in the world, spanning stealth aircraft, space systems, and missile defense.

How to Apply

Apply through Northrop Grumman's official careers portal using the link above. Filter by "Early Career" and search for "Manufacturing Engineer." The process includes an online application, a technical phone screen, and a virtual panel interview.