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2026 Associate Tool Engineer / Tool Engineer - Job Opportunity at Northrop Grumman

Palmdale, US
Full-time
Entry-level to Mid-level
Posted: April 4, 2025
On-site
USD 58,200 - 121,900 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance with industry-competitive coverage
Disability insurance with robust protection
Paid time off with flexible scheduling
Company paid holidays aligned with federal calendar
Relocation assistance package for qualified candidates
Potential shift differential compensation
Performance-based bonus opportunities
401(k) savings plan with company match
Life insurance coverage

Key Responsibilities

Lead real-time engineering solutions for manufacturing processes and tooling systems validation
Direct coordination of design and fabrication requirements with internal/external stakeholders
Develop and execute Factory Acceptance Test Plans for complex tooling systems
Conduct technical failure investigations and implement corrective actions
Drive product development through manufacturability analysis and process validation
Manage end-to-end project lifecycle from design through validation
Develop comprehensive manufacturing documentation and procedures

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM field (T01) or Master's degree/Bachelor's + 2 years experience (T02)

Experience

0-2 years for Associate level, 2+ years for Tool Engineer level

Required Skills

Engineering design expertise Project management capabilities Technical documentation skills Manufacturing process knowledge Problem-solving abilities Inter-departmental coordination Root cause analysis experience

Certifications

Secret security clearance (required) Program Special Access clearance (required)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Defense sector experiencing significant growth in advanced manufacturing technologies Increased focus on automated and precision tooling systems in aerospace manufacturing Rising demand for engineers with security clearance in defense contracting Growing emphasis on digital transformation in manufacturing processes

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range is competitive for aerospace tooling engineers, particularly with the security clearance requirement. The wide range accounts for experience level differences and regional cost variations.

Role Significance

Typically part of a 5-10 person engineering team within larger manufacturing organization
Position spans entry to mid-level engineering roles with direct impact on manufacturing efficiency and product quality

Key Projects

Advanced aerospace tooling system development Manufacturing process optimization Quality control system implementation Production line efficiency improvements

Success Factors

Strong technical foundation in manufacturing engineering principles Ability to work effectively in classified environments Excellence in cross-functional team collaboration Proven problem-solving capabilities in real-time production environments

Market Demand

High demand due to defense sector growth and limited pool of clearance-eligible candidates

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Security clearance eligibility due to classified nature of work Manufacturing process expertise for production efficiency Technical problem-solving for real-time manufacturing support Project management capabilities for tool development lifecycle

Beneficial Skills

Experience with aerospace manufacturing systems Knowledge of quality control processes Familiarity with government contracting requirements Advanced CAD/CAM software proficiency

Unique Aspects

Multiple work schedule options including 4/10 and 3/10 shifts
Opportunity to work on classified defense projects
Strong emphasis on work-life balance through flexible scheduling
Direct involvement in cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing

Career Growth

2-4 years in role before advancement opportunity, accelerated by security clearance status

Potential Next Roles

Senior Tool Engineer Manufacturing Engineering Manager Technical Project Lead Process Improvement Specialist

Company Overview

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman stands as a premier defense contractor with significant technological innovation history

Top-tier defense and aerospace contractor with strong financial performance and stable government contracts
Multiple strategic locations across key aerospace hubs in California and Florida
Professional environment emphasizing innovation, security, and technical excellence with structured advancement paths
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