Sr Principal Engineer Technical Services

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. At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we’ll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career. The Manufacturing Systems Solutions and Data Architect will lead efforts in optimizing manufacturing processes, implementing advanced manufacturing technologies, and improving quality. This individual will combine their extensive knowledge in manufacturing with a strong background in process optimization, quality improvement, emerging manufacturing techniques, networking, and data communications, deriving unique and innovative processes and tools in support of affordability and throughput initiatives. This position will start out in Charlottesville, VA for approximately 1 year and then will be located in Waynesboro, VA once the new facility is available. What You’ll Get to Do: Architect and refine manufacturing systems with a focus on process optimization and integration of advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., AI and ML, Automation/PLC logic, Additive Manufacturing). Develop AI models to optimize factory flow, reduce engineering labor, and support predictive quality and test needs. Drive continuous improvements in manufacturing quality, safety, and efficiency using data-driven approaches and best practices (e.g., applied statistics, FMEAs, and other LEAN tools). Implement and manage advanced manufacturing technologies, including multi-axis CNC routing, 3D model-based designs, and additive manufacturing processes. Support quality plans and process capability studies, ensuring adherence to the highest manufacturing standards and protocols. Integrate network engineering solutions and data communications to enhance manufacturing processes and system architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline production processes, facilitating effective transition from design through full production. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians, fostering their professional growth and supporting their development in manufacturing and process optimization. Establish and deploy data collection and analysis tools to support the identification of trends, variances, and areas for improvement, and implement solutions to address these findings. Serve as an advisor to leadership on manufacturing processes, engineering practices, and quality improvement strategies. Engage in industry research to stay current with emerging manufacturing, networking, and data communication trends and technologies, and leverage these insights for continuous advancement of manufacturing capabilities. Work effectively as an individual contributor and as a member of a larger team.