Production Operator - Level 1

Material And Production Operator Level 1

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's Space Sector is seeking a Material and Production Operator Level 1 to join our team in Charlotte, NC. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

An organization within Northrop Grumman's, SYNOPTICS is the world-wide leader in the growth, fabrication, and coating of crystalline materials used in laser systems. These "solid-state" laser crystals are used in products ranging from medical lasers to military laser systems. The Charlotte facility has been operating for over 60 years in the laser industry and has developed the reputation of providing the highest quality products with timely deliveries. Within the facility, solid-state oxide and fluoride crystals are grown from a high-temperature melt. SYNOPTICS has full optical fabrication capabilities for various plano and spherical geometries. SYNOPTICS serves the photonics and optics industry across the globe.

In this job, you will:

• Crystal rod fabrication to include one or more of the following: blocking, grinding, beveling, polishing, measuring, and inspecting various rod materials and configurations per specification and production schedule. Tasks could include:
• Choosing proper fixtures and blocking rods for polishing
• Operating CNC optical grinding machines
• Preparing polishing slurries and maintaining laps
• Setting up and running overarm spindles
• Measuring geometrical properties
• Visually inspecting surface quality under a microscope
• Follow technical work instructions, understand engineering blueprints, and verify conformance to specifications within given tolerances
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area
• Utilize the electronic Shop Floor Control system for data entry and scanning parts through applicable routing steps
• Perform work in a manner complying with our ISO 9001 quality and EHS management systems

Basic Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent and 0 years additional education and/or related experience.
• No clearance required to start
• Basic computer skills using Microsoft Excel and Word
• Effective communication skills with peers, engineering, and management are essential
• Ability to communicate in English, verbally and written, in a technical environment
• Manual dexterity, strong work ethic, ability to multitask, positive attitude, and willingness to learn
• Good visual acuity, strong basic math skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to use measurement equipment, work in metric or English units, read detailed instructions, interpret engineering prints, maintain written records, and keep an organized work environment using 5S principles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or two-year technical degree
• Experience in a technical manufacturing environment including measuring production parts, interpreting process output, and troubleshooting
• Experience in optical fabrication is strongly preferred, including experience with microscopes and mechanical or optical metrology equipment
• Experience operating grinding, cutting, or polishing machinery (manual or CNC)

Hazardous Materials: Solvents, epoxy, polishing slurries, and coolant

Primary Level Salary Range: $31,900.00 - $53,100.00The 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.

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