Staff Tooling Engineer - Level 5

Staff Tool Engineer – Level 5

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 Staff Tool Engineer – Level 5 to join our team in Commerce, CA.

As the Tool Design Engineer you will be responsible for developing and designing tooling used to manufacture, inspect, and test components and hardware. You will partner with Manufacturing, Test, and Design Engineering functions to ensure successful execution and delivery of hardware.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Tool Design and Development
  • Define and lead initiatives for improving tooling design, manufacture, and deployment.
  • Design innovative tools, fixtures, and jigs necessary for the manufacturing, assembly, and inspection of propulsion tanks made with titanium and composite overwrap materials.
  • Collaborate with product design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and production teams to identify tooling requirements and ensure alignment with product specifications.
  • Mentor and train junior Tooling Engineers, guiding them in industry best practices, problem solving and overall technical development.
• Tool Fabrication and Integration
  • Develop specification and detailed drawings/models for tooling, adhering to GD&T standards.
  • Work with internal tool fabrication teams or external vendors to oversee the fabrication and delivery of tooling.
  • Ensure smooth integration of newly developed tools into manufacturing processes, including conducting tool validation and first-article testing.
• Tool Maintenance and Optimization
  • Conduct periodic inspections and maintenance of existing tools to ensure they are in working condition and meet production standards.
  • Proactively troubleshoot tool design or operational issues, implementing corrective actions when needed to improve tool reliability and performance.
• Process and Quality Support
  • Support composite and titanium tank manufacturing processes, providing technical expertise for tooling-related challenges, including layup tooling, mandrels, cure tooling for autoclaves, weld fixtures, and inspection fixtures.
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure tooling and processes meet required certifications and standards.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Identify and implement process improvements in tooling systems to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Stay current with advancements in tooling technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to recommend innovative solutions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related technical field with 12 years of experience in tool engineering within aerospace, defense or related manufacturing industry; OR Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related technical field with 10 years of experience in tool engineering within aerospace, defense or related manufacturing industry
• Proficient with 3D CAD Software and PLM systems (CATIA, NX or SolidWorks) for tool design
• Ability to perform design of complex, multi-piece tool assemblies to ensure successful execution of manufacturing and test plans
• Experience with design of composite structures or composite-related tooling
• Extensive experience in drawing generation, with an advanced understanding of GD&T
• Extensive experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) principals and mistake-proofing techniques
• Proven ability to communicate complex concepts clearly in writing and speech, crafting concise, audience-tailored documentation and delivering engaging presentations and stakeholder updates that drive alignment and informed decisions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with aerospace propulsion systems or similar high-reliability manufacturing programs.
• Experience with composite layups and bonding processes, as well as welding and machining for titanium tanks
• Familiarity with AS9100 standards and other industry-specifics certifications
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as autoclaving, CNC machining, and automated fiber placement (AFP)

Primary Level Salary Range: $153,600.00 - $230,400.00The 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