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Job Title: Principal Manufacturing EngineerJob Description
Support Assembly and Coating operations at our Central Virginia manufacturing facilities. As a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer, you will design, implement, and improve work instructions and manufacturing operations in our Assembly and Coating cells, utilizing digital tools to streamline operations. You will collaborate with peers, assemblers, and technicians to ensure operational readiness. Knowledge of equipment functionality and capability is crucial as you support metric-driven decisions on operations and maintenance KPIs. You will also troubleshoot equipment, perform preventive maintenance tasks, and develop process improvements.
Responsibilities
Develop processes and methodologies with a focus on safety, yields, cost, and process stability and capability.
Provide return on investment justification for process improvements and equipment purchases.
Develop and implement shop floor digital solutions for preventive maintenance and operations.
Collaborate with OEMs when troubleshooting and developing failure mode corrective actions.
Develop digital work instructions for manufacturing and maintenance tasks.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production, and/or equipment maintenance. Alternatively, a Master’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree and 7 years of relevant experience.
Experience developing digital work instructions for complete processes or assemblies.
Proficiency in MS Office software applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret level security clearance.
US Citizenship is required.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering.
Experience with antenna and electronic warfare assemblies.
Design for Manufacturability/Design for Assembly (DFM/DFA) experience.
Experience with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
Experience with material coating and bonding processes.
Experience in automation systems and production environments.
CAD modeling experience.
Experience with inventory management.
Work Environment
The position is based in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Waynesboro, VA, which will deliver advanced radars, communications antennas, and electronic warfare capabilities. Travel will be less than 25% and will decrease after the first 12-18 months. This dynamic environment is fast-paced and focuses on innovation and teamwork. The facility is set to open in 2026, contributing to hundreds of high-quality jobs in Virginia.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Waynesboro, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 – $167000.00/yr.
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more! Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 – $134,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 – $167,500.00
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Waynesboro,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
