1

Principal Manufacturing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer or SR Principal Manufacturing Engineer based at our Salt Lake City, UT campus. The ...

Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Contract) Sigma Design has collaborated with a consumer electronics company seeking an experienced Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join their facility in Redmond ...

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer or SR Principal Manufacturing Engineer based at our Salt Lake City, UT campus. The ...

Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Contract) Sigma Design has collaborated with a consumer electronics company seeking an experienced Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join their facility in Redmond ...

Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Contract) Sigma Design has collaborated with a consumer electronics company seeking an experienced Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join their facility in Redmond ...

Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Contract) Sigma Design has collaborated with a consumer electronics company seeking an experienced Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join their facility in Redmond ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Manufacturing Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal manufacturing engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal manufacturing engineer?

Principal Manufacturing Engineers are senior-level professionals who oversee the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes within an organization. They provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and ensure that production systems operate efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Their responsibilities often include process improvement, troubleshooting, equipment selection, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet quality and production goals. With significant experience, they play a key role in strategic decision-making and innovation within the manufacturing environment.

How does a principal manufacturing engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during new product introduction (NPI)?

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you will work closely with design, quality, supply chain, and production teams during new product introduction (NPI). Your role is pivotal in translating design concepts into efficient manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality and manufacturability from the earliest stages. Effective collaboration often involves leading design-for-manufacturability reviews, coordinating pilot builds, and troubleshooting process issues alongside team members from different disciplines. This cross-functional engagement is essential for launching products on time and within budget, and it also provides opportunities to mentor junior engineers and influence process improvements across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you need deep expertise in manufacturing processes, process optimization, and a relevant engineering degree, often with several years of hands-on experience. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and ERP systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These capabilities ensure efficient production, continuous process improvement, and effective cross-functional collaboration to meet organizational goals.

What is the difference between Principal Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's in Engineering or related field, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee manufacturing processes, collaborate with cross-functional teamsSupport manufacturing operations, troubleshoot issues, implement process improvements
Industry UsageUsed in large manufacturing firms, OEMs, and high-volume productionCommon across various manufacturing sectors, including automotive, electronics, and consumer goods

The Principal Manufacturing Engineer typically holds a senior technical role focused on leading manufacturing initiatives, while the Manufacturing Engineer supports daily operations and process improvements. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to manufacturing success, but the principal role involves more strategic oversight and leadership.

How much does a principal manufacturing engineer make?

A principal manufacturing engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced skills in process optimization, quality control, and engineering management, which can influence salary levels.
More about Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

For Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Manufacturing Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, and 87% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Manufacturing Engineer/SR Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain technical solutions for the manufacturing of circuit card assemblies.

  • Work as a process owner to develop processes, procedures, and assembly instructions for circuit card assembly build.

  • Perform continuous improvement activities focused on cost and schedule savings during manufacturing.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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 Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer or SR Principal Manufacturing Engineer based at our Salt Lake City, UT campus.

The selected candidate will work on 1st shift and will be on the 9/80 schedule. The Manufacturing Engineer will join the Advanced Electronics and Avionics Manufacturing Engineering Team and will develop and maintain technical solutions for the manufacturing of circuit card assemblies. This position will also interact with customers and manufacturing leadership for metrics reporting and issue resolution.

What You Will Get To Do: Work as a process owner for the manufacturing of circuit card assemblies. Develop processes, procedures, and assembly instructions for the build of circuit card assemblies. Perform continuous improvement activities focused on cost/schedule savings during manufacturing.

Work with customers to provide manufacturing feedback, metrics and data reporting, and issue resolution. Perform root cause and corrective action plans using techniques such as 5 whys, fishbone diagrams, etc. Work directly with operators and other manufacturing engineers on the shop floor in a production environment.

Work with various electronics manufacturing equipment and processes to maintain production flow. Provide technical project leadership for continuous improvement and root cause/corrective action projects. This position may be filled at the Principal Manufacturing Engineer (level 3) or Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer (level 4) level depending on candidate experience.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess: Ability to work in a production environment. Good technical writing skills. Basic Qualifications for the Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Level 3): Bachelor's Degree in STEM field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, Master's Degree in STEM field with 3 years of relevant work experience, or a PhD in STEM field with a minimum of 1 year(s) of relevant work experience.

Experience in a production manufacturing environment. Experience with the design or build of electronic assemblies (i.e. printed circuit assembly or circuit card assembly)

US Citizenship required. Ability to obtain/maintain DOD Secret security clearance. Basic Qualifications for the Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Level 4): Bachelor's Degree in STEM field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, Master's Degree in STEM field with 6 years of relevant work experience, or a PhD in STEM field with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.

Experience in a production manufacturing environment. Experience with the design or build of electronic assemblies (i.e. printed circuit assembly or circuit card assembly)

US Citizenship required. Ability to obtain/maintain DOD Secret security clearance. Preferred Qualifications for Both Levels: Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools.

Experience with industry standards for the build and inspection of electronic assemblies including J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610. Experience in a manufacturing environment for circuit card assemblies. Experience with the processes and equipment used to build circuit card assemblies.

Experience using Siemens Teamcenter as a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool. Experience using SAP as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool. Experience working hands-on with electronic parts and assemblies in a production environment.

Experience working with engineering drawings and parts lists using a Configuration Management (CM) system. Experience with automated optical inspection or other machine vision systems. Experience with data structures and network architecture.

Experience using Lean Six Sigma techniques for continuous improvement activities. Data analysis experience. Active Secret clearance.

What We Can Offer You: 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.

#MPR Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00 The 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. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date.

However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. 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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939