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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 are Principal Manufacturing Engineers?

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Manufacturing Engineers and other senior engineering roles in specialized fields such as aerospace, semiconductor, or chemical manufacturing can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting high-level expertise and management duties.

How much do principal manufacturing engineers make?

Principal manufacturing engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $100,000 and $130,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have advanced skills in process optimization, automation, and quality control, and may hold certifications such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing.

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 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Principal Manufacturing Engineers in high-demand industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, or specialized manufacturing can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting the complexity and responsibility of the position.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal Manufacturing Engineers and other senior engineering roles in specialized fields such as aerospace, semiconductor, or chemical manufacturing can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and company size, often including bonuses and stock options.
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Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Sentinel Principal / Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer -18331*

Sentinel Principal / Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer -18331*

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 Defense Systems is seeking Principal Manufacturing / Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineers. This position is in Roy, UT and supports the Sentinel program.
What You'll Get To Do:
Join the Production Operations Manufacturing Engineering team for Sentinel and take part in engineering solutions to deploy and deliver a state-of-the-art weapon system to our customer. The candidate will provide advanced technological ideas and Subject Matter Expertise (SME) to resolve technical questions and ensure compliance and execution to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Statement of Work (SOW) requirements. Primary responsibilities will include:
  • Represents the organization as a technical contact, interacts with senior personnel on important technical matters, facilitates inter-team coordination, and reinforces leadership's vision and goals
  • Develop processes by studying requirements; research, design, modify, and test production/deployment methods and equipment
  • Collaborate with Design Engineering on design to ensure practical manufacturing and fabrication solutions
  • Resolves complex process issues
  • Work with suppliers to develop manufacturing planning for successful preparation and execution of Manufacturing Readiness Assessments (MRA)
  • Research and evaluate commercially available tools and equipment to support deployment activities
  • Investigates root cause of discrepancies and implements corrective actions
  • Troubleshoots existing processes to improve safety, quality, cost, and efficiency
  • Develops and maintains detailed work and install instructions for assigned products/processes
  • Educates/trains operators on new and existing processes
  • Establish and maintain a program project plan and schedule that is aligned with the program Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)
  • Provide on-site engineering support during field installations
  • Implement Lean practices to continually identify opportunities for improvement

Position Benefits:
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts
This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
You'll Bring These Qualifications:
  • Principal Manufacturing Engineer: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 5 Years with BS; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Years with PhD; 4 years additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
  • Sr Principal Manufacturing Engineer: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 8 Years with BS; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD; 4 years additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

Required for Both Levels:
  • Must have an Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need
  • Experience with Design Reviews, Process Control Documentation, Work Instructions, and Bills of Materials
  • Experience with Mechanical/Electrical Drawings
  • Experience with Siemens NX/CPLM or similar tools and Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS-Project)

These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:
  • Bachelor's and/or Master's STEM Degree
  • Previous experience on EMD projects
  • Previous experience on high-rate production military program
  • Experience with Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM)
  • An understanding of MRA's and establishing Manufacturing Readiness Levels per DoD customer requirements
  • Prior experience developing and designing tooling for field work and installations
  • Demonstrated experience working in a Model Based Manufacturing digital environment
  • Demonstrated Project Management experience
  • Experience in resolving manufacturing process issues & training operators on a new process

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.

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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

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