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# Tool Engineer / Principal Tool Engineer

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Palmdale, CA, United States
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, CAD Standards, SolidWorks (CAD), Build Process, Mastercam
- **Published:** August 8, 2026
- **Apply:** https://us.experteer.com/career/view-jobs/tool-engineer-principal-tool-engineer-palmdale-ca-usa-58847042

## About the Role

process the design-build process * Organize and maintain drawing records Tasks * Bachelor's degree with 1 year of manufacturing or tool design experience OR Master's with 0 years (Tool Engineer) * Experience creating manufacturing drawings per drafting standards * Experience in machine shop practices * Knowledge of material properties and heat treatment (harden, temper, stress relieve) * Experience in dies, molds, gaging, cutting tools, fixtures, machine design * Design and assemble precise tools/fixtures for energetic materials * Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic press tooling * Proficiency in CAD software NX, Mastercam, Solidworks * Ability to work Monday-Thursday 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM; some Fridays/overtime Key requirements * health insurance coverage * life and disability insurance * savings plan * Company paid holidays * paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business * bonus potential

## Description

Experteer Overview In this role you will contribute as a Tool Engineer to design and build complex tools and fixtures for the Armament Business unit. You will work with cross-functional engineering teams to create reliable tooling that meets mechanical, safety, and material requirements. The position offers hands-on design and drafting responsibilities, with potential for senior-level ownership. This is a chance to influence manufacturing tooling in a high-stakes aerospace environment and grow within Northrop Grumman's pioneering culture. Compensation / Benefits * Plan, design, and oversee the build of complex tools and assemblies * Design tools and special machines using NX and Mastercam * Create drawings for fabrication and build * Select materials to meet design and usage requirements * Supervise test and assembly of new designs when needed * Ensure ergonomics and OSHA safety standards for pneumatics and hydraulics * Collaborate with engineering, technicians, and management throughout the design-build process * Organize and maintain drawing records Tasks * Bachelor's degree with 1 year of manufacturing or tool design experience OR Master's with 0 years (Tool Engineer) * Experience creating manufacturing drawings per drafting standards * Experience in machine shop practices * Knowledge of material properties and heat treatment (harden, temper, stress relieve) * Experience in dies, molds, gaging, cutting tools, fixtures, machine design * Design and assemble precise tools/fixtures for energetic materials * Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic press tooling * Proficiency in CAD software NX, Mastercam, Solidworks * Ability to work Monday-Thursday 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM; some Fridays/overtime Key requirements * health insurance coverage * life and disability insurance * savings plan * Company paid holidays * paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business * bonus potential


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