Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Waynesboro, VA will deliver advanced radars, communications antennas, and electronic warfare capabilities. Slated to open in 2026, we are adding hundreds of high-quality jobs in the heart of Virginia. Together, we will work to deliver the world’s most advanced technologies to protect our national security.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Staff Industrial Automation and Controls Engineer (Lead) based out of our Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Center.
A security clearance is not required to apply to or to start this job. The selected candidate will be processed for a security clearance after she/he starts the job.
The Staff Industrial Automation and Controls Engineer will spearhead the development of advanced industrial automation systems at our Central Virginia manufacturing facilities. This pivotal role will develop and sustain industrial solutions for a wide range of manufacturing applications while working to establish peak operational efficiency and drive automation solutions and updates that enhance the affordability of current and future products. Areas of focus include microelectronics, antenna assembly, mechanical assembly and fabrication and test.
What You'll Get to Do:
As a technical leader and subject matter expert, you will oversee the planning and deployment of robotic systems, leveraging strong architecture and system design skills. Your responsibilities will also include ensuring seamless integration of automation technologies as well as identifying technical solutions that meet cost, schedule and technical commitments. Collaboration with Product, Hardware, and Software teams will be essential to deliver robust, scalable solutions. You will also track key performance indicators related to automation efficiency and provide updates on project progress to senior management.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead/support factory acceptance testing, tooling and end-effector design, automation programming (PLCs, Robots, conveyor systems and other control hardware and systems), SCADA system architecture and data capture and analysis.
Coordinate/lead the execution of industrial automation projects using systems engineering and program management best practices to achieve successful project outcomes.
Perform site installations and start-ups including assisting with panel wiring and mechanical assembly to achieve on-time completion of projects within project schedule and budget.
Test, troubleshoot, and maintain control components, equipment, and systems including PLCs, 24v control circuits, 480v 3phase systems, 4-20ma circuits, VFDs, PC controllers and fieldbus technology/control technology.
Independently construct or design equipment with use of PLC, BUS-Systems, Network Technology, Mechanical Components, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems and Cooling/Lubrication Systems.
Develop and implement preventative maintenance protocols.
Determine and recommend which equipment and/or services best fit the factory and product/program needs.
Support internal employee knowledge transfer and training.
Contribute to new system concepts and customer contact.
Confidently report project status and provide briefings to all levels of management.
Maintain a strong company presence and positive working relationship with customers, subcontractors, vendors and coworkers to sustain automated systems.
We are looking for someone who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, possesses excellent communication skills, and has a passion for innovation and teamwork.
What's Great About This Job:
You will be a key team member for ensuring and improving process and factory performance.
You will help build a positive culture focused on teamwork, performance and accountability at our new site.
You will have a significant role in pursuing sector Automation and Industry 4.0/Digital Thread efforts. This includes interfacing with the teams developing the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and our Plant Connectivity and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) infrastructure.
You will use your innovation and creativity to design automation solutions that will revolutionize manufacturing execution and have a sector level impact.
Travel will initially be up to 25% for vendor support, training with collaborators and other factory start up activities and will decrease after the first 12-18 months to ~10%.
Basic Qualifications for the Staff Industrial Automation and Controls Engineer:
Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a STEM area and a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, electrical or automation engineering or a Master's degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, electrical or automation engineering
5 or more years of experience in industrial automation and controls, system design and execution (architecture)
Experience with FANUC Robotics and Siemens PLC (TIA Portal)
Experience with system and tooling maintenance and reliability
Experience with project management and communication tools
Experience with MS office and programming skills in C++, Python, or similar languages
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret level security clearance
U.S. citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications for the Staff Industrial Automation and Controls Engineer:
Bachelor’s Degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering
Experience with SCADA system architecture, Siemens PLCs, and FANUC automation solutions
Experience with Machine Vision and sensor technology including Deep Learning
Experience with Fanuc, Cognex, & Keyence
Experience in tooling design and fabrication, GD&T, and Metrology
Experience with building and implementing Manufacturing Dashboards (data digestion) to improve production performance and efficiency
Six Sigma certification and proficiency in applied statistics
Experience using artificial intelligence to accelerate effective process development
Automotive manufacturing experience
Electronic component manufacturing experience
What We Can Offer You:
Be part of a culture that thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work.
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: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00The 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.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.