Manufacturing Engineer - Level 2

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Charlotte
Posted on: April 6, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None 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’s Space Sector is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer – Level 2 to join our team in Charlotte, NC. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. An organization within Northrop Grumman’s Payload and Ground Systems (PGS) division, SYNOPTICS is the world-wide leader in the growth, fabrication, and coating of crystalline materials used in laser systems. These “solid-state” laser crystals are used in products ranging from medical lasers to military laser systems. The Charlotte facility has been operating for over 60 years in the laser industry and has developed the reputation of providing the highest quality products with timely deliveries. Within the facility, solid-state oxide and fluoride crystals are grown from a high-temperature melt. SYNOPTICS has full optical fabrication capabilities for various plano and spherical geometries. SYNOPTICS serves the photonics and optics industry across the globe. Learn more about SYNOPTICS at our website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/synoptics/ Hours: Monday – Thursday 6:00am - 4:00pm Friday 6:00am - 10:00am *Flexibility required as hours may fluctuate depending on business needs. In this job, you will: Support production and provide sustaining engineering for the Precision Fabrication Department Design, develop, and implement technical solutions relating to optical fabrication including processes, tooling, and equipment Oversee the formulation of process instructions and procedures, providing training to production personnel as needed Serve as subject matter expert for optical engineering across the business, supporting internal or customer needs Prepare cost estimations and work with Business Develop or customers to resolve technical problems Act in a self-directed manner to implement improvements, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions Oversee capital equipment purchases as needed, ensuring proper qualification and implementation Partner with facilities staff for troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of local equipment as needed Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field with 2 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 0 years of professional experience. No clearance required to start Vigorous work ethic, curiosity, and passion for technical problem solving Proficient in 3D CAD packages, such as Autodesk Inventor Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite Strong organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal) Preferred Qualifications: Deep technical expertise in optics, including a vigorous work ethic, curiosity, and passion for technical problem solving Ability to be hands-on in a manufacturing environment and become a subject matter expert for optical fabrication and metrology of various materials Direct experience in the optics and laser industry, with a solid understanding of optical fabrication techniques such as polishing and grinding, particularly for hard materials Proficient in laser fundamentals and related materials Experience in multiple technical areas such as mechanical, electrical, materials, or optical engineering Knowledge of thin-film coatings and optical design a plus Hands-on experience with manual and CNC machining, along with a strong practical understanding of GD&T for both mechanical and optical parameters Experience with 3D printing 0.25 (Co-Op or Internship) to 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, with a clear focus on optical engineering or related optical technologies Hazardous Materials: Solvents Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Greenville , Manufacturing Engineer - Level 2, Engineering , Charlotte, South Carolina