About this role
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: No
## 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.
Job Description:
The CMM Programmer 4 will provide advanced dimensional inspection programming and support for the Propulsion Systems & Controls (PS&C) division in Elkton, MD. This role is responsible for developing, validating, and maintaining complex CMM programs to support production, development, and qualification of energetics and motion control hardware. The ideal candidate has extensive experience with GD&T, aerospace/defense hardware, and CMM software (e.g., PC‑DMIS or similar) in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, optimize, and maintain complex CMM programs to support inspection of precision components, subassemblies, and final assemblies for PS&C products.
- Interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, and GD&T requirements to define inspection strategies and measurement plans.
- Set up and qualify CMM fixtures, probes, and measurement routines; perform first article, in‑process, and final inspections as required.
- Analyze CMM data and generate clear, concise inspection reports for internal customers, including Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality.
- Collaborate closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality Engineering to resolve dimensional issues, tolerance stack‑ups, and nonconformances.
- Lead problem‑solving and root cause analysis related to dimensional nonconformance and measurement system issues; recommend and implement corrective actions.
- Support process capability studies, gage R&R, and other measurement system analyses to ensure robust, repeatable inspection processes.
- Maintain and improve CMM programming standards, templates, and best practices across the PS&C Elkton site.
- Train and mentor technicians and junior programmers on CMM operation, basic programming concepts, and interpretation of inspection results.
- Supports manual inspections utilizing calipers, micrometers, height gages, profilometers, durometers and visual inspections.
- Ensure all work complies with applicable procedures, internal quality requirements, and customer/industry standards (e.g., AS9100).
This position is located on site at our Elkton, MD location, there is no remote work available for this role.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related STEM discipline and 2+ years of relevant experience;
– OR – Master’s degree and 0+ years of relevant experience;
– OR – High school diploma/GED and 6+ years of relevant experience in dimensional inspection/CMM programming.
- Significant hands‑on experience programming and operating coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) using PC‑DMIS or equivalent CMM software.
- Strong working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and application to complex aerospace/defense hardware.
- Demonstrated experience interpreting engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, and specifications to create inspection plans.
- Experience in a production or development manufacturing environment supporting metallic and/or non‑metallic precision components.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and ability to prepare technical reports and presentations.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance as required for which US Citizenship is a prerequisite.
- Occasional off‑shift or weekend support may be required to meet program and production needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in an aerospace, defense, or energetics manufacturing environment, preferably supporting propulsion or motion control products.
- Expertise with PC‑DMIS (or similar) including advanced features (looping, conditional logic, automation, offline programming from CAD models).
- Familiarity with additional metrology tools (laser trackers, portable CMM arms, optical measurement systems, surface finish measurement, etc.).
- Experience with statistical process control (SPC), process capability analysis, and data‑driven continuous improvement.
- Prior experience working within an AS9100 or similar quality‑management system.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams on complex dimensional/quality issues.
- Strong communication skills and ability to interface effectively with shop floor personnel, engineers, program teams, and customers.
Primary Level Salary Range: $75,500.00 - $125,900.00
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.