U001 Tool Designer

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Elk River
Posted on: April 6, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE TYPE: None 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. Bring your experience as a Tool Designer to Northrop Grumman Defense Systems. We are seeking an experienced Tool Designer to support our Armament Business Unit located at NG’s Proving Grounds (TPG) in Elk River, MN . Our Elk River site consists of a serene 3,200 acres, with over 20 active buildings, and numerous projects supporting manufacturing, development, and testing for our Defense Systems Division. Our team works to continuously improve, support, and maintain this unique site through a variety of self-directed daily tasks and larger team projects. This role supports 1st shift operations on a 9/80 schedule. SALARY Per union contract, the pay rate for this position is $48.91 per hour. JOB STATEMENT/SUMMARY Plan, design, document and oversee the build of complex tools and assemblies using CAD software. Solidworks experience preferred. Creo and AutoCAD experience a plus. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES Design tools, mechanisms, special machine tools using CAD. Create designs and drawings to be sent out for build. Requires knowledge of mechanics and application of mechanical movements. Adapt standard equipment to special purposes. Work independently to solve problems and create new designs, generally with little guidance. Select materials to be used to meet design and usage requirements. Supervise test and assembly of new design if necessary. Familiar with ergonomics and with applicable OSHA safety standards relative to pneumatics and hydraulics. Collaborates with engineering, technicians and management throughout the design and build process. Organize and maintain new and existing drawing records. JOB SPECIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS U.S. Citizenship required. Technical or Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Drafting/Design or equivalent experience in lieu of degree. 4 year’s prior related experience in the design of complicated tools and assemblies 4 years’ experience creating drawings to be used in manufacturing following industry and corporate drafting standards. Experience in machine shop practices. Experience working directly with a machine shop creating tool designs and building tooling. 2 years machining shop experience is a plus. Possess an understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). Design for manufacturing understanding. Knowledge of the physical properties of materials and how to harden, temper and stress relieve materials to achieve required properties. Must be knowledgeable in the following design areas: Dies, Molds, Gaging, cutting tools, fixtures, Machine design. Experience in press tooling, both hydraulic and pneumatic presses. Able to work weekly Monday – Thursday 6:00am to 4:30pm on site in Elk River, MN. Occasional Fridays and overtime required COMPETENCIES Customer Service Advanced computer skills (Microsoft office suite CAD) Works well under pressure Strong time management skills Attention to detail Effective communication skills Continuous improvement Mechanical aptitude Works with ambiguity WORK ENVIRONMENT Design and assemble precise tools and fixtures to work with energetic materials. PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS Considerable amount of time standing and walking, up to 50% of time. 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, Rochester , U001 Tool Designer, Engineering , Elk River, Minnesota