Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Virginia are consistently active, with demand concentrated in defense systems, aerospace components, semiconductor fabrication, and shipbuilding across a seniority range from entry-level process technicians through senior systems engineers. Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond corridor account for the heaviest hiring, anchored by employers such as Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Rolls-Royce. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia postings include process improvement, CNC programming, and lean manufacturing within defense and advanced manufacturing environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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.
At the heart of who we are, Northrop Grumman is a leading American manufacturing company delivering advanced technologies in support of national security. Our manufacturing operations in Waynesboro, Virginia support production of advanced electronics, radar, and communication systems within our broader portfolio of defense capabilities. Our teams work collaboratively to ensure manufacturing excellence, production readiness, and continuous improvement across programs.
A current clearance is NOT required to apply to and interview for this job.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer or a Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer to support production and manufacturing operations at our Central Virginia manufacturing facilities.
What You'll Get to Do:
As a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer you will design, implement, and improve work instruction and manufacturing operations in our Assembly cells, engaging digital tools to streamline operations and manufacturing sequences. You will collaborate with peers, assemblers, and technicians to ensure operational readiness.
Knowledge of equipment functionality and capability are paramount as you support metric driven decisions on operations and maintenance KPI’s. You will support day-to-day production while developing and implementing process improvements and supporting equipment troubleshooting and maintenance activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support manufacturing by developing processes and methodologies with a focus on safety, yields, cost, and process stability and capability.
- Provide ROI justification for process improvements and equipment purchases.
- Develop and implement shop floor digital solutions for PM and Operations.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders when troubleshooting and developing failure mode corrective actions.
- Develop digital work instructions for manufacturing and maintenance tasks.
We are looking for candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, possess excellent communication skills, and have a passion for innovation and teamwork.
This job requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance plus program clearance. A current clearance is NOT required to apply to and interview for this job. If you do accept an offer for this position we will start the clearance process immediately, and your start date will be confirmed once you are granted an Interim Secret clearance. The average time to obtain an Interim Secret clearance is about 30 days.
This position is contingent upon proposal/task award.
This requisition may be filled as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer or a Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer based on the qualifications below.
#MPR
Basic Qualifications for the Principal Manufacturing Engineer:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or production. Candidates with a Master's degree only require a minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing or production.
- Experience developing digital work instruction for complete processes or assemblies
- Experience in MS Office software applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret level security clearance and program clearance
- Interim Secret clearance is required to start.
- US Citizenship is required.
Basic Qualifications for the Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
- A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or production. Candidates with a Master's degree only require a minimum of 6 years of experience in manufacturing or production.
- Experience developing digital work instruction for complete processes or assemblies
- Experience in MS Office software applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel etc.)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret level security clearance and program clearance
- Interim Secret clearance is required to start.
- US Citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering
- Active Secret clearance
- Experience with antenna and electronic warfare assemblies
- DFM/DFA experience
- Experience with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
- Experience in automation systems and experience in production environments
- CAD modeling experience
- Experience with PLCs and automation solutions
- Six Sigma certification and proficiency in applied statistics
- Demonstrated experience using artificial intelligence to accelerate effective process development
What We Can Offer You:
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!
See All 65 Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Find Manufacturing Engineer JobsManufacturing Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Chemicals & Materials
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an accredited program
- Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma process improvement methodologies
- Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD for design and documentation
- Familiarity with GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing quality standards such as AS9100
- Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. security clearance for defense-sector roles common in Virginia
- Experience with CNC machining, production line optimization, or automated assembly systems
Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing engineer in Virginia?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET-accredited program is the standard entry point for manufacturing engineer roles in Virginia. Virginia does not require a state license specifically for manufacturing engineers, though engineers who offer services to the public may pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Certifications in lean manufacturing or Six Sigma strengthen a candidate's profile considerably in Virginia's defense and aerospace markets.
How much do manufacturing engineers make in Virginia?
Manufacturing engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $102,550 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,880 for the lowest 10% to over $157,160 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring manufacturing engineers in Virginia right now include Altria, Moog, and Ingersoll-Rand, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense primes, shipbuilders, and advanced electronics manufacturers means hiring activity is broad and relatively stable compared with other states.
Which Virginia cities have the most manufacturing engineer jobs?
The cities with the most manufacturing engineer openings in Virginia are Richmond, Manassas, and Blacksburg. That distribution reflects Northern Virginia's large defense contractor presence, Hampton Roads' shipbuilding and naval systems industry anchored by major installations and companies like Huntington Ingalls Industries, and the Richmond area's growing advanced manufacturing and food processing sectors drawing regional employers.
Are there remote manufacturing engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing engineering is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical presence on production floors, in machine shops, or at test facilities. About 14% of manufacturing engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in process documentation, supplier quality oversight, or program management functions that don't require daily floor access.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a manufacturing or process engineering co-op or internship through Virginia's defense and aerospace employers, many of whom recruit directly from Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and Old Dominion University. General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman both run structured new-graduate development programs in Virginia. Candidates moving laterally from quality technician, CNC operator, or industrial technician roles frequently earn manufacturing engineer titles once they pair floor experience with an engineering degree or relevant certification such as a Certified Manufacturing Engineer credential.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to manufacturing engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your experience and apply directly to the employer without creating an account or signing up.
See All 65 Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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