Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a motivated, self‑starting Engineering Technician 3 in Rolling Meadows, IL to support the design, fabrication, modification, and repair of high‑performance electronic systems; including airborne RF/IR gear, laboratory test stations, and transportable flight‑line combat‑system test sets.
Core Duties
Harness Fabrication & Modification – Cut, strip, crimp, and assemble cable assemblies and wiring harnesses to exacting aerospace/defense standards.
Soldering Operations – Execute hand‑solder, wave‑solder, and re‑flow processes; inspect solder joints for quality, conduct re‑work as needed, and maintain compliance with applicable workmanship standards.
PCB & LRU Repair – Perform component replacement, rework, and functional restoration of printed circuit boards and shop/line‑replaceable units.
Test & Inspection – Use general‑purpose test equipment to verify continuity, impedance, and functional performance. Implement quality control measures throughout the repair and painting process to ensure compliance with organizational standards and client expectations.
Mechanical Hardware Inspection – Inspect hardware such as screws, fasteners, threads, brackets, and housings for proper fit, torque, integrity, and wear; verify that mechanical interfaces meet drawing specifications and functional requirements.
Technical Documentation – Read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical orders; Maintain accurate records of repair work conducted, including procedures followed, materials used, and recommendations for future maintenance.
Engineering Support – Assist with Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), provide labor estimates, and define inspection points for prototype and production builds.
Required Qualifications
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
Minimum of 4 years of repair capability experience ((soldering, wiring harnesses, repairing and modifying complex electronic assemblies).
Must be able to obtain all required Soldering certifications and meet associated training requirements
Experience using drawings and work instructions to guide fabrication and repair activities.
Familiarity with Foreign Object Damage (FOD) prevention and tool control protocols.
Ability to research technical issues, develop solutions, and execute work without direct supervision
Preferred Qualifications
5 years’ experience reading and applying controlled drawings and detailed work instructions.
Familiarity with military‑grade pins, connectors, and associated tooling.
Familiar with J‑STD‑001 Class 3 soldering standards
Hands‑on assembly/disassembly of electronic hardware using Technical Orders (TOs).
Mechanical aptitude / background (hardware integration, inspection of fasteners, threads, and other mechanical components) – valued as a plus.
Prior work in a defense or aerospace environment.
Active US Government Secret Clearance
NGSkills
Primary Level Salary Range: $24.55 - $24.55The 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.