Northrop Grumman Moss Point Mississippi in 2026
Northrop Grumman's Moss Point facility on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is where some of the military's most advanced unmanned aircraft are built. If you have heard of the MQ-4C Triton or the MQ-8C Fire Scout, the physical airframes were likely assembled in this 700,000-square-foot plant off Highway 63. It is one of the few production-scale unmanned systems factories in the United States, and the workforce has grown steadily as Triton production ramps up through 2026.
What Northrop Grumman builds in Moss Point
The Moss Point facility is officially known as Northrop Grumman's Unmanned Systems Center of Excellence. It handles final assembly, integration, and testing for the company's autonomous aircraft programs. The two primary programs based here:
MQ-4C Triton
Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance maritime surveillance drone derived from the Global Hawk airframe. The Navy uses it for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) over vast ocean areas. A single Triton can fly for over 24 hours at altitudes above 55,000 feet, covering millions of square nautical miles per sortie.
| Triton specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 130.9 feet |
| Max altitude | 56,000+ feet |
| Endurance | 24+ hours |
| Sensor suite | AN/ZPY-3 Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) radar, EO/IR, ESM |
| Customers | U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Air Force |
| Status (2026) | Low-rate initial production, transitioning to full-rate |
The Moss Point facility assembles the Triton airframe, integrates wiring harnesses and structural components, and prepares the aircraft for systems integration. As of 2026, Northrop Grumman is producing roughly 3 to 4 Tritons per year, with plans to accelerate as the Navy moves toward its objective fleet of 68 aircraft.
MQ-8C Fire Scout
Fire Scout is a smaller, rotary-wing unmanned system that operates from Navy littoral combat ships and frigates. The MQ-8C variant is based on the Bell 407 helicopter airframe and can carry radar, EO/IR sensors, and communications relay payloads.
Moss Point handles final assembly and some integration work for Fire Scout, though this program is smaller in headcount compared to Triton.
Northrop Grumman chose Moss Point in 2005 partly because of available industrial land, proximity to the Trent Lott International Airport (testing), and Mississippi's business incentives. After Hurricane Katrina, the state offered significant tax breaks for companies investing in Gulf Coast recovery. The facility opened in 2006 and has expanded twice since then.
Roles available at the Moss Point facility
The Moss Point site hires across manufacturing, engineering, and support functions. Because this is a production facility rather than a design center, the role mix skews toward hands-on work. Common positions include:
Manufacturing and production:
- Aircraft structural assembler (composite and metallic)
- Wiring harness technician
- Quality inspector
- Tool and die maker
- Production supervisor
- Materials handler and logistics coordinator
Engineering:
- Manufacturing engineer
- Process engineer
- Test engineer
- Quality engineer
- Structural engineer (on-site support)
- Systems integration engineer
Support:
- Supply chain analyst
- EHS (environment, health, safety) specialist
- Facilities maintenance technician
- IT support (cleared networks)
- Program management (mid-level)
Most manufacturing roles require a high school diploma plus technical training or relevant experience. Engineering roles typically require a bachelor's degree and often prefer candidates with prior aerospace or defense manufacturing experience.
Salary expectations in Moss Point
Mississippi has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, and salaries at the Moss Point facility reflect both that fact and the defense contractor pay structure. Here is what you can expect across common roles:
| Role | Annual Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Assembler (entry) | $38,000–$50,000 | Shift differentials for nights/weekends |
| Aircraft Assembler (senior) | $50,000–$68,000 | 5+ years experience |
| Wiring Harness Technician | $40,000–$55,000 | Composite experience adds premium |
| Quality Inspector | $45,000–$62,000 | AS9100 certification preferred |
| Manufacturing Engineer | $65,000–$92,000 | BS in ME, IE, or AE |
| Test Engineer | $72,000–$105,000 | Often requires Secret clearance |
| Systems Engineer | $80,000–$130,000 | Experience-dependent, clearance required |
| Program Manager | $90,000–$140,000 | PMP preferred |
| Production Supervisor | $60,000–$85,000 | 3+ years shop floor experience |
These figures look modest compared to Northrop Grumman's Los Angeles or Northern Virginia locations, but the purchasing power is substantially higher. A $75,000 salary in Moss Point is roughly equivalent to $120,000 in the DC metro area when you account for housing, taxes, and general living costs.
Median home prices in the Moss Point and Pascagoula area are around $140,000 to $180,000, compared to $550,000+ in Palmdale/Lancaster (another Northrop Grumman facility area) or $600,000+ in Northern Virginia. For early-career workers, this means you can own a home on an assembler's salary — something nearly impossible at Northrop Grumman's West Coast locations.
Working conditions and culture
The Moss Point facility is a production environment, which means the day-to-day experience differs from Northrop Grumman's corporate offices or R&D centers.
Shift work: Production runs on multiple shifts. First shift (6 AM to 2:30 PM), second shift (2:30 PM to 11 PM), and occasional weekend shifts during production surges. Engineering and support staff generally work standard hours, though test campaigns can require flexible schedules.
Clean room and controlled areas: Because Triton involves sensitive avionics and classified systems, parts of the facility are access-controlled. Workers in these areas go through daily security checks and cannot bring personal electronic devices into certain zones.
Physical work: Assembly positions involve standing for extended periods, working at height on aircraft structures, and handling composite materials. Northrop Grumman provides PPE and enforces strict safety protocols, but this is factory work — not a desk job.
Union presence: The Moss Point facility's production workers are not unionized as of 2026. This differs from some other aerospace production sites (Boeing's Puget Sound facilities, for instance, are IAM-represented).
Mississippi Gulf Coast as a place to live
The Moss Point area is part of the Pascagoula metropolitan area on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is a small community (about 17,000 people in Moss Point proper) with a low cost of living and access to Gulf Coast beaches within 20 to 30 minutes.
Pros:
- Housing is affordable by any national standard
- No state income tax on the first $5,000 of earned income (effective rate is low)
- Access to Gulf Islands National Seashore, Biloxi casinos, and New Orleans (90 minutes west)
- Tight-knit aerospace community — Huntington Ingalls (shipbuilding) is also a major employer in Pascagoula
- Seafood is excellent and cheap
Cons:
- Limited public transit (you need a car)
- Hurricane risk is real — Katrina devastated this area in 2005
- Summer heat and humidity are intense (May through September)
- Career options outside defense/maritime manufacturing are limited
- Cultural amenities are sparse compared to larger metros
If you enjoy outdoor activities (fishing, boating, hunting), the Gulf Coast is hard to beat for the price. If you prefer walkable urban neighborhoods and a busy restaurant scene, you will find the area limiting.
Security clearance requirements
Many positions at the Moss Point facility require a U.S. security clearance or at minimum U.S. citizenship due to ITAR regulations.
| Position Type | Clearance Level |
|---|---|
| Assembler (non-classified areas) | U.S. Person (ITAR) |
| Assembler (classified areas) | Secret |
| Manufacturing Engineer | Secret (typical) |
| Test Engineer | Secret or Top Secret |
| Systems Engineer | Secret or Top Secret/SCI |
| Program Manager | Secret or higher |
If you do not have an active clearance, Northrop Grumman will sponsor one for the right candidate. Initial Secret clearance processing takes roughly 2 to 4 months as of 2026, though timelines fluctuate.
Career growth and advancement at Moss Point
One of the less obvious advantages of the Moss Point facility is the career advancement potential. Because the site is smaller and more specialized than Northrop Grumman's sprawling California or Virginia campuses, there is less competition for visibility. A manufacturing engineer who demonstrates reliability and initiative can move into a lead role faster here than at a 10,000-person campus where dozens of engineers are vying for the same promotions.
Typical career progression at Moss Point:
| Starting Role | 3–5 Year Progression | 7–10 Year Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Assembler | Senior Assembler / Lead | Production Supervisor |
| Quality Inspector | Senior Inspector | Quality Manager |
| Manufacturing Engineer | Senior Manufacturing Engineer | Engineering Manager |
| Test Engineer | Lead Test Engineer | Test Program Manager |
| Systems Integration Engineer | IPT Lead | Program Manager |
Northrop Grumman also supports internal transfers between facilities. If you build your skills and clearance at Moss Point and later want to move to a different location or program — Palmdale for manned aircraft, Redondo Beach for space systems, or Falls Church for corporate roles — internal transfers are common. Moss Point is a legitimate entry point into the broader Northrop Grumman career ecosystem, not a dead end.
Northrop Grumman offers up to $10,000 per year in education reimbursement. Several universities in the region — University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State, and the University of South Alabama across the state line — offer engineering master's programs that you can complete while working. An MS in systems engineering or manufacturing engineering combined with your Moss Point production experience makes you competitive for senior technical and management roles.
Moss Point vs. other Northrop Grumman production facilities
If you are deciding between Moss Point and other Northrop Grumman manufacturing locations, here is how they compare:
| Factor | Moss Point, MS | Palmdale, CA | Roy, UT | Melbourne, FL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary programs | Triton, Fire Scout | B-21, Global Hawk | Solid rocket motors | Radar, sensors |
| Workforce size | ~2,000 | ~5,000+ | ~4,000 | ~3,000 |
| Cost of living | Very low | Moderate | Low-moderate | Moderate |
| Median home price | $160,000 | $450,000 | $380,000 | $350,000 |
| Climate | Hot, humid summers | Desert, dry heat | Cold winters, dry | Warm, humid |
| Career options nearby | Limited (defense + maritime) | Moderate (Edwards AFB, LA) | Moderate (Hill AFB, SLC tech) | Good (Cape Canaveral corridor) |
Moss Point wins on cost of living and loses on career diversity outside of Northrop Grumman. If you value affordability and do not mind a smaller community, Moss Point is a strong financial choice. If you want more career options and cultural amenities nearby, Melbourne or Palmdale offer more.
How to apply
Northrop Grumman posts Moss Point positions on its careers website (ngc.com/careers). Filter by location using "Moss Point, MS" or the Pascagoula metropolitan area. Production roles turn over more frequently than engineering positions, so new assembler and technician listings appear regularly.
For engineering and program management roles, positions tend to be posted in clusters tied to new production contracts or program milestones. When the Navy authorizes additional Triton lots, hiring spikes follow within a few months.
FAQ
Is the Northrop Grumman Moss Point facility hiring in 2026?
Yes. Triton production is ramping up toward full-rate production, which requires additional assemblers, technicians, and engineers. Manufacturing roles turn over regularly, and engineering positions are posted in waves tied to contract milestones. Check ngc.com/careers with the Moss Point location filter for current openings.
Do I need a degree to work at Northrop Grumman Moss Point?
Not for all positions. Aircraft assembler and technician roles typically require a high school diploma plus relevant technical training or experience. Composite fabrication experience, A&P (airframe and powerplant) certification, or prior military aircraft maintenance experience are valued. Engineering and program management roles require at minimum a bachelor's degree.
What is the commute like to the Moss Point facility?
Most employees commute from the Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, or Gautier areas, with drive times of 10 to 25 minutes. Some commute from Biloxi (30 to 40 minutes) or Mobile, Alabama (45 to 60 minutes). Traffic is minimal compared to major metros — rush hour delays are rare.
Does Northrop Grumman offer relocation to Moss Point?
Yes, for qualifying positions. Engineering and management roles typically include relocation packages covering moving expenses, temporary housing, and sometimes a closing cost allowance if you buy a home. Production roles may include limited relocation support depending on the hiring need.
How does hurricane risk affect the facility?
Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005, and the Moss Point area has been affected by subsequent storms. The Northrop Grumman facility was built to current hurricane codes and has emergency shutdown procedures. Employees report that the company takes storm preparation seriously, with early dismissals and evacuation plans when major hurricanes threaten. Flood insurance and wind insurance are important considerations if you buy property in the area.
Start your search
Browse Northrop Grumman open positions on Zero G Talent. If you are interested in other unmanned systems work, check out General Atomics or look at aerospace jobs in Mississippi. For salary comparisons across Northrop Grumman locations, see our Northrop Grumman careers guide, or explore all defense space jobs on the site.
