Northrop Grumman 401(k) at a glance
| Employer match | For employees hired after April 1, 2016, Northrop matches 100% of the first 4% and 50% of the next 4% (max 6% of pay). With 5+ years of service, the 50% match covers the next 6% (max 7%). |
|---|---|
| Maximum match | 6% of pay |
| Contribution needed for full match | 8% of pay |
| Company contribution (no match needed) | Some legacy groups get an extra company contribution: 3-5% of pay by age for certain hires from July 2008 to April 2016, and 2.5-4% for certain former Orbital ATK employees. |
| Vesting | 3 years to fully vestCompany contributions vest 100% after three years of service (cliff), or at age 65 or death. |
| Eligibility | Substantially all US hourly and salaried employees aged 18+ are eligible. |
| Automatic enrollment | New hires are enrolled about 45 days after hire and the rate rises 1% a year up to a plan-set maximum. |
| Roth 401(k) option | Yes |
| Plan provider | Fidelity (recordkeeper); State Street (trustee) |
| Who this applies to | US hourly and salaried employees; formula shown is for hires after April 1, 2016 |
How much is the Northrop Grumman match worth?
If you contribute 8% of your pay, Northrop Grumman adds the full match. Here is what that means at different salaries, per year, before investment growth:
| Salary | You contribute (8%) | Northrop Grumman match |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $3,200 | $2,400 |
| $60,000 | $4,800 | $3,600 |
| $90,000 | $7,200 | $5,400 |
| $150,000 | $12,000 | $9,000 |
Illustration based on the plan terms above. Your actual match depends on eligible pay, timing and plan rules.
Good to know
- Employees hired before April 1, 2016 have a different match: 100% of first 2%, 50% of next 2%, 25% of next 4% (max 4%).
- max_employer_pct_of_pay shows the under-5-years figure; it rises to 7% with 5+ years.
How to make the most of your Northrop Grumman 401(k)
- Always get the full match. Contribute at least 8% of pay. It is an instant return you cannot get anywhere else.
- Check your vesting date before you change jobs, so you do not leave unvested money behind.
- Pre-tax or Roth? If you expect a higher tax rate in retirement, Roth contributions can pay off. Model it with our Roth conversion calculator.
- Watch fees and prefer low-cost index or target-date funds in the plan lineup.
- Plan the whole picture: see how your state taxes retirement income before you decide where to retire.
Frequently asked questions
Does Northrop Grumman match 401(k) contributions?
For employees hired after April 1, 2016, Northrop matches 100% of the first 4% and 50% of the next 4% (max 6% of pay). With 5+ years of service, the 50% match covers the next 6% (max 7%). Some legacy groups get an extra company contribution: 3-5% of pay by age for certain hires from July 2008 to April 2016, and 2.5-4% for certain former Orbital ATK employees.
When does the Northrop Grumman 401(k) match vest?
Company contributions vest 100% after three years of service (cliff), or at age 65 or death.
When can I join the Northrop Grumman 401(k)?
Substantially all US hourly and salaried employees aged 18+ are eligible.
How much should I contribute to get the full Northrop Grumman match?
Contribute at least 8% of your pay. Anything less leaves part of the match unclaimed.
Sources (last verified 2025)
- Northrop Grumman Savings Plan Form 11-K FY2024 — SEC EDGAR (2025)
Educational content only, not tax, legal or investment advice. Plans and tax laws change; confirm details with your employer's plan documents or your state revenue department. Smart Financial Lifestyle is not affiliated with any employer named on this site.