Systems Engineering Manager - level 3

Relocation assistance: may be available

Clearance required for start: Yes (Secret)

Travel: Up to 10% of the time

About the role

At Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you will lead a team of 30+ Systems Engineering leaders specializing in Launch Vehicle and Missile Systems Engineering while supporting program leadership needs. This role reports to the Director (Arizona) and combines functional management with strategic oversight, hands-on technical leadership, and mentorship to drive innovation and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high-caliber team of 30+ personnel, including direct oversight of ~15 senior-level engineers and section managers.
• Collaborate with the SEIT Director to define and implement forward-looking department strategies and engineering best practices.
• Mentor managers and senior engineers; guide new hires through onboarding, training, and development plans.
• Provide technical oversight through reviews of complex designs, schedules, and budgets to ensure alignment with customer requirements and program objectives.
• Represent the department in high-stakes program reviews, customer-facing meetings, and executive-level presentations.
• Drive operational excellence across programs and contribute hands-on technical leadership to critical initiatives.
• Conduct performance evaluations, deliver consistent feedback, and foster accountability within the team.
• Lead initiatives in vision setting, goal creation, and department alignment with strategic objectives.
• Design and manage training, onboarding, and mentorship programs to empower team growth.
• Serve as the technical and leadership authority for an IPT team, delivering on challenging performance, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Engage and guide cross-functional teams to achieve program milestones with clear communication and strong alignment.
• Proactively manage team assignments, workloads, and collaboration across internal and external partnerships.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with a minimum of 9 years of related experience or Master’s degree with 7 years of experience.
• Must have an active US Government Secret security clearance.
• At least 5 years of prior experience in a management role.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing senior-level personnel in an engineering environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with senior leadership, customers, and technical stakeholders.
• Experience as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, Technical Lead, or similar leadership role in a program office or business function.
• Experience developing and executing project schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of Launch or Missile Systems Engineering experience.
• Advanced degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields.
• Expertise in rocket and missile systems development.