Manager Software Engineering 2

Northrop Grumman; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 161,100 - 241,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman seeks a forward‑thinking Functional Software Engineering Manager Level 2 in Aurora, CO to lead software, DevOps, and AI teams on strategic programs. This dual‑track role blends people leadership with hands‑on execution to drive high‑performing results across the organization.

The selected individual will report to the SW Department Manager and will guide a diverse group of 15–20 engineers across SW, DevOps, and AI/ML, ensuring program performance and delivery of critical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM and 8+ years in Software/DevOps/AI.
• Master’s degree or PhD may substitute years of experience.
• Active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow software, DevOps, and AI engineers.
• Own hiring lifecycle: workforce planning, recruiting, onboarding.
• Identify and implement AI solutions and promote standardization.
• Set goals, assess performance, and coordinate compensation reviews.
• Enforce engineering processes and agile/lean practices.
• Partner with HR on personnel matters and compliance.

Skills

Software Engineering

DevOps

AI/ML

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in STEM related discipline

Master’s degree in related field

PhD in related field

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available.

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

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.

Northrop Grumman is seeking a forward‑thinking leader to join the engineering team in Aurora, Colorado as a Functional Software Engineering Manager Level 2. The selected individual will be tasked with developing high‑performing Software and DevOps teams while driving initiatives across the organization. This dual‑track role blends people‑leadership with direct execution supporting strategic engineering projects, business‑development (BD), and ensuring program performance. The manager will report directly to the SW Department Manager and will be accountable for a diverse group of 15‑20 engineers across the SW Engineering organization (SW, DevOps, AI/ML).

Core Responsibilities

• Team Coaching & Development – Lead, mentor, and grow a team of software, DevOps, and AI engineers; hold regular 1:1s, staff meetings, and career‑development workshops. Identify and develop top performing talent across the organization.
• Staffing & Talent Acquisition – Own the full hiring lifecycle: workforce planning, recruiting (including external hires), re‑assignment, onboarding, and retention strategies.
• AI Solution Development – Help identify and implement AI solutions to accelerate daily tasks, improve organizational effectiveness, and drive data‑driven talent development. Drive organization‑wide standardization and promote its adoption.
• Performance Management – Set clear goals, conduct performance assessments, coordinate compensation reviews, and recognize high‑impact contributions.
• Process Rigor – Enforce engineering‑process standards, agile/lean practices, and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Employee Relations – Partner with HR Business Partner on HR matters, resolve personnel issues, and ensure compliance with corporate policies (goal setting, performance reviews, etc.).

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM related discipline and a minimum of 8 years related experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI Engineering; Master’s degree and 6 years of related experience; or a PhD and 4 years of related experience.
• Active Top-Secret clearance and SCI eligibility required at time of application.
• Minimum of 5 years direct technical execution experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI/ML related position.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong practical knowledge of Engineering Process and Management.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate with positive outcome.
• Experience working with both internal and external customers and partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct supervisory experience and/or significant team leadership such as IPT or equivalent role; Functional management experience.
• Experience with Business Development and capture‑related activities.
• Process improvement experience.
• Breadth of software engineering lifecycle experience on large or small programs.
• Strong understanding of agile principles as well as other lean methodologies.
• Experience working with system requirements and architecture.
• Experience with DoD programs and processes.

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,100.00 - $241,700.00

The 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.

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.