Manufacturing Operations Manager - Level 2

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 133,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager – Level 2 to lead the Component Test Lab (CTL) in Dulles, VA on a 9/80 schedule. You will supervise CTL engineers and technicians, ensure safety and quality, and drive improvements in yield and throughput within a busy lab environment.

The role requires strong cross‑functional collaboration with design engineering, I&T, and quality, plus capability development for new test systems and automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional experience or Master’s with 6 years; 4+ years in lieu.
• At least 5 years in lead, supervisory or management role in manufacturing.
• 2+ years of direct people leadership experience.
• Experience in box‑level or component‑level testing and test system usage.
• Strong knowledge of lab safety, ESD/FOD controls, configuration management, and quality processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop CTL test engineers and technicians; manage performance, staffing, onboarding and career development.
• Own day‑to‑day CTL operations, prioritization, resources, and staffing alignment to demand.
• Ensure CTL infrastructure is maintained, calibrated, safe, and ready for schedules.
• Oversee test planning and execution for box‑level and component‑level tests; ensure quality and procedures.
• Drive improvements in first‑pass yield and test methodology; improve throughput and coverage.

Skills

Team leadership

People leadership

Cross‑functional collaboration

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

C/C++ test frameworks

Windchill

MRP/IMS Scheduling

Cost Point

Job description

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager – Level 2 to join our team in Dulles, VA.

We are seeking an experienced Functional Manufacturing Operations Manager (M2) to lead the Component Test Lab (CTL) within the Manufacturing and Operations organization. This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

In this job, you will:

• Team and Functional Leadership: Lead, develop, and manage a team of CTL test engineers and technicians, including performance management, staffing, onboarding, and career development.
• Set clear expectations for safety, quality, schedule adherence, and disciplined use of lab processes and tools.
• Lab Operations, Capability, and Readiness: Own day‑to‑day CTL operations, including work prioritization, resource allocation, and staffing alignment to program demand.
• Ensure CTL test infrastructure (EGSE, test fixtures, equipment, software, and facilities) is maintained, calibrated, safe, and ready to support program schedules.
• Test Execution and Quality: Oversee planning and execution of box‑level and component‑level tests, ensuring compliance with requirements, procedures, and quality standards.
• Drive improvements in first‑pass yield for box‑level components by tightening test methodology, setup quality, and defect detection/containment practices.
• Technical Integration and EGSE/Test Systems: Provide technical leadership for CTL test systems and EGSE, including architecture, configuration, and troubleshooting of test hardware and software.
• Lead or support introduction of new test capabilities, automation, and tools to improve throughput, repeatability, and coverage.
• Planning, Engagement, and Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Serve as primary CTL interface to programs and senior engineering leadership, providing clear status, risks, mitigation plans, and capacity constraints.
• Support proposal and planning activities with realistic labor and schedule estimates for CTL work scopes.
• Continuous Improvement and Strategy: Define and track key CTL metrics (e.g., first‑pass yield, cycle time, utilization, defect sources) and drive continuous improvement initiatives based on data.
• Identify and prioritize investments in CTL capability (people, process, tools, and facilities) aligned with Engineering and I&T strategy.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
• No clearance required to start.
• A minimum of 5 years of Lead, supervisory or management experience in a manufacturing role.
• 2+ years of direct people leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience in box‑level or component‑level testing, including test procedure execution, test system usage, and anomaly resolution.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety, ESD/FOD controls, configuration management, and quality processes.
• Proven ability to coordinate across functions (design engineering, I&T, quality, programs) and communicate clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience managing or leading a test facility, or EGSE/test systems team.
• Demonstrated expertise in the following systems and concepts: MRP and IMS Scheduling, Cost Point production planning and material management tools, Windchill, TipQA, Cognos, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing and Manufacturing, Utilizing either Microsoft Project or Primavera to understand schedule and priorities.
• Experience with automated test systems, test software (e.g., LabVIEW, Python, C/C++ test frameworks), and data analysis tools.
• Experience working in space, aerospace, or defense hardware environments with formal requirements and verification processes.
• Demonstrated success improving first‑pass yield, reducing test cycle time, or enhancing test coverage through process and tooling improvements.
• Experience leading or contributing to functional Objective and Key Results, strategy, or lab capability roadmaps.

As a leader with integrity, you ensure ethical conduct, balanced results, and partner satisfaction. You respect and nurture growth, fostering a culture of excellence. Skilled in building collaborative teams and customer trust, you communicate well, foster strong teams, and embrace change.

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards Primary Level Salary Range:

$133,100.00 - $199,700.00

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.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.