Special Test Equipment Engineering Manager 2

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 154,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Company paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems in Plymouth, MN seeks a Manager 2 of Special Test Equipment to lead a team of 8–12 engineers, guiding test equipment development for development and production programs across multiple business units. The role emphasizes test strategy, DOE, and cross-functional collaboration.

The STE Manager will drive technology development, talent development, staffing, budgets, and ROI, with oversight of Design for Testability integration and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• DoD Secret clearance after starting; US Citizenship required.
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 8+ years of related experience or Master’s with 6+ years.
• 4+ years leading STE/TEST equipment testing efforts (ATE/ICT/DVT).
• 2+ years leading cross-functional technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 8–12 engineers for STE development and validation.
• Oversee technology development, staffing, budgets and process improvements.
• Direct work to ensure testability integration in new products and prototype builds.
• Drive continuous improvement and ROI through standardized testing practices.
• Present deliverables at program reviews and technical meetings.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

STE testing expertise

LabVIEW

Object oriented programming (OOP)

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree

Tools

ATE (Automated Test Equipment)

ICT

DVT

LabVIEW

TestStand

PXI/GPIB test platforms

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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.

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.

The Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) sector designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures.

Are you ready to #definepossible in your next career growth opportunity as a Manager 2 of Special Test Equipment team. If so, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems in Plymouth, MN may be the employer for you!

Position Summary and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 8 to 12 engineers responsible for research, design, integration, and validation of Test Equipment and test processes for development and production programs covering several business units and sectors.
• Management responsibilities include technology development, talent development, staffing, workload planning, process improvement, capital and expense budgets, software tool planning and management, and accountability for team performance.
• The Special Test Equipment (STE) Manager will utilize their emotional intelligence to lead, coach, motivate and direct a high performing engineering team to accomplish project deliverables and strategic objectives, drive timely decision making, and maintain development and succession plans for team members.
• The STE Manager has full working knowledge of procedures and practices. Direct work involvement is required to oversee projects and tasks assigned to the organizational group.
• Responsible for the integration of the techniques of Design for Testability into all new products, as well as the product test strategy for the prototype builds and full-rate production.
• Initiate continuous improvement activities to create high quality and efficient processes.
• Support technology growth through identification of potential innovations, technology roadmap modifications, and proposal preparation. Increase the understanding and use of standardization to offer a higher return on investment (ROI).
• Present deliverables at program technical reviews, proposal reviews, or other technical meetings.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance after starting employment. (US Citizenship Required)
• Bachelors degree in a STEM field & 8+ years of related experience, OR a Masters degree & 6 years of related experience
• 4+ years proven experience in Special Test Equipment (STE) related jobs linked to development and/or production testing using Automated Test Equipment (ATE), In-Circuit testing (ICT), and functional Design Validation Testing (DVT), circuit card level and fully assembled product testing.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in leading cross-functional technical teams. Demonstrated experience in leading personnel, including high performance and experienced engineers.
• Experience in cost estimating task as well as authoring and approving Basis of Estimates (BOEs) for Proposals.
• Multi-disciplinary engineering experience desired. Electrical, software, mechanical.
• Familiarity or experience with development of test fixtures for products to simulate real world environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS degree in Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering, MS preferred.
• Current & active DoD security clearance
• Experience in military, space or medical product development, transition from Technology Development to Early Manufacturing Development (EMD), and Rate Production and product life-cycle engineering.
• Advanced level of understanding in a specialized electrical engineering field or general understanding of several diverse electrical engineering disciplines.
• LabVIEW and Test Stand programming experience. Object Oriented Programming (OOP) is a plus.
• Knowledge in Electrical and Functional Testers with: Interfaces, Pneumatic Systems, Communication protocols, PXI and GPIB instruments test platforms.
• Some experience in Project and Cost Account management techniques using Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
• Familiarity or experience with RF and MMW radar testing processes
• Demonstrated history of technical progression leading to engineering leadership position.
• Experience with the design and developing PWB layouts is a plus.
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) across all levels of the organization. Proven partnership/collaboration skills and ability to partner with cross disciplines.

Primary Level Salary Range

Primary Level Salary Range: $153,800.00 - $230,800.00

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.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

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.