Systems Engineering Manager - level 3

0902 SP - Launch Vehicles; United States; On-site; USD 167,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Systems Engineering Manager - level 3 in Chandler, AZ. You will guide a 30+ person engineering team across launch vehicle and missile programs, shaping department strategy and ensuring technical excellence.

Key responsibilities include oversight of designs, schedules, and budgets, as well as mentoring senior engineers and onboarding new hires to maintain high performance and compliance with engineering best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or higher in a STEM field with substantial related experience.
• Active US Government Secret Security clearance required.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and senior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for launch vehicle and missile systems projects.
• Oversee schedules, budgets, and performance to meet program objectives.
• Mentor managers and engineers; drive onboarding and professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Security clearance

Program management

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Scheduling

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

• Relocation assistance may be available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
• 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.

Position

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Systems Engineering Manager - level 3, located in Chandler, Arizona. As a key leader, you will report to the Director (Arizona) while providing functional and strategic oversight for a team of 30+ Systems Engineering leaders specializing in Launch Vehicle and Missile Systems Engineering. In addition to the functional responsibilities, this role will directly support program leadership needs.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and Lead High‑Caliber Professionals: Serve as the functional manager for a span of control exceeding 30 personnel, including direct oversight of ~15 senior‑level engineers and section managers. Your leadership will cultivate an environment of collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence while advancing individual and team performance.
• Strategic Vision and Policy Setting: Work with the SEIT Director to define and implement a forward‑looking vision and department‑level strategies that align with enterprise directives. Craft impactful department processes, command media, and training programs that elevate team capabilities and foster compliance with engineering best practices.
• Mentorship and Talent Development: Mentor and develop managers and senior engineers. Guide new hires through comprehensive onboarding, training, and development plans.
• Technical Oversight: Provide reviews of complex designs, schedules, and budgets to ensure alignment with customer requirements and program objectives. Represent your department in high‑stakes program reviews, customer‑facing meetings, and executive‑level presentations.
• Operational Excellence Across Programs: Bring technical and leadership expertise to the day‑to‑day execution of programs, driving the successful delivery of intricate engineering solutions.
• Direct Engineering Impact: You will contribute hands‑on technical leadership in support of critical programs. Functional oversight of 30+ individuals, encompassing direct management of section managers as well as senior engineers. Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide consistent feedback, and foster a sense of accountability throughout the team. Lead initiatives around vision setting, goal creation, and department alignment with key strategic objectives. Design and manage training, onboarding, and mentorship programs that empower your team to thrive.
• Technical Oversight and Leadership: May serve as the technical and leadership authority for an IPT team, delivering on challenging performance, schedule, and cost objectives. Engage, inspire, and guide cross‑functional teams to achieve program milestones, ensuring clear communication and strong alignment across all stakeholders. Proactively manage team assignments, workloads, and collaboration across internal teams and external partnerships.

Basic Qualifications

• 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 effectively communicate and collaborate with senior leadership, customers, and technical stakeholders
• Experience as Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, Technical lead, or other leadership role in a program office or business function with demonstrated team building, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Experience with developing and executing project schedules

Preferred Qualifications

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

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector?

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. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $166,700.00 - $250,100.00. 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, 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.