RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
DescriptionNorthrop Grumman Defense Systems is looking for a
Configuration Management (CM) Manager 2 to lead a team of Configuration Analysts, Data Managers, Technical Writers, and Engineering Liaisons. The CM Manager partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to enable disciplined change management and timely product delivery. This role is required to be 100% on site at our Northridge, Ca location.
Configuration Management (CM) is responsible for establishing and maintaining the configuration of hardware, software, and documentation across one or more programs. This role ensures configuration control, traceability, and data integrity throughout the product lifecycle in alignment with internal standards and industry guidelines (e.g., EIA-649, AS9100).
Data Managers (DM) are responsible for the management of all the contract data requirement list (CDRL) data deliverables associated with contracts between Northrop Grumman and its external customers.
Technical Writers - review and edits technical documentation for the programs working closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to help ensure program documents are accurate and follow the various government standards relevant to Northridge programs.
Engineering Liaison - serves as a bridge between Configuration Management and Engineering for engineering hand-offs, ensuring clarity and compliance
Key Responsibilities- Lead and develop a team of professionals, including workload planning, performance management, mentoring, and skills development.
- Establish, maintain, and continuously improve CM plans, processes, and work instructions for assigned programs.
- Own the configuration baseline (functional, allocated, and product) and ensure accurate, timely incorporation of changes into the product structure and documentation.
- Oversee configuration identification, change control, configuration status accounting, and configuration audits (FCAs/PCAs as applicable).
- Support the program office with Change Control Boards (CCBs) / Configuration Control Boards (CCBs) and ensure changes are evaluated for cost, schedule, technical risk, and downstream impacts.
- Ensure accurate and current configuration data in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) / Product Data Management (PDM) tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill) and related systems Enterprise Resource Planning /Material Resource Planning (ERP/MRP) to include Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) parts as applicable.
- Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Contracts, and Program Management to ensure configuration baselines support build, test, and delivery schedules.
- Manage Engineering Bill of Material (EBOM) to Manufacturing Bill of Material cleansing/alignment.
- Develop and track CM metrics (e.g., change cycle time, data quality, audit findings) to drive continuous improvement.
- Support internal and external audits and customer reviews; ensure CM records and evidence are complete, accurate, and readily retrievable.
- Able to apply and ensure CM practices comply with contractual requirements, statement-of-work (SOW) commitments, and applicable standards.
- Identify and implement process and tool improvements to increase CM efficiency, data integrity, and user experience.
- Prepare and deliver CM status, risks, and issues to program and functional leadership.
- Ensure CDRLs are scheduled and delivered on time and weekly and monthly reporting is accurate
- Ensure Tech Writers adhere to Technical Writing Review Checklist when reviewing program documents routing through the PLM System
- Maturing Engineering Liaison role to build collaboration and efficiency between Configuration Management and other functional roles
Management Scope- Directly supervises approximately 16-18 configuration management, data management and technical writing professionals.
- Responsible for staffing, training, performance management, recognition, and discipline within the team.
- Manages team workload, priorities, and commitments across multiple programs, ensuring alignment with functional expectations and program needs.
Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technical, Business, or related field and 8 years of relevant configuration management, product data management, or engineering experience; or a Master's degree with 6 years of experience; or an additional 4 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
- Prior experience in configuration management, engineering change management, product data management, or closely related discipline in an aerospace/defense or similar complex hardware/software environment.
- Experience leading teams, projects, or technical efforts (e.g., team lead, CAM, project lead, or first-line supervisor).
- Working knowledge of CM principles and practices, including configuration identification, change control, configuration status accounting, and configuration audit.
- Experience using PLM/PDM tools (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill, Enovia) and associated ERP/MRP systems.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of material (BOMs).
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a schedule-driven environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to interface effectively with engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, and program management.
- Active government issued secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications- Experience managing or supervising a CM, PDM, or engineering data management team, ideally in an aerospace/defense environment.
- In-depth knowledge of configuration management standards and best practices (e.g., EIA-649) and quality frameworks (e.g., AS9100).
- Experience planning and conducting functional and physical configuration audits (FCA/PCA).
- Hands-on experience with PLM/PDM tools such as [Teamcenter/Windchill/Other] including data model understanding and workflow configuration.
- Experience supporting complex hardware-software systems, multi-site programs, or production environments with high change volume.
- Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts, program performance metrics, and cost/schedule integration.
- Demonstrated success driving process improvement initiatives and implementing new tools or workflows.
Primary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00
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.
