Northrop Grumman

Department Manager Engineering 3 - Software: Flight Software

Northrop Grumman$166K — $250K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM and 9 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree in STEM and 7 years of relevant experience.
  • At least 5 years of leadership experience in engineering.
  • Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams to develop complex technical solutions within constraints.
  • Demonstrated capability in workforce planning and resource management.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance, eligible for SAP access.
  • Experience with software solutions related to air vehicles or spacecraft.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a large engineering organization, ensuring performance and engagement.
  • Align functional capabilities with program programmatic needs to support execution.
  • Oversee technical execution and operational outcomes within cost and schedule.
  • Facilitate effective communication and relationship-building with stakeholders.
  • Manage resource allocation and workforce planning across projects.
  • Promote a culture of ethical standards and safety in the workplace.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Savings plan offered.
  • Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Department Manager, Engineering M3 to lead our Software organization. This role reports to the Engineering Integration & Execution (EI&E) leader on the Strike program. This leadership role is located on-site in Melbourne, FL.

The Department Manager is accountable for the performance, development, and engagement of a large engineering organization consisting of section managers and individual contributors. The role balances people leadership, technical oversight, and operational execution in a complex, program-driven environment.

This leader plays a critical role in aligning functional capabilities with program needs, enabling successful execution across cost, schedule, quality, and technical performance.

Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer:setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 9 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 7 years of related engineering experience.
  • Minimum 5 years of leadership experience, including first-level or higher people management leadership.
  • Experience in leading, mentoring, and developing multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver complex technical solutions, within cost and schedule constraints, across the various phases of the engineering lifecycle.
  • Demonstrated capability in workforce and resource planning, including allocating resources across programs, managing workloads and priorities, forecasting staffing needs, and executing end-to-end hiring decisions.
  • Strong leadership, interpersonal, and written/oral communication skills, enabling effective engagement with cross-functional stakeholders and customers.
  • Must possess an active U.S. Government Secret clearance that is in scope or currently enrolled in continuous evaluation, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) access as determined by business needs
  • Relevant development experience in one or more software solutions in areas such as navigation, battle management and control, weapons management, vehicle management, etc. for complex air vehicles or spacecraft.
  • Experience in adopting and tailoring corporate/sector/industry software standards, tools, and processes for use on programs.
  • Experience with Software licensing models and managing software tool portfolios.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering or a related field.
  • Prior people leadership experience of large teams (75+).
  • Demonstrated experience applying performance management process and HR policies, including goal setting, performance feedback, development planning, and addressing performance concerns in accordance with company policy.
  • Experience with Earned Value Management Techniques (EVMS) / Control Account Management (CAM), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), Basis of Estimates (BOEs) and cost-schedule-risk trade off management.
  • Experience with the System Engineering Technical Review process (SRR, PDR, CDR and TRR).
  • Experience identifying, developing, and managing performance metrics to support program and technical execution monitoring and control.
  • Proven expertise in technical planning, risk?&?opportunity management, and driving project performance across cost, schedule, and technical quality.
  • Current U.S. Government TS/SCI and SAP clearances.
  • Relevant experience in Avionics, Vehicle, Systems Engineering, Global Supply Chain, or Test processes and tools where they overlap and/or are adjacent to Software processes and tools. (e.g. Software defined LRUs, Software Configuration Management, Software Integration and Test, Software procurement, auto-generated GNC Software.)
  • Software supplier manager experience.
  • Experience working with the DOD Dev*Ops Reference architecture.
  • Working knowledge of the NGAS tool portfolio model (ESP).
  • Experience with USAF Open Mission Systems.
  • Experience with Northrop Grumman Real Time frameworks.
  • Experience with C++, Java, Python development.
  • Experience with Agile development techniques and tools including DevOps, DevSecOps, and Atlassian tool suite.


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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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