Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
The Engineering Program Manager (EPM) is responsible for leading end-to-end engineering execution across the full program lifecycle. The EPM ensures the integrated engineering team delivers on cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role works in close partnership with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to drive program success and meet commitments. EPMs are essential to strengthening how we execute—bringing consistency, rigor, and visibility across all engineering efforts on a program.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead engineering execution across the entire program lifecycle (capture through delivery)
• Drive cost, schedule, and technical performance with disciplined execution
• Integrate across all engineering functions and partner organizations (GSC, MFG, MA) to ensure cohesive program alignment
• Enable data-informed decisions using program metrics and performance indicators
• Ensure adherence and appropriate rigor to all engineering processes
• Partner with Program Managers and Chief Engineers to align technical scope, staffing, and execution plans
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate risks and issues early
• Drive milestone reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) with clear entry/exit criteria and readiness
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
Basic Qualifications for Engineering Program Manager:
• BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or other STEM field with 12+ years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 10+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 8+ years of related experience
• 5+ years of related engineering experience working in an engineering organization at a defense contractor during EMD and/or LRIP phases
• Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass hardware, software, and firmware
• Experience in development and Earned Value Management (EVM) of cost accounts and schedules
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Program Manager:
• Experience using metrics to drive decisions and program outcomes
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills including presentation experience briefing senior levels of leadership, both internal and external
• 9+ years engineering experience, including 5+ years leading multi discipline engineering teams
• Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal / requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems
• Experience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
• Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
• Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross‑reference artifacts
• Strong understanding of engineering execution across the full program lifecycle (beyond task tracking or a single discipline)
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions, sites, and stakeholders
• Familiarity with Northrop Grumman processes and operating procedures
• CAM certification with experience in ETCs and CEACs (or demonstrated experience performing CAM responsibilities)
• Demonstrated success guiding teams through proposals and Basis of Estimate (BOE) generation, program planning including start-up, Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs), milestone or gate reviews and through all execution phases
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00
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.