Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Manager Manufacturing Systems Engineering 2 to join our Advanced Manufacturing Technology organization in Palmdale, CA.

This leadership position is responsible for managing a team of Manufacturing Systems Engineers focused on the development, implementation, and transition of advanced manufacturing and digital worker technologies that improve production efficiency, affordability, quality, and workforce effectiveness. The role supports manufacturing operations through deployment of innovative solutions across factory environments, including connected worker and digital manufacturing capabilities.

The selected candidate will lead the team in defining and executing technology solutions that support production applications and operational objectives. This includes oversight of solution development, process performance, technology transition, and alignment with program, business, and customer requirements.

Roles and Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead a team in the development, implementation, and transition of manufacturing systems and process solutions for production applications and advanced technologies.
• Oversee digital worker and manufacturing enablement solutions, including digital work instructions, augmented reality/virtual reality, connected worker tools, wearable and mobile devices, edge devices, IIoT, RFID, automation enablement, and data-driven manufacturing capabilities.
• Ensure requirements are incorporated into development plans and evaluate process, system, and tool performance to confirm effectiveness in production environments.
• Identify and address technical, schedule, cost, and quality issues to support achievement of program and contractual objectives.
• Provide leadership in design concepts, technology maturity, manufacturing readiness, and specification compliance to ensure effective use of resources and manufacturing techniques.
• Collaborate with operations, quality, engineering, digital/IT, program leadership, and executive management to align solutions with business and production needs.
• Oversee project scope, cost, schedule, and execution for team assignments and development efforts.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across manufacturing systems and worker-enablement technologies.

Functional Leadership

• Lead employee development through performance management, coaching, engagement, training oversight, and career development.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, retention, and staffing allocation to support current and projected business needs.
• Prioritize team resources across multiple programs and initiatives.
• Support Bid & Proposal activities and program gate reviews.
• Provide leadership in resolving technical, financial, staffing, and execution challenges across programs.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.

We offer a first shift, 4/10 or 9/80 work schedule, flexible work arrangements, strong learning opportunities, broad program exposure, and a collaborative team environment.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 9 years of combined technical and leadership experience in engineering, aviation, systems engineering, aerospace, or manufacturing/production; OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 7 years of combined technical and leadership experience in engineering, aviation, systems engineering, aerospace, or manufacturing/production.
• Experience leading an engineering team, technical team, project, or integrated product team.
• Experience with project/program management, including proposal support, scheduling, budget tracking, and execution.
• Must have an active DoD Secret clearance with a periodic reinvestigation or original adjudication date completed within the last 5 years and the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access.
• Ability to travel 10–15% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Special Program Access.
• Experience working with IPTs, stakeholders, and customers such as the Air Force and Navy.
• Familiarity with process development and process controls.
• Experience in manufacturing systems, advanced manufacturing technologies, or digital manufacturing solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, sound technical judgment, and ability to make timely decisions with limited information.
• Experience managing direct reports, including employee development, performance feedback, staffing, and workload prioritization.
• Strong background in systems engineering and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with digital worker technologies such as augmented reality/virtual reality, digital work instructions, mobile or wearable devices, IIoT, RFID, connected worker platforms, and edge devices.
• Experience in development, integration, and deployment of network architecture and digital infrastructure.
• Experience generating requirements and translating stakeholder needs into executable technical requirements.
• Experience supporting proposals and early lifecycle program activities.
• Experience with Siemens NX, TcE, CPLM, SAP, Manufacturing Execution Systems, or related manufacturing systems.
• Experience in hardware/software integration of manufacturing systems.
• Experience in digital manufacturing.
• Architecture, design, and integration experience for engineering systems and software.
• Technical writing skills.
• Experience operating in a fast-paced production environment with increasing schedules and delivery rates.