RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
DescriptionNorthrop Grumman is seeking a forward-thinking leader to join the engineering team in Aurora, Colorado as a Functional Software Engineering Manager Level 1. The selected individual's primary role will be in a technical execution capacity for a program performing out of Aurora while also being accountable for managing a diverse group of 12-15 early career direct reports across the SW Engineering organization (SW, DevOps, AI/ML). This dual-track role blends technical execution with people leadership and will report directly to the SW Department Manager.
Core Responsibilities- Team Coaching & Development - Lead, mentor, and grow a team of software, DevOps, and AI engineers; hold regular 1:1s, staff meetings, and career-development workshops. Identify and develop top performing talent across the organization.
- Staffing & Talent Acquisition - Own the full hiring lifecycle: workforce planning, recruiting (including external hires), re-assignment, onboarding, and retention strategies.
- AI Solution Development - Help identify and implement AI solutions to accelerate daily tasks, improve organizational effectiveness, and drive data-driven talent development. Drive organization-wide standardization and promote its adoption.
- Performance Management - Set clear goals, conduct performance assessments, coordinate compensation reviews, and recognize high-impact contributions.
- Process Rigor - Enforce engineering-process standards, agile/lean practices, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
- Employee Relations - Partner with HR Business Partner on HR matters, resolve personnel issues, and ensure compliance with corporate policies (goal setting, performance reviews, etc.).
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's Degree in STEM related discipline and a minimum of 6 years related experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI Engineering; Master's degree and 4 years of related experience; or a PhD and 3 years of related experience
- Active Top-Secret clearance and SCI eligibility required at time of application
- Minimum of 3 years direct technical execution experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI/ML related position
- Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Strong practical knowledge of Engineering Processes and Leadership
- Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate with positive outcome
- Experience working with both internal and external customers and partners
Preferred Qualifications:- Team leadership such as IPT lead or equivalent role
- Experience with Business Development and capture-related activities
- Breadth of software engineering lifecycle experience
- Strong understanding of agile principles as well as other lean methodologies
- Experience working with system requirements and architecture
- Experience with DoD programs and processes
Primary Level Salary Range: $133,000.00 - $199,600.00
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.
