Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineering Manager 2 - MSE&A / Mission Engineering

Northrop Grumman$153K — $230K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years, Master's with 6, or PhD with 4 years in relevant fields.
  • Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance required.
  • 1 year of people management or engineering team leadership experience.
  • Experience in Mission Engineering or MSE&A applied to defense/aerospace solutions.
  • Demonstrated use of engineering and analysis methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage engineering teams on ME and MSE&A initiatives.
  • Oversee Mission Engineering activities across diverse programs.
  • Apply Mission Engineering concepts for system optimization and analysis.
  • Develop internal and external stakeholder relationships for collaboration.
  • Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management for direct reports.
  • Drive continuous improvement in engineering processes and tools.

Benefits

  • Health Plan.
  • Savings Plan.
  • Paid Time Off.
  • Education Assistance.
  • Training and Development opportunities.
  • Flexible 9/80 Work Schedule.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

We9re seeking a Systems Engineering Manager 2 to lead and elevate our Mission Engineering (ME) and Modeling, Simulation, Experimentation & Analysis (MSE&A) capabilities in support of evolving mission needs. This is a dual role that combines technical project execution with people leadership, focused on delivering credible, mission-focused systems solutions and will be 100% on site at our Linthicum, MD location.

What You9ll Get to Do:

As a key member of our Foundational Systems team, you will apply performance-driven Mission Engineering concepts to analyze, architect, and optimize system-of-systems solutions that address tomorrow9s mission challenges. You will foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring your team is equipped to solve complex problems using advanced MSE&A techniques.

Functional & People Leadership:
  • Balance approximately 80% allocation to technical/programmatic work and 20% to functional management activities.
  • Lead, develop, and manage a team of engineers supporting ME and MSE&A initiatives.
  • Provide engineering staffing to programs.
  • Support Compensation planning.
  • Provide performance management and career development for direct reports.
  • Foster a culture of well-being, inclusion, and high performance.
  • Support hiring, onboarding, compensation planning, and skills/career development.
  • Manage workload forecasting and drive continuous improvement efforts.
  • Mentor both senior and junior staff to build the next generation of MSE&A professionals.
  • Maintain and apply engineering processes, tools, and standards.
  • Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering sector-wide collaboration.
  • Review proposal content, develop department initiatives, and drive technology roadmaps.


Technical & Project Leadership:
  • Oversee and execute Mission Engineering MSE&A activities across a diverse program portfolio.
  • Lead or support department initiatives, technology roadmap creation, cross-campus/sector involvement, and internal research and development (IRAD) project leadership.
  • Apply Mission Engineering practices to drive solution architecting, system trade studies, and analysis-of-alternatives at the mission/system-of-systems level.
  • Evaluate system architectures, CONOPS, and Design Reference Missions (DRM), using government off-the-shelf (GOTS) and in-house simulation frameworks.
  • Link system requirements to mission outcomes by analyzing mission threads, demonstrating effects, and optimizing architectures.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure integrated solutions meet mission requirements.
  • Support proposal development, technical reviews, and adherence to engineering processes.
  • Architect tools or ecosystems that aggregate and visualize large-scale simulation data.
  • Unify technical solutions across disciplines and product lines to meet organizational and program objectives.
  • Build and strengthen customer and cross-agency relationships, representing technical capabilities externally.
  • Propagate Mission Engineering and MSE&A best practices across programs, championing new tool and process adoption.


This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret Clearance and approval of Special Program Access (SAP).

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor9s degree with 8 years of experience, a Master9s degree with 6 years of experience, or a PhD with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineer, or Mathematics or other related technical fields.
  • U.S Citizenship is required.
  • An active U.S Government Secret Clearance.
  • Ability to obtain and/or maintain Special Program Access.
  • 1 year of experience in people management or leading engineering teams/IPTs.
  • Demonstrated experience in Mission Engineering, Modeling, Simulation, Experimentation & Analysis (MSE&A), or systems engineering applied to mission-level solutions in defense/aerospace.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or other related technical fields.
  • Active U.S Government Top Secret Clearance or higher.
  • Experience leading functional or programmatic teams of 10+ engineers.
  • Proficiency in performance-based analysis, system trades, and architecture studies with mission modeling, simulation, experimentation & analysis frameworks (e.g., C++, Python, AFSIM, STK, Brawler, etc.).
  • Experience linking technical/operational requirements to mission outcomes.
  • Familiarity with DoD developmental testing, acquisition principles, and integration & test processes.
  • Strong technical problem-solving skills; ability to diagnose performance issues and translate mission needs into actionable engineering approaches.
  • Knowledge of Agile/SAFe, EVMS, CAM, or similar methodologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive improvements across mission engineering products and processes.
  • Experience architecting environments and tools for large-scale simulation data aggregation and visualization.
  • Proven record of unifying technical solutions across product lines and guiding technical alignment.
  • Experience building and maintaining customer trust, including representing technical capabilities to customers and inter-agency partners.


Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Primary Level Salary Range: $153,800.00 - $230,800.00

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 candidate9s 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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