Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineering Manager Level 2

Northrop Grumman$146K — $219K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or related STEM field, or equivalent experience
  • 8 years of experience or equivalent education and experience level
  • Active US Government Secret security clearance
  • Proven leadership in systems engineering for complex mission-critical systems
  • Expertise in requirements engineering and verification strategies
  • Strong communication skills for engaging with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical and functional leadership to establish a world-class Systems Engineering organization
  • Oversee development, design, and implementation of systems engineering solutions
  • Lead a multi-site team of 10-15 technical staff members
  • Capture customer requirements and lead the team through system reviews
  • Manage requirements cleanup and ensure clarity for testability
  • Develop and enforce verification strategies through disciplined reviews
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to integrate technical solutions

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance available
  • Comprehensive Total Rewards package includes health insurance and life insurance
  • Vacation and paid time off (PTO) for personal business
  • Potential eligibility for bonuses and long-term incentives
  • Paid holidays and savings plan
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 is seeking Systems Engineering Manager - Level 2 to join our team located in Colorado Springs, CO (airport facility - COCO1)

In this job, you will;

Provide the technical and functional leadership needed to establish and maintain a world class Systems Engineering organization, supporting multiple divisions and programs across a wide portfolio. The role will have responsibility for the oversight of development, design, integration, test and implementation of state-of-the-art solutions in support of WR programs and campaigns, as well as research and technology development.

The Systems Engineering Manager level 2 provides technical leadership and people management across two or more sites, owning systems engineering execution from requirements development through formal sell-off under tight cost and schedule constraints. The lead will drive rigorous analysis and verification, and sustains common requirements baseline across sites to enable future development and sustainment in a strong matrix environment.

The successful candidate will clearly demonstrate strong leadership skills to manage, recruit, and retain employees. The candidate will have a track record as aneffective communicator and problem solver who is able to develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This candidate will demonstrate a commitment to ethics and integrity, and the capability to innovate. Demonstrated abilities to build diverse and inclusive teams with high levels of engagement, including mentoring and coaching, are a must. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. This is a dual role encompassing both functional management (~15%) and technical performance (~85%) on a specific program.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Lifecycle Leadership
  • The Section Manager will generally be responsible for 10-15 technical staff members, and the success of their program execution
  • Serve as the Systems Engineering technical lead for a suite of ground radar sites.
  • Own the systems engineering strategy from requirements and architecture through integration, analysis selloff, and formal verification/validation.
  • Balance cost and schedule while maintaining engineering rigor and mission assurance for space-related ground systems.
  • Institutionalize review discipline, knowledge sharing, and reuse of SE processes and artifacts across sites.


Requirements & Architecture Leadership
  • Capture customer discussions and clarify requirement intent; lead the team from SRR through TRR and stable system solution.
  • Lead requirements cleanup and rationalization via trade studies and change packages, resolving ambiguity and improving testability while protecting cost/schedule.
  • Maintain common requirements baseline across multiple DARC sites and future sites/sustainment, reducing requirements management and regression test overhead.
  • Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, requirements allocation, interface definition, and trade studies to translate mission needs into hardware and software specifications.


Analysis, Verification & Sell Off
  • Develop and lead analysis-based sell-off, enforcing core engineering rigor and disciplined reviews.
  • Define and manage verification strategies, ensuring traceable closure of requirements via analysis, test, inspection, and demonstration.


Technical Reviews & Customer Engagement
  • Plan and lead successful SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and sell-off/acceptance reviews by aligning teams on clear technical and requirements paths.
  • Serve as the primary SE point of contact for assigned DARC sites, communicating requirement intent, design trades, and verification approaches.
  • Present complex topics and analysis results succinctly to customers, program leadership, and functional management.


Team Leadership & People Management (Manager 2)
  • Lead a multi-site systems engineering team; provide tasking, technical direction, and review of SE work products.
  • Conduct performance management, mentoring, and career development for direct reports; support staffing, succession planning, and skills development.


Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Partner with Program Managers to align technical scope, staffing, risks, and opportunities with program objectives and constraints.
  • Coordinate with IPTs, subsystem, software, and I&T teams to ensure cohesive, integrated system solutions.
  • Lead change control and impact assessments across requirements, design, and verification baselines.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related STEM discipline. along with 8 years of experience OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience
  • Must have an active US Government Secret security clearance
  • Demonstrated advanced systems engineering leadership on complex, mission-critical systems (ground, space, or similarly complex integrated systems) across the full lifecycle-from requirements development and architecture through integration, verification/validation, and formal sell-off/acceptance.
  • Recognized technical authority with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams (often in a strong matrix environment) to converge on stable technical baselines, resolve complex technical issues, and make/drive technical decisions.
  • Deep experience in requirements engineering (definition, decomposition, traceability, and change control), including resolving ambiguity via trade studies and change packages to improve clarity, testability, and verification strategy.
  • Experience developing and executing verification strategies and closure plans (analysis/test/inspection/demonstration) with disciplined technical reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and documented rationale/evidence suitable for customer review and audit.
  • Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to brief technical approaches, trade results, and verification evidence to customer stakeholders and program/engineering leadership.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with space domain ground systems or mission systems similar to DARC.
  • Familiarity with MBSE / SysML and requirements tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, Cameo/MagicDraw).
  • Prior experience establishing common baselines across multiple sites or configurations.
  • Experience with government customers and supporting proposals, captures, or gate reviews.


Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $146,500.00 - $219,700.00

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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