Manufacturing Operations Manager - Level 2

Northrop Grumman • Dulles, VA

3d • $133,100 - $199,700 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager – Level 2 to lead the Component Test Lab (CTL) within the Manufacturing and Operations organization in Dulles, Virginia. The manager leads the CTL team, owns lab capability and readiness, and aligns test execution with program, integration and test (I&T), and design engineering needs. The role focuses on improving first-pass success for box-level components through disciplined testing, robust EGSE and test systems, and close collaboration across teams.

The position combines technical leadership in electronic and box-level testing and EGSE/test systems with people leadership, operational discipline, and continuous improvement. It follows a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off, and requires travel 10% of the time. No clearance is required to start.

The manager oversees CTL operations, resources, test infrastructure, and test execution; supports program planning and interfaces; tracks operational metrics; and identifies capability investments aligned with Engineering and I&T strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree and 6 years of professional experience; an additional 4+ years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• At least 5 years of lead, supervisory, or management experience in a manufacturing role.
• At least 2 years of direct people leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience in box-level or component-level testing, including test procedure execution, test system usage, and anomaly resolution.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety, ESD/FOD controls, configuration management, and quality processes.
• Ability to coordinate across design engineering, I&T, quality, and programs, and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience managing or leading a test facility or an EGSE/test systems team.
• Experience with MRP and IMS scheduling; Cost Point production planning and material management tools; Windchill; TipQA; Cognos; continuous improvement; Lean Manufacturing; and Microsoft Project or Primavera for understanding schedules and priorities.
• Experience with automated test systems, test software such as LabVIEW, Python, or C/C++ test frameworks, and data analysis tools.
• Experience in space, aerospace, or defense hardware environments with formal requirements and verification processes.
• Demonstrated success improving first-pass yield, reducing test cycle time, or enhancing test coverage through process and tooling improvements.
• Experience leading or contributing to functional Objectives and Key Results, strategy, or lab capability roadmaps.
• Leadership that demonstrates integrity, ethical conduct, balanced results, partner satisfaction, collaboration, customer trust, team development, and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage CTL test engineers and technicians, including performance management, staffing, onboarding, and career development.
• Set expectations for safety, quality, schedule adherence, and disciplined use of lab processes and tools.
• Own day-to-day CTL operations, including work prioritization, resource allocation, and staffing alignment to program demand.
• Ensure EGSE, test fixtures, equipment, software, and facilities are maintained, calibrated, safe, and ready to support program schedules.
• Oversee planning and execution of box-level and component-level tests in compliance with requirements, procedures, and quality standards.
• Improve first-pass yield through stronger test methodology, setup quality, and defect detection and containment practices.
• Provide technical leadership for CTL test systems and EGSE, including architecture, configuration, and troubleshooting of test hardware and software.
• Lead or support introduction of new test capabilities, automation, and tools to improve throughput, repeatability, and test coverage.
• Serve as the primary CTL interface to programs and senior engineering leadership, communicating status, risks, mitigation plans, and capacity constraints.
• Support proposal and planning activities by providing realistic labor and schedule estimates for CTL work scopes.
• Define and track CTL metrics, including first-pass yield, cycle time, utilization, and defect sources, and drive data-based continuous improvement.
• Identify and prioritize investments in people, processes, tools, and facilities aligned with Engineering and I&T strategy.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager