Systems Engineering Manager 3

Northrop Grumman • Baltimore, MD

1d • $184,300 - $276,500 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems’ Engineering & Sciences Baltimore and Partnered Sites Division is seeking a Manager 3 to lead the Systems Engineering EOIR (Electro Optical and Infrared) section. The position is split evenly between functional management and technical contribution. The section has approximately 35 people, with significant near-term growth and hiring expected. The role also contributes technically or provides technical leadership on a program, preferably in the EO/IR technology area.

The Section Lead establishes operating objectives and mentors front-line managers, aligning execution with engineering goals, corporate policies, and strategic priorities. The role oversees and supports programs across the Baltimore-based business portfolio, ensuring staffing, training, and processes support successful outcomes. It also drives risk identification and mitigation, addresses technical and operational challenges, and works with engineers and program staff to recruit, develop, and retain talent. The position collaborates regularly with peer managers, program leaders, and senior business-unit leaders. It is based in Baltimore, Maryland, and is full-time and on-site. The role is contingent upon successful transfer of an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, master’s degree with 6 years of experience, or Ph.D. with 4 years of experience in a STEM or related technical field.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance.
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
• Experience leading and developing engineering teams while overseeing people, processes, and tools, and managing recruiting, staffing, retention, and mentorship.
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership, peers, and cross-functional stakeholders to improve engagement, training, and mission outcomes.
• Experience growing and retaining staff.
• Technical connections or ability to support program activities in EO/IR or a closely related area.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in a STEM or related technical field.
• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance or higher and ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
• Engineering leadership across acquisition phases, including design, integration, and execution, with a record of building or expanding teams and sections.
• Track record of coordinating staffing and development between technical areas.
• Experience engaging with developmental (TRL 3/4/5) programs and areas.
• Technical familiarity with EOIR programs and development.
• Execution familiarity with Mission Next, ECD, and/or CMAD.
• Strong systems engineering expertise, including requirements development and management.
• Strong knowledge of the systems engineering lifecycle and development phases, enabling effective technical reviews, proposal support, and engineering change coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead the EOIR section of the Systems Engineering team, including its expected growth and hiring.
• Contribute technically or provide technical leadership on a program, preferably in EO/IR technology.
• Establish operating objectives and provide leadership and mentorship to front-line managers.
• Align team execution with engineering goals, corporate policies, and strategic priorities.
• Oversee and support programs across the Baltimore-based business portfolio, ensuring appropriate staffing, training, and processes.
• Identify risks and drive mitigation planning to protect technical performance, schedule fidelity, and execution.
• Address technical and operational challenges to maintain progress.
• Partner with engineers and program staff to recruit, develop, and retain talent and build a pipeline of skilled professionals.
• Develop organizational strategy, training and career-development approaches, and an innovation roadmap aligned with enterprise objectives and organizational goals.
• Provide technical support to programs in the EOIR portfolio.
• Ensure programs are effectively staffed with qualified engineers.
• Plan and execute development strategies.
• Facilitate mentoring relationships and talent pipelines.
• Coordinate EO/IR staffing and technical roadmaps across divisions and campuses.
• Advocate for EOIR-related people, tasks, and needs.
• Engage regularly with program leadership to align strategies.
• Ensure the engineering team has sufficient depth and breadth to manage business-area fluctuations.
• Work independently with minimal direction, exercising considerable latitude in determining technical objectives and methods.

Benefits

• Health plan and health insurance coverage
• Savings plan
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business
• Company-paid holidays
• Education assistance
• Training and development
• Life and disability insurance
• 9/80 work schedule where available
• Potential overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus, depending on position

What This Job Offers

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