Manufacturing Systems Engineering Manager – Level 3

Northrop Grumman

. Develop and lead the program manufacturing strategy and execution from requirements development and demonstration through large-scale production at full rate .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $193,000 - $289,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading manufacturing strategies and execution for aerospace hardware development, with a strong focus on project management, supplier oversight, and production lifecycle management. Proven ability to build customer relationships and foster collaborative teams while ensuring compliance with government security requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program ManagementManufacturing Strategy DevelopmentAerospace Hardware DevelopmentSupplier OversightEngineering Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project ManagementProduction OperationsDesign to CostFull-Rate ProductionComplex Weapon Systems IntegrationAI and Automation Tools IntegrationCost ModelingRisk ManagementManufacturing Readiness LevelsEngineering Change Approval

Soft Skills

CollaborationCustomer Relationship ManagementProblem ResolutionEthical ConductTeam Leadership

Tools & Technologies

Nishikawa Diagram5 Whys MethodSAP

Certifications & Qualifications

Active U.S. Government Secret Security ClearanceAbility to Obtain Top Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

AerospaceManufacturingProduction StrategySupply Chain ManagementEngineering Disciplines

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and lead the program manufacturing strategy and execution from requirements development and demonstration through large-scale production at full rate
Collaborate with all elements of the organization to deliver a significant number of space vehicles annually
Lead projects through all manufacturing readiness level phases
Own manufacturing scope and serve as approval authority for manufacturing-related engineering changes
Provide design ownership and oversight across a product portfolio
Lead programs end-to-end, including the full development lifecycle, subcontractors and partners, Design-to-Cost, sourcing, and alternate suppliers
Build customer relationships and lead Manufacturing Technical Strategy to support proposals
Establish design concepts and criteria and provide engineering for R&D, integration, and test
Recommend cost- and performance-improving changes
Translate state-of-the-art process capabilities for designers
Build cost models and affordability assessments to meet targets
Coordinate manufacturing site selection and facility transition plans
Manage risks and opportunities
Develop production strategies across multiple classification and SAP levels
Foster ethical conduct, balanced results, partner satisfaction, collaborative teams, customer trust, and a culture of excellence

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science or other relevant STEM area and 10 years or more of related experience OR a Master’s degree and 8 years of related experience
Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
Related experience in project or Program management, engineering, capture efforts, supply chain, and/or business management
Project lead or integrated program team lead experience in Production Operations, Design to Cost, Subcontract Management, Full-Rate Production or Supplier sourcing
Experience with the full lifecycle of aerospace hardware development and builds
Minimum 15 years of experience in production, development or sustainment management and integration of complex weapon systems (preferred)
Experience transitioning programs from engineering development to full rate / high volume production (preferred)
Experience leading program execution across a geographically distributed manufacturing organization (preferred)
Experience engaging in supplier oversight and management (preferred)
Proven performance as an engineering leader in all phases of acquisition, design, integration, and execution (preferred)
Working knowledge and/or experience across engineering disciplines (preferred)
Experience with use and integration of AI and automation tools to support scalability and production (preferred)
Ability to obtain Top Secret security clearance level and SAPs as determined by the company to meet its business needs (preferred)
Ability to identify and proactively address organizational and program impacts through a systematic, proactive approach to problem resolution, including Nishikawa diagram and 5 Whys methods (preferred)
Ability to support the identification, selection, and management of subcontract and supply chain elements of the program (preferred)
U.S. Citizenship is required for positions with a government clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime may be available depending on the position
Shift differential may be available depending on the position
Discretionary bonus
Long Term Incentives may be available for Vice President or Director positions
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business