Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security.  Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered by providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.  Come be a part of our mission!

We are seeking two (2) Mechanical Engineering Manager 2 professionals to join our Marine Systems Strategic Launcher Engineering team based in Sunnyvale, CA. Each Mechanical Engineering Manager 2 will provide engineering leadership and technical direction to an integrated team supporting launcher products for the U.S. Navy. The core engineering teams are based in Sunnyvale, with some team members supporting from other locations. These two positions share the same responsibilities, with each manager accountable for different launcher products.

This is a product‑focused program leadership role with accountability for mechanical design and development, and engineering support for test, qualification, and delivery of complex hardware products. You will blend technical leadership with people leadership, including timekeeping, performance reviews, staffing and resource planning, training, and overall team engagement.

The ideal candidate has strong communication skills and the ability to connect with direct reports, peers, and internal customers at multiple levels. You bring demonstrated aptitude in:

• Production support
• Design of fabricated and machined components
• Primary metallic structures (forgings and weldments)
• Electrical, pneumatic, load path and stress analysis, and hydraulic subsystems
• CAD modeling and drawing review
• Requirements and interface management and verification
• Successful execution of technical projects to cost and schedule targets

Key Responsibilities

Technical / Program Leadership

• Provide project and technical oversight of design and analysis activities performed by the team.
• Support requirements and interface development and verification for a complex U.S. Navy hardware product.
• Guide the mechanical design and development of fabricated and machined components, primary metallic structures (forgings and weldments), and electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic subsystems.
• Support test, qualification, and delivery activities, including review of test plans, procedures, and reports.
• Lead resolution of production issues and sustaining engineering activities in partnership with manufacturing and supply chain.
• Prepare cost estimates, provide proposal inputs, and review proposal content for internal and external customers.
• Provide ownership of, and direction to, the design processes used by the group, ensuring alignment to Design, Manufacturing, and Test Integration processes.
• Oversight for engineering reviews, analysis and test reports, special projects, trade studies, sustaining activities, and customer reviews.
• Interface regularly with program office personnel and customer representatives, clearly communicating status, risks, and mitigation plans.

People / Functional Leadership

• Lead an integrated engineering team, providing clear direction, priorities, and technical mentoring.
• Manage timekeeping, performance reviews, staffing and resource planning, and training for direct reports.
• Guide employees in career development, training, and engagement activities.
• Support department initiatives including forecasting and recruiting, technology roadmap creation, and continuous process improvements.
• Increase design engineering competencies through employee development, coaching, and strategic hiring.
• Balance employee needs, engagement, and career growth with business goals and program commitments.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment that emphasizes safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) or a related field with 9 years of engineering experience; OR a Master Degree or a related field with 7 years of engineering experience; OR a PhD or a related field with 5 years of engineering experience
• Must be a US Citizenship,
• Must have the ability to receive a US Government Secret clearance.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical engineering and design engineering
• Experience in technical, program, project, or functional/people management.
• Production issues resolution.
• Demonstrated interest in process improvement initiatives
• Strong leadership qualities, including excellent communication and collaboration, team engagement, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline (preferred Mechanical Engineering)
• Experience as a Technical Lead, Project Manager, or other demonstrated leadership role related to program execution
• Technical project management experience

• Understanding and knowledge of Agile (SCRUM) techniques and activities
• Knowledge of Design Engineering processes, procedures and work instructions required to support both management and engineering tasks.
• Experience with proposals and Earned Value
• Strong fundamentals in system engineering
• Experience in low volume high precision manufacturing
• Familiarity with Missile Launcher hardware
• Prior success in leading and developing technical staff