Engineering Design Manager – Level 3

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Design Manager – Level 3

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Technical and Programmatic Leadership: Spearhead the design engineering team, ensuring product performance, quality, and successful technical execution on critical programs.

• Talent Management & Development: Manage, mentor, and develop a team of design engineers, fostering a positive and inclusive high-trust culture focused on morale and psychological safety.

• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Drive the standardization and enhancement of design tools, processes, and methodologies to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD).

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Liaise effectively with analysis, manufacturing, quality, program management, and chief engineers to ensure seamless integration from design to production of flight hardware.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is engineering design, the role's emphasis on programmatic leadership, resource management, process improvement, and driving metrics like FPY and OTD positions it firmly within the operational excellence domain, particularly for GTM (Go-to-Market) enablement in a product-centric organization. This role requires a strong understanding of how engineering design directly impacts production, delivery, and ultimately, customer satisfaction and revenue.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• People Leadership & Resource Management:

  • Manage staffing, requisitions, and optimal allocation of design resources to ensure project success.
  • Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development discussions to foster growth and engagement.
  • Drive employee engagement, retention, and talent development through clear expectations, constructive feedback, and coaching.
  • Lead the team through significant organizational changes, setting clear priorities, communicating transparently, and maintaining focus amidst shifting demands.

• Technical Leadership & Oversight:

  • Provide robust technical oversight and expert guidance to design engineers across multiple complex programs.
  • Review tooling and product design methodologies, drawings, and critical design review packages (PDR, CDR, MRR) to ensure operational readiness of flight hardware.
  • Coordinate closely with analysis, manufacturing, quality assurance, program management, and chief engineers throughout the design, build, and verification phases.
  • Ensure all design work products rigorously meet program requirements for quality, technical rigor, schedule adherence, and cost targets, in strict accordance with engineering standards.

• Program Performance & Execution:

  • Lead daily management of design-related issues (technical, schedule, and financial), escalating critical challenges as needed.
  • Actively support Daily Management Reviews (DMR) by providing clear status updates, highlighting conflicts, and proposing actionable solutions.
  • Support technical reviews at the design level and meticulously coordinate design activities with program management and chief engineers.
  • Track and drive measurable improvements in First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD) for design outputs.
  • Generate accurate proposal Bases of Estimates (BOEs) for design labor and associated tooling costs.

• Process Standardization & Continuous Improvement:

  • Ensure consistent execution of standard practices, methods, and design software utilization across the Design organization.

  • Implement lessons learned, refine standard practices, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.

  • Lead strategic initiatives to advance design technology, build capability, increase capacity, and improve overall departmental efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong operational acumen. Managing FPY and OTD, contributing to BOEs, performing DMRs, and driving continuous improvement are core operations functions. The emphasis on "Operational Success of Flight Hardware" and "design and build process" links engineering execution directly to business outcomes, aligning with GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline. Experience:

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in mechanical, structural, or related engineering disciplines, specifically within aerospace, space, or other mission-critical hardware domains.

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing an engineering team involved in structural design efforts.

• Experience with product definition (specifications, SOWs, drawings, ICD compliance) and design and verification processes within the aerospace sector.

• Understanding of aerospace composite tooling, including the design and application of layup molds, assembly fixtures, test fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).

• Experience with composite manufacturing processes and their practical applications.

• Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, specifically Siemens NX and Teamcenter.

• Strong proficiency in generating detailed engineering drawings, including the application and review of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Demonstrated experience applying Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) principles and mistake-proofing techniques.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Required Skills:

• Engineering Management: Proven ability to lead and manage engineering teams, foster collaboration, and drive performance.

• Structural Design: Deep understanding and practical application of structural design principles in aerospace environments.

• Aerospace Product Development: Experience navigating the complexities of aerospace product definition, design, and verification lifecycles.

• CAD/PLM Proficiency: Expertise in Siemens NX and Teamcenter for design, data management, and workflow integration.

• GD&T Application: Mastery in applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing for precise manufacturing.

• DFMA Principles: Strong knowledge and application of Design for Manufacturability and Assembly for efficiency and cost reduction.

• Composite Manufacturing Knowledge: Familiarity with composite manufacturing processes and their integration into design.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide clear technical direction and mentorship to engineering staff.

• Resource Management: Skill in allocating and managing engineering resources effectively across multiple projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Extensive experience with composite/metallic assemblies, including bonded/fastened joints, associated materials, adhesives, and fasteners.

• Extensive experience in the design of composite structures and associated manufacturing tooling.

• Experience with end-item test design and support, including static load testing and dynamic testing.

• Demonstrated experience driving continuous improvement activities to reduce cost and improve efficiency.

• Ability to oversee and review the design of composite products and tooling to ensure successful execution of manufacturing and test plans.

• Broad understanding of engineering, manufacturing, cost and schedule execution, scope management, and risk management.

• Active U.S. Government TS/SCI clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on STEM degrees and specific engineering disciplines aligns with the technical rigor expected in operations roles supporting complex product development. The required CAD/PLM and GD&T skills highlight the need for precision and process adherence, crucial for operational efficiency and quality.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of complex structural or composite design projects, highlighting the challenges, design decisions, and final outcomes.

• Process Optimization Documentation: Present evidence of applying DFMA principles, mistake-proofing, or other methodologies to improve design efficiency, manufacturability, or cost-effectiveness.

• System Implementation Examples: Illustrate experience with CAD/PLM systems (Siemens NX, Teamcenter) in managing design data, workflows, and product lifecycle processes.

• GD&T Application Showcase: Provide examples of complex drawings where GD&T was critically applied to ensure manufacturing precision and product compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of design workflow methodologies, including PDR, CDR, and MRR processes, and how to optimize them for efficiency and quality.

• System Integration & Data Management: Detail experience in managing design data through PLM systems and ensuring seamless integration with manufacturing and analysis processes.

• Metrics & Performance Analysis: Show how design metrics like FPY and OTD were tracked, analyzed, and improved through specific design process interventions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Engineering Design Manager role with significant operational oversight, a portfolio demonstrating process improvement, system utilization (CAD/PLM), and impact on key metrics like FPY and OTD is essential. This bridges the gap between pure engineering and operational management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $175,400 - $263,200 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Life insurance.

• Disability insurance.

• Savings plan (e.g., 401(k) with company match).

• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.

• Company-paid holidays.

• Relocation assistance may be available.

• Discretionary bonus program based on individual contributions and company performance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week.

• Travel required up to 25% of the time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on Northrop Grumman's stated Primary Level Salary Range for this position. This range is influenced by factors such as the scope of responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. The benefits package is typical for a large defense contractor, offering robust support for employees and their families. The travel requirement indicates a need for flexibility and willingness to engage with different sites or projects.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense. Northrop Grumman is a global leader in developing advanced systems and technologies for defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity.

Company Size: Large enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This size implies structured processes, extensive resources, and a significant corporate footprint.

Founded: 1939. A long history signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a legacy of innovation.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The role sits within the Space Sector, Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit, specifically leading the Design Engineering team. This team likely comprises specialized design engineers.

• Reporting Structure: The Engineering Design Manager will report into a higher-level engineering or program management leadership within the MEP Business Unit.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with analysis, manufacturing, quality assurance, program management, and chief engineers, reflecting a highly integrated product development environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on metrics like First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD) to drive continuous improvement and program performance.

• Process Standardization: Commitment to consistent execution of standard practices, methods, and design software across the organization.

• Continuous Improvement: Active initiatives to advance design technology, capacity, and overall efficiency through lessons learned and strategic planning.

Company Website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is deeply rooted in engineering excellence, national security, and pioneering innovation. For operations professionals, this translates to a disciplined, process-oriented environment where precision, reliability, and adherence to rigorous standards are paramount. The company's scale suggests opportunities for broad impact and exposure to diverse, complex projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Level 3 Management. This indicates a mid-to-senior level management role with significant responsibility for a specific team and functional area within the broader operations and engineering ecosystem.

Reporting Structure: The manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the Space Sector's Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit, overseeing a team of design engineers.

Operations Impact: This role directly influences the success of programs by ensuring the quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of engineering designs. Effective management of the design team and processes is critical for the successful delivery of flight hardware, impacting program timelines, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in advanced composite structures, aerospace tooling, or specific design methodologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Progression to higher management levels within engineering or operations, potentially overseeing larger teams or broader functional areas.

• Program Management Transition: Opportunity to move into program management roles by leveraging a strong understanding of design, manufacturing, and execution.

• Continuous Improvement Leadership: Leading strategic initiatives for process transformation, technology adoption, and operational efficiency across the business unit.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for growth within a large, established organization. The blend of technical oversight and people management provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles, especially within engineering-heavy operations environments. The company's focus on innovation and mission-critical projects ensures continuous learning and development opportunities in cutting-edge fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site in San Diego, California. This role requires a physical presence for direct team engagement, oversight, and access to necessary facilities.

Office Location(s): San Diego, California. This location is a hub for aerospace and defense activities, offering a dynamic professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with various engineering disciplines, manufacturing, quality assurance, and program management teams. Expect a dynamic, team-oriented workspace.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-leading CAD (Siemens NX) and PLM (Teamcenter) systems is fundamental. The environment will likely support advanced design and simulation tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports for guidance, performance management, and problem-solving, as well as collaboration with peers and senior leadership to drive strategic initiatives.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with potential for overtime during peak program phases. The 25% travel requirement indicates a need for flexibility in schedule and location for project-related activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the importance of direct leadership, team cohesion, and hands-on oversight in a complex engineering and manufacturing setting. The San Diego location places the role within a significant aerospace and defense ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and resume for core qualifications, experience, and alignment with basic requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focused on engineering design principles, CAD/PLM proficiency, composite manufacturing, GD&T, DFMA, and experience with aerospace product lifecycles. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Leadership & Management Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management experience, conflict resolution, communication skills, and ability to foster a positive culture. Questions will likely cover experience leading teams through change and managing performance.

• Portfolio Review (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present specific examples from their experience, showcasing their technical contributions, process improvements, or management of design projects.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with company values and objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structured Case Studies: Prepare detailed case studies of significant design projects. Clearly outline the problem, your role, the design solutions implemented, challenges overcome, and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, quality improvements).

• Process Improvement Examples: Highlight instances where you improved design processes, implemented DFMA, or optimized workflows using CAD/PLM. Quantify the impact.

• Leadership Examples: Be ready to discuss how you managed engineering teams, developed talent, and fostered a positive work environment, using specific examples.

• Technical Proficiency Showcase: Be prepared to speak technically about your experience with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, GD&T, and composite manufacturing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Problem Scenarios: Anticipate hypothetical design challenges relevant to aerospace composites or structures and outline your approach to solving them, considering manufacturability, cost, and schedule.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare responses for situations involving team conflict, underperformance, or managing engineers through demanding project phases.

• Process Improvement Proposals: Be ready to articulate how you would approach standardizing design processes, implementing new technologies, or improving FPY/OTD within a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, blending technical expertise with strong leadership and operational management capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates both technical acumen and managerial effectiveness in driving process and performance will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Siemens NX (primary focus). Proficiency in parametric modeling, surfacing, assembly design, and drafting.

• PLM System: Teamcenter (primary focus). Experience with data management, workflow automation, change management, and BOM (Bill of Materials) control.

• Design & Analysis Tools: While not explicitly listed as requirements for the manager, familiarity with related analysis tools (e.g., FEA, CFD) and their integration with the design process is beneficial.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard tools for communication, documentation, and basic data analysis (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Analytics & Reporting:

• PLM Reporting: Utilizing Teamcenter's capabilities or integrated reporting tools to track design progress, data integrity, and workflow status.

• Excel/BI Tools: For analyzing design metrics like FPY, OTD, and resource utilization, potentially using advanced Excel functions or Business Intelligence platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM Workflow Automation: Leveraging Teamcenter to automate design review processes, release workflows, and change notifications.

• ERP/MRP System Integration: Understanding how design data (from PLM) interfaces with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) systems for production scheduling and material procurement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Siemens NX and Teamcenter indicates a high level of expected technical proficiency and hands-on experience with these critical systems. This is a key differentiator for candidates and directly impacts their ability to manage and optimize design operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Building strong relationships with internal customers (manufacturing, programs, analysis) and external stakeholders through reliable execution and collaborative problem-solving.

• Decision Quality: Making sound, timely, and risk-conscious decisions that enable progress and ensure the integrity of designs and program objectives.

• Optimizes Work Processes: A continuous drive to identify and implement efficient, effective processes with a strong focus on ongoing improvement in design and engineering workflows.

• Ensures Accountability: Holding oneself and the team accountable for commitments, deliverables, and the quality of work produced.

• Builds Effective Teams: Developing strong, cohesive teams that leverage diverse skills and perspectives, demonstrating strong communication and collaboration.

• Drives Engagement: Creating an environment where team members are motivated, feel valued, and contribute their best efforts towards organizational goals.

• Demonstrates Self-Awareness: Utilizing feedback and reflection to understand personal strengths and areas for development, fostering a growth mindset.

• Instills Trust: Earning confidence and trust through honesty, integrity, and authenticity in all interactions and decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless integration with manufacturing, analysis, quality, and program management to ensure a unified approach to product development.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages open review of designs and processes, with constructive feedback loops to drive improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across the design team and with other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed competencies (Customer Focus, Decision Quality, Optimizes Work Processes, etc.) are directly transferable to operational management. They highlight a strategic approach to team leadership and process execution that is vital for success in a role bridging engineering and operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Leading Through Change: Navigating significant organizational or project-driven changes while maintaining team morale, focus, and engagement.

• Balancing Technical Depth and Management: Effectively balancing the demands of providing technical oversight with the responsibilities of people management and programmatic execution.

• Driving Continuous Improvement: Implementing and sustaining process improvements in a large, established organization with existing methodologies and potential resistance to change.

• Resource Optimization: Effectively allocating limited design resources across multiple competing programs while ensuring quality and schedule adherence.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Composite Design: Deepening expertise in the design of advanced composite structures and associated manufacturing tooling.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Northrop Grumman's internal leadership training and development initiatives.

• Program Management Skills: Opportunities to gain exposure to and develop skills in program execution, cost management, and risk mitigation.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving design technologies, manufacturing processes, and operational excellence methodologies in the aerospace sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of roles in complex industries like aerospace. Overcoming these challenges provides significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly in leadership, strategic planning, and operational efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led an engineering team through a significant period of change. What were the challenges, how did you communicate, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on transparent communication, prioritization, and engagement strategies.)

• "How would you approach improving the First Pass Yield (FPY) for a design team working on complex composite structures?" (Prepare to discuss root cause analysis, process standardization, training, and collaboration with manufacturing.)

• "Imagine a critical design review (CDR) is at risk due to technical issues and schedule pressure. What steps would you take as the Design Manager?" (Focus on escalation, problem-solving, risk assessment, and coordination with program management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Northrop Grumman and the aerospace industry, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges for a Design Engineering Manager here?" (Showcase research on the company and industry, linking it to your operational experience.)

• "How do you foster a culture of trust and psychological safety within an engineering team, especially when facing demanding project timelines?" (Discuss your leadership philosophy, feedback mechanisms, and team-building strategies.)

• "How do you ensure your team's design work aligns with overall program objectives, including cost and schedule targets?" (Emphasize your understanding of programmatic constraints and your role in ensuring design feasibility and efficiency.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the measurable results achieved through your leadership or design contributions (e.g., "reduced manufacturing rework by 15%," "improved design cycle time by 10%," "saved $X through DFMA implementation").

• Highlight Process Improvements: Showcase specific examples of how you standardized workflows, implemented new tools (like Siemens NX or Teamcenter features), or improved design review processes.

• Demonstrate Leadership in Action: Use your portfolio examples to illustrate your ability to mentor engineers, resolve technical conflicts, and drive team performance.

• Connect to Northrop Grumman's Mission: Frame your experience and achievements in the context of Northrop Grumman's mission and values, emphasizing contributions to national security and technological advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific, quantifiable examples that demonstrate both technical leadership and operational management skills will be key. The interview will likely assess your ability to apply engineering principles within a structured, performance-driven operational framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Northrop Grumman careers portal at https://ngc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Northrop_Grumman_External_Site/job/United-States-California-San-Diego/Engineering-Design-Manager---Level-3_R10242013.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to engineering management, structural design, aerospace, composite manufacturing, Siemens NX, Teamcenter, GD&T, and DFMA. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble 2-3 detailed case studies showcasing your leadership in design projects, process improvements, and team management. Focus on quantifiable achievements and operational impact.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common behavioral and situational questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and specifically addressing leadership, technical problem-solving, and process optimization.

• Research Northrop Grumman: Understand the company's mission, values, recent projects, and its role in the aerospace and defense industry. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience align with their strategic objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.