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 Design Management / Operations Leadership

Date Posted: July 28, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in leading a design engineering team within the Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit, focusing on critical aerospace and defense systems.

• Responsibilities encompass technical and programmatic leadership, ensuring product performance, quality, schedule adherence, and cost management for flight hardware.

• The position requires a strong emphasis on people leadership, talent development, fostering an inclusive culture, and driving continuous improvement in design methodologies and tools.

• A key aspect involves cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and program management to ensure seamless execution from design through build and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Engineering Design Manager," the emphasis on product performance, quality, schedule, cost, and cross-functional execution aligns it with operational leadership roles in GTM (Go-To-Market) contexts, particularly in hardware development. The focus on process improvement, talent development, and program execution directly relates to operational efficiency and effectiveness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• People Leadership & Resource Management:

  • Manage staffing, requisitions, and allocation of design engineering resources, optimizing direct labor yield (DLY) and training initiatives.
  • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and career development discussions to foster talent growth and retention.
  • Drive employee engagement and maintain a positive, inclusive, high-trust culture, especially during periods of significant organizational change.
  • Set clear priorities, communicate transparently, and guide engineers through shifting demands while maintaining focus and engagement.

• Technical Leadership & Oversight:

  • Provide comprehensive technical guidance and oversight to design engineers across multiple programs, ensuring adherence to engineering standards.
  • Review tooling and product design methodologies, drawings, and critical design review packages (PDR, CDR, MRR) to guarantee the operational success of flight hardware.
  • Coordinate design activities with analysis, manufacturing, quality assurance, program management, and chief engineers throughout the entire design and build lifecycle.
  • Ensure all design work products meet program requirements for quality, technical rigor, schedule, and cost.

• Program Performance & Execution:

  • Lead the daily management of design-related issues, including technical challenges, schedule adherence, and financial tracking, escalating as necessary.
  • Support Daily Management Reviews (DMR) by providing status updates, highlighting potential conflicts, and proposing effective solutions.
  • Track and drive improvements in key operational metrics such as First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD).
  • Generate proposal Bases of Estimates (BOEs) for design labor and tooling costs, contributing to strategic business development.

• Process Standardization & Continuous Improvement:

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

  • Implement lessons learned, standardize best practices, and lead continuous improvement plans to enhance operational efficiency.

  • Drive initiatives to advance design technology, strategic capabilities, capacity, and overall organizational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a blend of people management, technical oversight, and operational execution crucial for a successful engineering design function. The emphasis on FPY, OTD, and BOEs directly ties into operational metrics and strategic planning.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• 8+ years of experience in mechanical, structural, or related engineering disciplines (e.g., aerospace, space, or other mission-critical hardware domains).

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing an engineering team on 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 (layup molds, assembly fixtures, test fixtures, Ground Support Equipment - GSE).

• Experience with composite manufacturing processes and applications. Required Skills:

• Engineering Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams, manage resources, and drive performance.

• Mechanical & Structural Design: Expertise in mechanical and structural engineering principles, with a focus on aerospace applications.

• CAD & PLM Proficiency: High proficiency in CAD and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, specifically Siemens NX and Teamcenter.

• GD&T Application & Review: Strong proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), including its application and review on technical drawings.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFMA): Demonstrated experience with DFMA principles and mistake-proofing techniques to optimize production processes.

• Composite Manufacturing Processes: Understanding and experience with composite manufacturing methods and their application in aerospace components.

• Technical Oversight & Review: Ability to review design methodologies, drawings, and PDR/CDR/MRR packages.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with analysis, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams.

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 initiatives to reduce cost and improve efficiency.

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

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

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in aerospace design and manufacturing, coupled with essential leadership and operational management skills. The explicit mention of specific CAD/PLM tools and GD&T is critical for operations professionals to highlight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Documentation: Showcase examples of detailed design documentation, including specifications, Statements of Work (SOWs), drawings, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs), demonstrating adherence to aerospace standards.

• CAD/PLM Workflow Examples: Provide evidence of proficiency in Siemens NX and Teamcenter, illustrating how these tools were used to manage design iterations, revisions, and Bill of Materials (BOM) within a PLM framework.

• Design Review Packages: Include anonymized examples or descriptions of contributions to Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and Material Review Board (MRR) processes, highlighting your role in ensuring technical rigor.

• Composite Tooling Designs: Present case studies or examples of composite tooling designs, such as layup molds, assembly fixtures, or test fixtures, detailing the design considerations and manufacturing support provided.

• DFMA & Mistake-Proofing Implementations: Demonstrate instances where DFMA principles and mistake-proofing techniques were applied to improve manufacturability, reduce errors, and enhance production efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Detail how you have designed, documented, and optimized engineering design workflows, from concept to production, emphasizing efficiency gains and risk mitigation.

• Implementation and Automation: Showcase experience in implementing new design tools, processes, or automation techniques, and how these improvements impacted team productivity, quality, or cost.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Provide examples of how you have tracked and analyzed key performance indicators (KPIs) such as First Pass Yield (FPY), On-Time Delivery (OTD), and design cycle times, and used this data to drive improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused candidate, the portfolio should emphasize not just the technical design output, but the process by which that output is achieved, managed, and improved. Highlighting metrics like FPY and OTD, and tools like PLM and DFMA, is crucial for demonstrating operational excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $175,400 - $263,200 annually

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage options.

• Life Insurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

• Disability Insurance: Income protection in case of inability to work.

• Savings Plan: Retirement savings options, likely including a 401(k) with potential company match.

• Company Paid Holidays: Designated paid holidays throughout the year.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued time for vacation and personal business needs.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for candidates relocating to San Diego, CA.

• Annual Bonuses: Discretionary bonuses tied to individual contributions and company performance.

• Potential Overtime/Shift Differential: Applicable based on specific work assignments.

• Long Term Incentives: Potential for Long Term Incentives for Vice President or Director level positions (though this role is Level 3, it indicates potential career trajectory).

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for overtime as required by program demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is well-defined. The benefits list is comprehensive, with specific mention of relocation assistance which is a significant operational perk for candidates considering a move. The inclusion of annual bonuses and potential for LTI indicates a performance-driven compensation structure common in large defense contractors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, advanced technologies, and defense systems. Northrop Grumman is a major player in developing cutting-edge systems for national security and global stability.

Company Size: Large enterprise (likely 100,000+ employees globally, based on common knowledge of Northrop Grumman). This size implies established processes, structured career paths, and significant resources.

Founded: 1939. A long history signifies stability, deep expertise, and a legacy of innovation in complex engineering and defense sectors.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role is within the Space Sector, specifically the Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit, leading a Design Engineering team.

• Reporting Structure: The Engineering Design Manager – Level 3 will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the MEP Business Unit's engineering organization. The team managed will consist of design engineers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes close collaboration with analysis, manufacturing, quality assurance, program management, and chief engineers, indicating a highly integrated operational environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on metrics like FPY, OTD, and performance reviews suggests a data-driven approach to managing engineering operations.

• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement, standardization of practices, and adoption of advanced design technologies are core to the operational methodology.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, the nature of aerospace product development, including PDR/CDR cycles and managing shifting demands, implies an iterative and adaptive approach to design and execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and size are critical for operations professionals. A large defense contractor typically has robust operational frameworks, stringent quality controls, and complex project management structures. Understanding this context is vital for aligning one's experience and expectations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Level 3 Engineering Design Manager. Within Northrop Grumman's typical leveling structure, this signifies a mid-to-senior management position with significant responsibility for a specialized engineering team and its operational output. It's a critical juncture for individuals transitioning from individual contributor technical roles to leadership positions with programmatic oversight.

Reporting Structure: The manager will report to a higher-level engineering director or executive within the Space Sector's MEP Business Unit. They will be responsible for managing a team of design engineers, likely across various project assignments. This structure allows for specialized technical leadership while maintaining alignment with broader business unit objectives.

Operations Impact: The Engineering Design Manager directly influences the successful execution of programs by ensuring the quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of design engineering activities. Their impact is crucial for delivering critical flight hardware, which directly affects program success, customer satisfaction, and Northrop Grumman's competitive standing in the aerospace and defense market. Efficient operations in design translate directly to reduced development costs, faster time-to-market, and enhanced product reliability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to higher management levels (e.g., Director of Engineering, Senior Manager of Operations) within the Space Sector or other business units. This could involve managing larger teams, broader functional areas, or more complex programs.

• Technical Specialization & Strategy: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of aerospace design, composite manufacturing, or advanced engineering tools, potentially leading strategic initiatives for capability development or technology adoption.

• Cross-Functional Leadership Roles: Potential to move into roles with broader operational scope, such as Program Management, Manufacturing Operations Management, or Quality Assurance leadership, leveraging a strong foundation in design and engineering execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding the career trajectory within a large, established organization like Northrop Grumman is key. The "Level 3" designation implies a significant step into management, with clear pathways for further advancement into both specialized operational leadership and broader program management roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position in San Diego, CA. The work environment is likely a combination of office-based engineering workspaces and potentially access to labs or manufacturing areas for collaboration and oversight.

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

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close interaction with design engineers, analysts, manufacturing personnel, and program managers, fostering a collaborative and integrated workspace.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced CAD/PLM systems (Siemens NX, Teamcenter), design software, and potentially simulation tools is expected to support efficient design processes.

• Team Interaction: Frequent team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions will be standard, promoting continuous communication and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but flexibility may be required to meet program deadlines, attend critical reviews, or address urgent issues, potentially involving overtime. The emphasis on "travel, 25% of the time" indicates that while primarily on-site, there will be requirements for business travel, likely to other Northrop Grumman facilities or customer sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "25% travel" is a significant factor for operations professionals to consider, as it impacts work-life balance and requires adaptability. Understanding the on-site nature and the collaborative workspace is crucial for assessing suitability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with basic and preferred qualifications, particularly experience in engineering management, aerospace design, and specific tools.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Likely a deep dive into your leadership philosophy, experience managing engineering teams, technical expertise in structural and composite design, and familiarity with aerospace processes (PDR, CDR, DFMA). Expect behavioral questions related to team building, change management, and problem-solving.

• Technical/Team Interview: May involve discussions with senior engineers, chief engineers, or peers to assess technical depth, understanding of design reviews, and collaboration style.

• Panel Interview (Potentially): A session with multiple stakeholders (e.g., program manager, manufacturing lead, senior engineering management) to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and ability to manage complex projects.

• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, strategic vision, and final alignment with company culture and objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Impact: For this role, your portfolio should highlight not just technical designs but the processes you managed or improved. Showcase how your leadership led to tangible operational improvements (e.g., reduced cycle times, improved FPY, cost savings).

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics wherever possible. Instead of "improved efficiency," state "Reduced design cycle time by 15% through implementation of standardized templates."

• Demonstrate Leadership in Action: Use case studies to illustrate your approach to team management, conflict resolution, talent development, and driving change within an engineering team.

• Tool Proficiency Examples: Include brief examples or descriptions of how you've utilized Siemens NX and Teamcenter, and how your oversight ensured proper GD&T application and DFMA implementation.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by functional area (People Management, Technical Oversight, Program Execution, Process Improvement) or by key projects, ensuring each section clearly articulates the challenge, your role, the actions taken, and the results achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenario Questions: Be prepared for questions asking how you would handle specific scenarios, such as a critical design flaw discovered close to CDR, managing a team with low morale, or balancing conflicting priorities between multiple programs.

• Process Improvement Case Study: You might be asked to outline how you would approach improving a specific design process, such as the PDR process or the integration of new composite materials. Focus on data collection, analysis, stakeholder buy-in, and implementation phases.

• Leadership Philosophy: Articulate your approach to building high-performing teams, fostering psychological safety, and driving accountability in an engineering context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and case studies is critical for operations roles. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their management of processes, teams, and metrics, not just technical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Systems: Proficiency and oversight experience with Siemens NX is essential. Candidates should be able to discuss its application in complex 3D modeling, surfacing, and assembly design.

• PLM Systems: Deep understanding and management experience with Teamcenter for product lifecycle management, including data management, revision control, workflow automation, and BOM management.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with associated simulation, analysis, and documentation tools that integrate with NX and Teamcenter.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Metrics Tracking: Experience using systems or spreadsheets to track and report on key operational metrics such as First Pass Yield (FPY), On-Time Delivery (OTD), design cycle times, and resource utilization.

• Proposal Development Tools: Familiarity with tools or methodologies for generating Bases of Estimates (BOEs) for labor and tooling costs.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Project Management Tools: Northrop Grumman likely uses internal systems for project tracking, resource allocation, and communication, similar to standard ERP or PPM solutions.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding how PLM workflows and other systems can be leveraged to automate design processes, approvals, and data handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Siemens NX and Teamcenter is a key differentiator for operations professionals. Highlighting experience with these specific tools, and how they are leveraged for process efficiency and data integrity, will be crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Building strong internal and external customer relationships through consistent execution, quality delivery, and collaborative problem-solving. This means understanding the needs of manufacturing, program management, and the end-user of the flight hardware.

• Decision Quality: Making sound, timely, and risk-conscious decisions that advance project objectives and uphold engineering integrity. This involves balancing technical requirements with schedule and cost constraints.

• Optimizes Work Processes: A commitment to continuous improvement, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing effective processes with a focus on lean methodologies and design optimization.

• Ensures Accountability: Holding oneself and the team accountable for meeting commitments, delivering high-quality work, and achieving program objectives.

• Builds Effective Teams: Cultivating strong, diverse teams that leverage individual strengths, foster collaboration, and achieve common goals through clear communication and mutual respect.

• Drives Engagement: Creating an environment where team members are motivated, feel valued, and are committed to contributing their best work towards organizational objectives.

• Demonstrates Self-Awareness: Encouraging personal growth through feedback, reflection, and a willingness to develop professional strengths and address areas for improvement.

• Instills Trust: Operating with honesty, integrity, and authenticity to earn the confidence and trust of team members, peers, and leadership.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative style that bridges the gap between design engineering and manufacturing, quality assurance, analysis, and program management. Proactive communication and shared understanding are key.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for reviewing processes, sharing lessons learned, and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement and maintain high standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the dissemination of best practices, technical insights, and operational efficiencies across the team and relevant departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's stated values is crucial for operations professionals to assess cultural fit and demonstrate alignment during interviews. The emphasis on process optimization, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration directly speaks to operational effectiveness.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex, Evolving Programs: Navigating the inherent complexities of aerospace design projects, which often involve stringent requirements, long lead times, and potential for design changes or evolving mission parameters. Mitigation involves robust change control processes and proactive risk management.

• Leading Through Change: Guiding a team through significant organizational or technological shifts while maintaining morale, focus, and productivity. This requires strong change management skills, transparent communication, and empathetic leadership.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Operational Constraints: Ensuring that design decisions meet high technical standards while adhering to strict schedule and budget limitations. This often involves creative problem-solving and efficient resource allocation.

• Talent Development and Retention: Attracting and retaining skilled design engineers in a competitive market and fostering their continuous growth within the organization. This requires effective mentorship, training programs, and career path development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas such as advanced composite manufacturing, DFMA, specific CAD/PLM functionalities, and program management principles.

• Industry Certifications & Conferences: Potential support for attending industry conferences, obtaining professional certifications, or participating in specialized training programs relevant to aerospace engineering and operations management.

• Leadership Mentorship: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Northrop Grumman, providing guidance on career progression, strategic thinking, and effective leadership in a large, complex organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and understanding how the company supports growth is vital for operations professionals. This section helps candidates prepare for potential hurdles and assess the long-term career value of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy & Methodology: "Describe your approach to leading a design engineering team to achieve critical program milestones (e.g., PDR, CDR) on time and within budget. How would you ensure adherence to design standards and quality requirements?" (Preparation: Focus on structured program phases, risk management, and metric-driven oversight).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between your design team and manufacturing, quality, and program management? Provide an example of a time you resolved a conflict between engineering and manufacturing." (Preparation: Emphasize proactive communication, shared goals, and data-driven conflict resolution).

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine a critical design component is found to be non-compliant just before a major review. What steps would you take to diagnose the issue, propose solutions, and manage the impact on the schedule and budget?" (Preparation: Outline a systematic problem-solving framework, including root cause analysis, impact assessment, and communication strategy).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within an engineering team, especially in a large organization like Northrop Grumman?" (Preparation: Research Northrop Grumman's stated values and competencies, and align your answers with their emphasis on process optimization, customer focus, and accountability).

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your leadership style. How do you build trust and motivate engineers, particularly during challenging project phases or periods of organizational change?" (Preparation: Prepare examples demonstrating your ability to foster psychological safety, provide clear direction, and empower your team).

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success and impact of your engineering design team? What key performance indicators (KPIs) do you prioritize, and how do you use them to drive improvements?" (Preparation: Be ready to discuss metrics like FPY, OTD, design cycle time, and cost-effectiveness, and how you translate data into actionable insights).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Process Improvement Case Study: Structure a key project to highlight a significant process improvement you led or contributed to. Clearly define the initial challenge, your methodology, the tools/processes used (e.g., DFMA, PLM workflows), the results achieved (quantified with metrics), and lessons learned.

• Metrics Presentation Techniques: Be prepared to visually present data using charts and graphs that clearly illustrate performance trends, improvements, or areas needing attention. Explain the significance of each metric and its connection to overall program success.

• Interactive Demonstration: If possible, use screen-sharing to briefly demonstrate your familiarity with Siemens NX or Teamcenter, or walk through a sample drawing with GD&T callouts, explaining your review process.

• Operations Strategy Articulation: Clearly articulate how your leadership and process management directly contribute to the company's operational goals, such as cost reduction, schedule acceleration, and enhanced product reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for operations roles should heavily focus on demonstrating management of processes, metrics, and people, using specific examples and quantifiable results. The portfolio is a key tool for this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Design Manager – Level 3 position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Northrop Grumman careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and any supplementary portfolio materials to highlight your experience in engineering management, aerospace design (especially composites), CAD/PLM systems (Siemens NX, Teamcenter), GD&T, DFMA, and process improvement. Use keywords from the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly quantifies achievements in terms of cost savings, schedule improvements, yield increases (FPY), and team performance metrics. Structure your experience to showcase progressive leadership responsibilities.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, technical expertise, and operational management approach. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on demonstrating process ownership and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Northrop Grumman's Space Sector, the Mission Enabling Products (MEP) business unit, and their current projects. Understand their values, operational priorities, and challenges in the aerospace and defense industry.

⚠️ 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.

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