Lab Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lab Design Manager

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Melbourne, Florida, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the functional management of Lab Infrastructure Design Engineers, ensuring the successful design, integration, and configuration management of laboratory test assets.

• The position requires a blend of technical leadership in electrical, mechanical, and systems test design, coupled with robust project and resource management capabilities.

• It involves significant collaboration with program managers and other stakeholders to meet staffing needs, provide operational support, and ensure adherence to contract compliance and company policies.

• The role emphasizes developing and mentoring engineering personnel, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and driving operational excellence within the Test & Evaluation Directorate.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lab Design Manager," the description strongly indicates a hybrid role combining direct technical oversight of lab infrastructure design with significant functional management responsibilities, including performance reviews, talent development, and operational metrics. This is common in large defense contractors where technical expertise directly informs management strategy. The role also has a strong "operations" component through metrics collection, analysis, and process enforcement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide functional management and technical oversight for a team of Lab Infrastructure Electrical, Mechanical, and Systems Test Design Engineers.

• Lead the design, integration, testing, and configuration management of laboratory test assets and infrastructure crucial for program execution.

• Develop and implement strategic planning and execution for program test engineering activities, ensuring alignment with organizational vision and principles.

• Collaborate with program managers to satisfy staffing requirements, allocate resources effectively, and provide essential operations support, including metrics collection and analysis.

• Set Talent + goals, provide regular performance feedback, and manage the annual salary review and promotion process for direct reports.

• Mentor and develop engineering staff, cultivating the next generation of technical and project leadership within the department.

• Improve and enforce test engineering processes and procedures to enhance efficiency, reliability, and compliance.

• Manage detailed project and resource scheduling, including asset procurement and management, SOW mapping, and contract compliance.

• Ensure adherence to company policies for lab design, provide discrepancy review support, and oversee the collection and reporting of key performance metrics.

• Coordinate lower-level tasking for test resource utilization in support of system, subsystem, and segment-level development and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a dual responsibility: direct "individual contributor" RAA for lab designs and "functional management" of the engineering team. This implies the manager will be hands-on with design reviews and technical guidance while also performing standard people management duties. The emphasis on "operations support (metrics collection and analysis)" clearly positions this role within an operational framework, even though it's an engineering management title.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Systems Test and/or Flight Test certification is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 9 years of related professional or military experience with a Bachelor's degree, OR 7 years of related professional or military experience with a Master's degree.

• 3+ years of experience working with Mission Systems and/or Mission Systems testing.

• 5+ years of experience working with Air Vehicle testing is preferred.

• Experience with flying test beds or early prototype testing is preferred.

• Demonstrated leadership of engineering personnel on a Northrop Grumman Corporation program is preferred.

• Lead or management experience in a team environment is preferred. Required Skills:

• Secret Security Clearance: Must possess an active Secret clearance and be able to transfer and maintain a final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance.

• Technical Design Expertise: Strong understanding of Electrical, Mechanical, and Systems Test Design principles for laboratory infrastructure.

• Test & Evaluation (T&E) Lifecycle: Proficiency in test asset design, integration, test support, and formal execution testing.

• Configuration Management: Expertise in managing and maintaining configuration of test assets and designs.

• Project & Resource Management: Ability to manage detailed project and resource scheduling, asset procurement, and SOW mapping.

• Operational Support: Experience in metrics collection, analysis, and reporting to drive performance improvements.

• Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Skill in collaborating with program managers and stakeholders to meet staffing and operational needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Top Secret Security Clearance: Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance (in-scope) and active Program Access(es) are highly desirable.

• Air Vehicle Testing Experience: Specific experience with Air Vehicle testing, flying test beds, or early prototype testing.

• Systems Engineering Acumen: Deep understanding of systems engineering principles applied to complex testing environments.

• Contract Compliance: Knowledge of SOW mapping and ensuring contract compliance.

• Process Improvement: Experience in improving and enforcing engineering processes and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3+ years of experience working with Mission Systems and/or Mission Systems testing" is a critical requirement, suggesting the labs designed will support these types of systems. The preferred "Air Vehicle testing" and "flying test beds" experience further contextualizes the specific domain within Northrop Grumman's operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Lab Infrastructure Design Projects: Showcase detailed examples of laboratory infrastructure design projects, including electrical, mechanical, and systems integration aspects. Highlight the complexity and scale of the labs designed.

• Test Asset Design & Integration: Provide case studies demonstrating your experience in designing, integrating, and commissioning specialized test assets. Include schematics, integration plans, and validation results where possible.

• Configuration Management Processes: Illustrate your understanding and application of configuration management principles in design and testing environments, detailing how you ensure design integrity and traceability.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Present examples where you identified inefficiencies in design or testing processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in speed, cost, or quality.

• Metrics & Reporting Examples: Include samples or descriptions of metrics you have collected, analyzed, and reported on to track project performance, team productivity, and operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and documenting workflows for lab infrastructure development, from initial concept and requirements gathering through to final integration and handover.

• System Integration Procedures: Detail your approach to developing and documenting procedures for integrating complex systems within a laboratory environment, ensuring seamless operation and data flow.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Show evidence of creating frameworks for measuring the performance of lab designs and testing operations, including defining KPIs, collecting data, and conducting root cause analysis for deviations.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Present examples of SOPs you have developed or contributed to for lab operations, maintenance, safety, and configuration management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role with a design component, a portfolio should clearly demonstrate leadership in managing technical projects, driving process improvements, and achieving operational goals through engineering design. Evidence of managing complex technical documentation and ensuring compliance is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $139,100 - $208,700 annually.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is provided by the employer and reflects a significant level of experience and responsibility. It is based on market conditions for similar roles within the aerospace and defense industry, particularly in regions with a strong defense presence like Florida. The range accounts for the blend of technical expertise, leadership, and operational oversight required.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage.

• Life Insurance: Provided life insurance policies.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

• Savings Plan: Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k).

• 401k Matching: Company match on retirement contributions.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO for vacation and personal business.

• Relocation Assistance: Available to assist with moving expenses.

• Discretionary Bonus: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.

• Long Term Incentives (LTIs): May be available for Vice President or Director level positions (though this role is Manager level, it's good to note potential for advancement).

Working Hours:

• Standard 40 hours per week.

• The company offers a 9/80 schedule, which typically means working 80 hours over a 9-day period, allowing for every other Friday off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 9/80 schedule is a significant benefit that impacts work-life balance, offering an extended weekend every two weeks. This is a common perk in defense and aerospace, aiming to attract and retain talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting. Northrop Grumman is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, providing advanced systems for national security and global stability. The company's operations are deeply integrated with government programs, requiring high standards of security, reliability, and innovation.

Company Size: Large enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This signifies a well-established corporate structure with extensive resources, structured processes, and defined career paths. For operations roles, this often means robust systems, clear policies, and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: 1939. With a long history, Northrop Grumman has a deep-rooted culture of innovation, engineering excellence, and commitment to national defense. This longevity suggests stability and a strong foundation in complex technological development.

Team Structure:

• Operations: The role sits within the Aeronautics Systems sector, specifically in the Test & Evaluation (T&E) Directorate. The immediate team consists of Lab Infrastructure Design Engineers (Electrical, Mechanical, Systems).

• Reporting: The position reports directly to the Lab Program Manager or an assignment manager, with functional oversight from the Lab Design Department Manager.

• Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with program managers, fellow section managers, and various program teams requiring test and evaluation support. This cross-functional interaction is key to operational success.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on collecting, analyzing, and reporting metrics to guide decisions and improve performance in design and testing operations.

• Process-Oriented Approach: Focus on improving and enforcing test engineering processes and procedures for efficiency and reliability.

• Engineering Excellence: Commitment to rigorous design, integration, and testing methodologies, particularly in high-stakes defense applications.

• Security & Compliance: Strict adherence to security protocols (Secret/Top Secret clearances) and contract compliance is fundamental to all operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is heavily influenced by its defense sector work. This translates to a strong emphasis on security, reliability, structured processes, and long-term project horizons. For operations professionals, this means a predictable, albeit demanding, environment where process adherence and quality are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management position, representing a significant step in an engineering career. It combines technical leadership with functional management, overseeing a team of specialized engineers. This level requires not only technical acumen but also strong people management, strategic planning, and operational execution skills. It's a critical role for ensuring the infrastructure that supports major defense programs is robust and efficient.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to a Lab Program Manager or Assignment Manager.

• Receives functional guidance from the Lab Design Department Manager.

• Manages a team of Lab Infrastructure Design Engineers.

• Collaborates extensively with program leadership and cross-functional teams. Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts program success by ensuring the availability and functionality of essential laboratory test infrastructure.

• Contributes to cost efficiency and schedule adherence through effective resource management and process optimization.

• Plays a vital role in the development and validation of advanced aerospace systems, contributing to national security.

• Drives improvements in testing methodologies and operational efficiency, which can have ripple effects across multiple programs. Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of lab design, test engineering, or systems integration, potentially leading to principal engineer or chief architect roles.

• Advanced Management: Progress to higher levels of management, such as Department Manager, Director, or Program Manager, overseeing larger teams and more complex operations.

• Cross-Program Mobility: Opportunity to move to different programs within the Aeronautics Systems sector or other sectors of Northrop Grumman, broadening experience.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal leadership training and development programs designed to hone management and strategic thinking skills.

• Subject Matter Expertise: Become a recognized subject matter expert in test infrastructure design and operations, consulted on critical projects across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of technical and people management responsibilities at this level offers a solid foundation for various career trajectories within a large defense contractor. The emphasis on process improvement and operational metrics suggests a potential path towards broader operations leadership roles if desired.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Melbourne, Florida. It is likely to be within a corporate office environment that supports engineering and program management functions, with potential access to laboratory facilities.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Florida. This location is a significant hub for aerospace and defense activities, offering a strong ecosystem of related industries and talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction with engineers, program managers, and other stakeholders to facilitate problem-solving and decision-making.

• Access to Tools & Technology: Will have access to standard office productivity tools, engineering software for design and simulation, and potentially specialized laboratory equipment and systems for hands-on oversight.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with the design engineering team, fostering a supportive and productive team dynamic.

• Security Protocols: A work environment with stringent security protocols due to the nature of defense contracts and the clearance requirements.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily 40 hours per week.

• The company offers a 9/80 schedule, providing the benefit of an every-other-Friday off, which allows for enhanced work-life balance. This schedule requires careful planning to ensure operational coverage and project continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical given the need for direct oversight of lab infrastructure, physical assets, and close collaboration with engineering teams. The 9/80 schedule is a notable perk that influences how work is structured and managed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and interest in the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on technical experience, leadership philosophy, management style, and operational approach. Expect questions about team management, conflict resolution, and process improvement.

• Technical/Team Interview: May involve interviews with senior engineers, peers, or the department manager to assess technical depth in lab design, T&E principles, and ability to collaborate effectively.

• Panel Interview (Potential): A panel might include representatives from different programs or functional areas to evaluate broader fit and impact.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation and verification of active security clearance status.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership & Impact: For a management role, highlight projects where you led teams, drove significant process improvements, or achieved quantifiable operational results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, enhanced reliability).

• Showcase Design Oversight: Include examples of how you oversaw or contributed to the design and integration of complex lab infrastructure or test assets. Emphasize your role in ensuring technical integrity and compliance.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For instance, "Reduced test setup time by 15% through optimized workflow design" or "Managed a team of 8 engineers to deliver critical test infrastructure on schedule."

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Present 1-2 detailed case studies on how you improved operational processes within a design or testing environment. Detail the problem, your solution, and the measurable outcomes.

• Clear and Concise Documentation: Ensure any provided documentation (even if summarized) is well-organized, easy to understand, and clearly articulates your contributions and the project's success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Situational Leadership Questions: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common management scenarios (e.g., underperforming employee, team conflict, competing project priorities, resource constraints).

• Operational Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical challenge, such as a critical test asset failure or a significant delay in lab infrastructure deployment, focusing on your methodology for diagnosis, solution development, and implementation.

• Process Improvement Scenarios: Think about how you would analyze an existing process, identify bottlenecks, and propose solutions to enhance efficiency or effectiveness within a lab design or testing context.

• Company Values Alignment: Be ready to articulate how your leadership and operational approach align with Northrop Grumman's stated values (Do the Right Thing, Commit to Shared Success, Pioneer, Do What We Promise).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review for this role will likely focus less on individual design artifacts and more on the management and operational aspects of leading design projects and teams. Demonstrating an understanding of the T&E lifecycle and how design impacts overall program operations is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/CAE Software: Proficiency with relevant Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools for electrical, mechanical, and systems design (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Altium Designer, PSpice, MATLAB/Simulink).

• PLM/PDM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design data, revisions, and workflows.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with project scheduling and management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Smartsheet) for detailed project and resource scheduling.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools for metrics collection, analysis, and reporting (e.g., Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), Tableau, Power BI, or specialized T&E data analysis software).

• Requirements Management Tools: Experience with tools that track requirements and ensure design compliance (e.g., DOORS).

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for procurement, asset management, and financial tracking (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly stated, understanding principles of workflow automation for design or testing processes would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the defense industry context and the nature of lab design, expect a robust, potentially proprietary, set of tools. Familiarity with enterprise-level systems for project, data, and asset management is crucial. The emphasis on "metrics collection and analysis" suggests a need for strong analytical software skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Do the Right Thing: Upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring safety, and fostering a respectful environment. This applies to design integrity, data accuracy, and team interactions.

• Commit to Shared Success: Operating as "OneNG," removing barriers, and holding oneself and others accountable for predictable results. This emphasizes teamwork and collective responsibility for program outcomes.

• Pioneer: Setting a vision for the future and inspiring others. This encourages innovation in lab design, testing methodologies, and operational efficiency.

• Do What We Promise: Meeting commitments and delivering on expectations reliably. This is paramount in defense contracting, where schedules and performance are critical.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A culture that values process improvement, seeks to optimize resource utilization, and drives operational effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on seamless collaboration between design engineers, program managers, test teams, and potentially procurement and safety personnel.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making are expected to be grounded in data and performance metrics, fostering objective problem-solving.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages regular review of processes and constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in design and operational execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across teams to elevate overall organizational capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's values are deeply ingrained due to its mission-critical work. For an operations role, demonstrating how one embodies these values through daily actions, decision-making, and team leadership is essential.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Technical Designs: Overseeing the design and integration of intricate lab infrastructure and test assets that must meet stringent performance and reliability requirements.

• Balancing Functional Management with Technical Oversight: Effectively dividing time and focus between leading a team, managing performance, and providing crucial technical guidance and design reviews.

• Program Funding Contingencies: The role is contingent on program funding, requiring adaptability and proactive resource management in dynamic project environments.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Navigating and maintaining active Secret and potentially Top Secret clearances, along with program-specific access, can be demanding.

• Driving Process Adoption: Implementing and enforcing new or improved engineering and operational processes within a large, established organization can require significant change management effort.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Leadership Training: Access to internal programs focused on strategic leadership, financial management, and advanced people management within a corporate setting.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cutting-edge test technologies, simulation, or specific aerospace systems through internal projects and external training.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential to attend relevant industry conferences (e.g., in test engineering, aerospace) or pursue certifications that enhance technical or management capabilities.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs, both as a mentee to gain insights from senior leaders and as a mentor to develop leadership skills.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to gain exposure to different aspects of the business, such as program management, systems engineering, or advanced R&D, through rotations or project assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior engineering management roles in defense. The growth opportunities are substantial, reflecting Northrop Grumman's commitment to developing its talent pipeline for critical roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Strategy: "Describe how you would approach developing an operational strategy for a new lab infrastructure project, considering resource allocation, risk management, and performance metrics." (Prepare to discuss a structured approach, including stakeholder alignment, phased planning, and key performance indicators.)

• Team Motivation & Performance: "How do you motivate a team of highly technical engineers, especially when facing challenging deadlines or project setbacks? How do you address underperformance?" (Focus on motivational techniques, clear communication, feedback loops, and performance improvement plans.)

• Process Improvement Implementation: "Imagine a scenario where your team is resistant to adopting a new design process. How would you navigate this resistance and ensure successful implementation?" (Discuss change management strategies, communication, training, and demonstrating the benefits of the new process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Values Alignment: "How do your personal leadership values align with Northrop Grumman's values of 'Do the Right Thing,' 'Commit to Shared Success,' 'Pioneer,' and 'Do What We Promise'?" (Provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your past roles.)

• Collaboration Style: "Describe your experience working with program managers and other functional leaders. How do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment on critical projects?" (Highlight your communication skills, ability to build relationships, and focus on shared objectives.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure and demonstrate the operational impact of your engineering team's work? Can you provide an example?" (Prepare to discuss key metrics related to efficiency, cost, schedule, and quality, and how you've used them to show value.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Leadership Narrative: Frame your portfolio around your leadership journey and the impact you've had. Instead of just showing designs, explain how you led teams to achieve those designs and operational goals.

• Focus on Process & Metrics: For each project, emphasize the processes you followed or improved, the metrics you tracked, and the quantifiable results achieved. This directly addresses the operational aspects of the role.

• Concise and Visual: Use clear visuals (charts, diagrams, simplified schematics) to illustrate complex concepts, but keep the narrative focused and concise. Aim for clarity over exhaustive detail.

• Tailor to Northrop Grumman: Research Northrop Grumman's current projects and priorities in the Aeronautics Systems sector. If possible, subtly tailor your examples to showcase experience relevant to their operational needs and challenges.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, management choices, and how you handled challenges. Be prepared to elaborate on any aspect of your presented work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a balance of technical leadership, strong people management, and a deep understanding of operational efficiency and process improvement within a defense contracting context. The ability to articulate how your work directly supports program success and national security objectives will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Northrop Grumman careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in lab design, test engineering management, operational metrics, process improvement, and leadership. Use keywords from the job description and Northrop Grumman's stated values.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your leadership in managing design projects, any process improvements you've implemented, and quantifiable operational results. Focus on demonstrating your ability to lead teams and drive efficiency.

• Research Northrop Grumman: Familiarize yourself with Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and recent work in the Aeronautics Systems sector. Understand their commitment to innovation, security, and national defense.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions that assess your leadership style, problem-solving skills, and ability to align with the company's culture and operational goals.

⚠️ 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.