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: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Functional Management: Oversee and lead a team of Lab Infrastructure Design Engineers, encompassing Electrical, Mechanical, and Systems disciplines, within the Test & Evaluation (T&E) Directorate.

• Technical Oversight: Provide critical technical guidance and direction for laboratory infrastructure design, ensuring alignment with program objectives and engineering best practices.

• Programmatic Support: Act as a key contributor to program success by managing test engineering activities, ensuring effective resource utilization, and maintaining configuration management for formal execution testing.

• Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement in test engineering processes and procedures, implement department initiatives, and ensure adherence to company policies and contract compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lab Design Manager," the core responsibilities and keywords strongly indicate a role within Test & Evaluation Operations, focusing on the infrastructure and engineering required to support complex testing environments for aerospace systems. The role blends functional management with direct technical contributions, a common characteristic in specialized engineering operations within defense contractors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Provide functional management for a team of Lab Infrastructure Electrical/Mechanical/System Test Design Engineers, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and shared success.

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Collaborate with the Lab Design Department Manager and fellow section managers to implement department initiatives, ensuring successful planning and execution of program test engineering activities.

• Resource Management: Coordinate lower-level tasking associated with test resource utilization, detailed project and resource scheduling, and asset procurement/management to support system, subsystem, segment, and system-level development, integration, and testing.

• Technical Design & Oversight: Serve as the Responsibility, Authority, and Accountability (RAA) for laboratory Electrical/Mechanical/System Test Designs, including test asset design, integration, test support, and configuration management for formal execution testing.

• Process Improvement & Compliance: Improve and enforce test engineering processes and procedures, ensure company policy adherence for lab design, and provide discrepancy review support.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with programs to satisfy staffing needs, provide operations support (e.g., metrics collection and analysis), and coordinate with cross-functional teams.

• Performance Management: Set Talent + goals, provide regular performance feedback to employees, and support the annual salary review and promotion process.

• Mentorship: Mentor and develop the next generation of technical and project leadership within the organization.

• Contractual Adherence: Ensure SOW mapping and contract compliance for all laboratory design and testing activities.

• Metrics & Reporting: Collect and report on key metrics related to lab design and test operations to inform decision-making and track performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role: functional leadership for a team of engineers and direct RAA for specific design and testing elements. This implies a need for strong technical acumen alongside management capabilities. The emphasis on "operations support (metrics collection and analysis)" explicitly links this role to operational functions within the T&E domain.

🎓 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/military experience with a Bachelor's degree, OR a minimum of 7 years of related professional/military experience with a Master's degree.

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

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

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

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

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

• Security Clearance: Active Secret clearance required, with the ability to transfer and maintain a final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation).

• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of Electrical, Mechanical, and Systems engineering principles applied to laboratory infrastructure and test design.

• Test & Evaluation (T&E) Domain Knowledge: Proven experience with Mission Systems and/or Air Vehicle testing.

• Leadership & Management: Ability to functionally manage engineering personnel, set goals, provide feedback, and foster team development.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Experience with project and resource scheduling, task coordination, and asset management.

• Configuration Management: Understanding of formal execution testing and associated configuration management practices.

• Process Adherence: Ability to enforce and improve test engineering processes and procedures.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for stakeholder engagement and reporting.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Flight Test Experience: Experience with flying test beds or early prototype testing.

• Systems Engineering Mastery: Advanced knowledge in Systems Test and Flight Test certification.

• Contract Management: Familiarity with SOW mapping and contract compliance.

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in metric collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Mentorship Capabilities: Proven ability to mentor and develop junior engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on STEM degrees and specific years of experience, coupled with the clearance requirements, are standard for senior engineering roles in the defense sector. The preferred qualifications strongly suggest a candidate with a deep background in aerospace testing operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Test Infrastructure Design Case Studies: Showcase projects where you designed, integrated, or managed the infrastructure for complex test environments, detailing the engineering challenges and solutions.

• Process Optimization Documentation: Present evidence of improving test engineering processes, workflow efficiency, or configuration management procedures, quantifying the impact.

• System Integration Examples: Illustrate experience with integrating test assets and systems to support specific program testing requirements, highlighting your RAA role.

• Metrics & ROI Demonstration: Provide examples of how you collected, analyzed, and reported on key performance metrics for test operations, demonstrating impact on program delivery or cost efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Document your approach to designing and optimizing workflows for laboratory electrical, mechanical, and system test designs, including integration and test support phases.

• Implementation & Automation: Detail experience in implementing test designs and any automation strategies employed to enhance efficiency or reliability in test execution.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you establish measurement frameworks and conduct performance analysis for test operations, linking to program objectives and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only demonstrate technical design capabilities but also management of processes, resources, and performance metrics within an operational testing context. The RAA responsibility means candidates should be prepared to show direct ownership and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $139,100.00 - $208,700.00 USD per year.

Explanation of Salary Range:

This range represents a general guideline for the Lab Design Manager position in Melbourne, Florida. Northrop Grumman considers multiple factors when determining the final base salary offer, including:

• Scope and responsibilities of the position.

• Candidate's depth of experience, education, and specific skills.

• Current market conditions and industry benchmarks for similar roles.

• Geographic location and cost of living in Melbourne, Florida.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a standard industry benchmark for a management role with significant technical responsibility in the aerospace and defense sector in a high-cost-of-living area like Florida.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Policies to protect employees and their families.

• Savings Plan: A retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k) with company matching.

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

• Company Paid Holidays: Standard paid holidays.

• Relocation Assistance: May be available for eligible candidates.

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

• Long Term Incentives: Possible for Vice President or Director positions (not typically for this level, but noted).

• 9/80 Schedule: A compressed work schedule that offers every other Friday off, providing enhanced work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are implied, likely around 40 hours per week. The 9/80 schedule offers flexibility, with employees working 80 hours over 9 days during a two-week period, resulting in a day off every other Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 9/80 schedule is a significant perk in the aerospace industry, indicating a focus on employee well-being and work-life balance alongside demanding operational responsibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting. Northrop Grumman is a global leader in innovative systems and solutions for defense, cybersecurity, and aerospace.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (implied by Northrop Grumman's global presence and extensive workforce). This means extensive resources, established processes, and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: 1939. With a long history, Northrop Grumman has a deeply ingrained culture of innovation, engineering excellence, and commitment to national security.

Team Structure:

• Functional Homeroom: The role involves functional management within a "homeroom" structure, implying a dedicated team of engineers reporting to this manager for career development, performance, and administrative purposes.

• Programmatic Assignment: Team members will also be assigned to specific programs, requiring collaboration with program managers and cross-functional teams to meet project deliverables.

• Test & Evaluation Directorate: The team operates within the T&E Directorate, a critical function for validating and verifying complex systems before deployment.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect significant interaction with program management, systems engineering, hardware/software development teams, and other T&E disciplines.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on collecting and analyzing metrics to inform decisions, drive performance, and ensure program success.

• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement of test engineering processes and procedures is a core expectation.

• Agile & Iterative Practices (Implied): Given the nature of aerospace development, agile principles and iterative testing approaches are likely employed.

• Rigorous Engineering Standards: Adherence to strict engineering standards, quality controls, and safety protocols is paramount.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is characterized by a strong sense of mission, a commitment to technical excellence, and a structured approach to project execution, typical of large defense contractors. The "OneNG" principle emphasizes collaboration across the organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into engineering management within a specialized operational domain (Test & Evaluation). It combines the responsibilities of a senior technical contributor with those of a people manager.

Reporting Structure: The Lab Design Manager reports to the Lab Program Manager or an Assignment Manager within the Test & Evaluation Directorate. They, in turn, manage a team of Lab Infrastructure Design Engineers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the successful development, integration, and validation of critical aerospace systems. Effective lab design and test operations are foundational to program delivery, quality assurance, and overall mission success. The manager's ability to lead their team and optimize processes directly influences program timelines, costs, and technical outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Program Management: Successful performance can lead to opportunities in program management roles, overseeing larger teams or more complex testing initiatives.

• Directorate Leadership: Progression to higher levels of management within the Test & Evaluation Directorate or related engineering departments.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas of test infrastructure design, systems engineering, or particular aerospace technologies.

• Cross-Program/Cross-Sector Mobility: Opportunities to move to different programs or sectors within Northrop Grumman, broadening experience.

• Technical Leadership: Transitioning into senior technical fellow or principal engineer roles, focusing on strategic technical direction rather than direct people management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a key stepping stone for engineers looking to move into management within a critical operational function. The blend of technical and managerial skills developed here is highly transferable within the defense industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role, requiring presence at Northrop Grumman facilities in Melbourne, Florida. This includes office space for management duties and potentially access to laboratory environments.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Florida, United States. This location is a hub for aerospace and defense activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Office Space: Expected to have an office environment conducive to team meetings, one-on-one discussions, and administrative tasks.

• Access to Labs: May require regular interaction with or access to laboratory facilities where test infrastructure is designed, built, and operated.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to standard engineering software, project management tools, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with the engineering team, fostering a collaborative and supportive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week expectation.

• The 9/80 schedule is a significant benefit, offering every other Friday off, which aids in work-life balance while maintaining operational continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for roles involving direct oversight of physical infrastructure and hands-on lab operations, especially in a security-sensitive industry. The 9/80 schedule is a key differentiator for work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A direct conversation with the hiring manager (potentially the Lab Design Department Manager or a senior program leader) focusing on experience, leadership style, and technical approach.

• Technical Assessment: Expect a technical discussion or interview focusing on your experience with lab design, test engineering, systems engineering, and problem-solving methodologies. This may involve discussing specific projects and challenges.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other managers or senior engineers on the team to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate into the existing team structure.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, highlighting key projects, process improvements, and demonstrated impact. Be prepared to discuss your RAA responsibilities and outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role (especially RAA), the solution, and quantifiable results (e.g., % improvement in efficiency, cost savings, reduction in test time, successful integration).

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you led teams, managed resources, mentored junior engineers, and resolved conflicts.

• Process Documentation: Present clear documentation of processes you've designed or improved. Diagrams, flowcharts, and SOPs are valuable.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical specifics of lab design, electrical/mechanical/systems integration, and test asset creation.

• Tailor to Northrop Grumman: Research Northrop Grumman's values, mission, and recent projects. Frame your experience and portfolio items to align with their strategic priorities, especially in aerospace and defense.

• Clear and Concise: Organize your portfolio logically and be prepared to walk through it efficiently, focusing on the most relevant examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for questions like: "How would you handle a situation where a critical test asset is unavailable before a major program milestone?" or "Describe a time you had to balance competing demands from multiple programs for your team's resources."

• Process Improvement Challenge: You might be asked to outline how you would approach improving a specific test process or addressing a common bottleneck in lab operations.

• Leadership Scenarios: Questions about managing underperforming employees, motivating a team, or resolving inter-team conflicts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential technical challenges underscores the need for candidates to not only speak about their experience but also demonstrate it with concrete examples of their work and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in relevant CAD software for electrical and mechanical design (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, or specialized aerospace design tools).

• Simulation & Analysis Tools: Experience with simulation software for electrical systems, structural analysis, or thermal management (e.g., ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, SPICE).

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or Primavera for detailed project and resource scheduling.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel (advanced functions, VBA), potentially SQL for data extraction, and BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating dashboards and reports.

• Metrics Tracking Systems: Internal company systems or custom-built solutions for collecting and visualizing key performance indicators (KPIs) related to test operations, resource utilization, and project progress.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/PLM Systems: Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for asset management, procurement, and configuration control.

• Workflow Automation Tools (Potential): While not explicitly stated, familiarity with tools that can automate reporting or data aggregation processes might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools will vary, but a strong foundation in CAD, simulation, project management, and data analysis is essential for managing complex lab infrastructure design and test operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Do the Right Thing: Upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring safety, and fostering a respectful environment for all team members.

• Do What We Promise: Accountability for meeting predictable and balanced results, delivering on commitments to programs and stakeholders.

• Commit to Shared Success: Operating as "OneNG" – collaborating effectively across teams and removing barriers to collective achievement.

• Pioneer: Setting a vision for the future, embracing innovation, and inspiring others to achieve ambitious goals.

• Data-Driven: A strong emphasis on using data and metrics to guide decisions, measure performance, and drive operational improvements.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A culture that values finding more effective and efficient ways to design, build, and execute tests.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where engineers work closely with program teams, systems engineers, and other departments to achieve common goals.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, feedback exchange, and knowledge sharing to foster continuous improvement and problem-solving.

• Team Accountability: A shared sense of responsibility for project success, with an emphasis on mutual support and accountability.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to collaboration, often involving defined processes for reviews, approvals, and issue resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's stated values provide a clear framework for how employees are expected to behave and contribute. For this role, demonstrating how you embody these values through your management and operational practices will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Functional vs. Programmatic Demands: Effectively managing team members who have both direct functional reporting lines and program-specific project duties can be complex.

• Resource Constraints: Operating within budget and schedule limitations while ensuring high-quality test infrastructure and support.

• Evolving Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in aerospace technology and test methodologies to ensure the lab infrastructure remains state-of-the-art.

• Security Clearance Management: Ensuring all team members maintain the required security clearances and program access, which can be a critical bottleneck.

• Complex System Integration: Managing the design and integration of test infrastructure for highly complex, often classified, aerospace systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to training on new design tools, simulation software, and emerging test technologies relevant to aerospace.

• Leadership Development Programs: Northrop Grumman offers various programs to enhance leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant industry conferences (e.g., ITEA Test & Evaluation Conference) and pursue certifications in project management or systems engineering.

• Mentorship: Being mentored by senior leaders within Northrop Grumman or mentoring junior engineers, fostering professional growth.

• Exposure to Diverse Programs: Working on a variety of programs provides broad exposure to different challenges, technologies, and operational environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for management roles in large defense organizations. The growth opportunities highlight the company's investment in employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to developing and implementing a test infrastructure strategy that supports long-term program needs while remaining adaptable to evolving requirements." Focus on how you align lab design with operational efficiency and mission objectives.

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between your design team, program managers, and end-users of the test labs?" Provide examples of managing conflicting priorities or expectations.

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a complex technical problem you encountered in lab design or test operations. How did you diagnose it, what solutions did you consider, and what was the outcome?" Emphasize your RAA role and decision-making process.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Values Alignment: "How do you embody Northrop Grumman's core values (Do the Right Thing, Do What We Promise, Commit to Shared Success, Pioneer) in your day-to-day management and operational approach?"

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration, accountability, and innovation among engineers."

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success and impact of your team's work, particularly in relation to program milestones and operational efficiency?" Be ready to discuss metrics you've used.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio item, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role (especially as RAA), the actions you took, and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Management & Process: Don't just show technical designs. Showcase your experience in managing projects, schedules, resources, and processes. Demonstrate how you improved efficiency or resolved operational issues.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use numbers to demonstrate impact – percentage improvements, cost savings, time reductions, successful test completions, etc.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, decision-making rationale, and any challenges faced during project execution.

• Connect to Northrop Grumman: Frame your experience in the context of aerospace, defense, and complex system testing. Show how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, operational acumen, and a clear understanding of the defense industry's demands and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lab Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Northrop Grumman careers portal via the provided URL and submit your application electronically.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your experience in lab infrastructure design, test & evaluation operations, team leadership, project management, and any relevant STEM fields. Ensure keywords from the job description are naturally integrated, especially those related to security clearances, mission systems, and engineering management.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your most relevant projects, emphasizing your RAA responsibilities, process improvements, technical designs, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present this effectively.

• Research Northrop Grumman: Familiarize yourself with Northrop Grumman's mission, values, recent projects, and the specific programs likely supported by the Melbourne, FL location. Understand their commitment to innovation and national security.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on behavioral examples, technical scenarios, and leadership situations. Practice articulating your experience clearly and concisely, especially when discussing your portfolio and operational impact.

⚠️ 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.