Sr. Engineering Design Manager – 3

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Engineering Design Manager – 3

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: San Diego, CA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering Design Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 8+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a multi-disciplined engineering team responsible for mechanical design, tooling, and configuration management within the Mission Enabling Products (MEP) business unit.

• Drive product performance, quality, technical execution, schedule, and cost for critical PASS programs, ensuring robust product definition and design/verification practices.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, high-trust culture to enhance design and configuration management capabilities and drive employee engagement, retention, and talent development.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with analysis, manufacturing, quality, program management, and chief engineers to manage workload, priorities, and ensure consistent execution of standard practices and design software.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the successful design and lifecycle management of complex aerospace and defense products. The emphasis on both technical leadership and people management, combined with specific system requirements (Siemens NX, Teamcenter), points to a highly integrated operations function within engineering.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direct people leadership for a multi-disciplinary engineering team comprising Mechanical Design Engineers, Tool Engineers, and Configuration Management professionals.

• Manage team staffing, resource allocation, and individual development plans, including conducting regular one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and career development discussions.

• Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and high-trust team culture that encourages effective collaboration and allows team members to perform at their best.

• Drive employee engagement, retention, and talent development by setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and offering coaching.

• Implement succession planning and talent development strategies to build a strong leadership pipeline across Mechanical Design, Tooling, and Configuration Management functions.

• Lead the team through evolving priorities and organizational growth, ensuring clear direction, transparent communication, and sustained engagement amidst shifting demands.

• Offer technical oversight and guidance for design activities across multiple programs, ensuring the integrity of product definitions and adherence to design and verification processes.

• Review product and tooling designs, drawings, and design review packages (PDR, CDR, MRR) to support the successful execution of flight hardware and ground support equipment.

• Partner closely with Configuration Management to maintain robust control over product baselines, engineering changes, and documentation throughout the entire product lifecycle.

• Coordinate effectively with analysis, manufacturing, quality, program management, and chief engineers to manage workload, optimize priorities, and facilitate efficient cross-functional operations.

• Support the daily management of design activities and issues, including technical challenges, schedule adherence, financial tracking, and appropriate escalation procedures.

• Track and drive improvements in key operational metrics such as First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD).

• Generate Bases of Estimates (BOEs) for design labor and tooling costs in support of proposal development.

• Ensure consistent execution of standard practices, methods, and design software (e.g., Siemens NX, Teamcenter) within the Design and Configuration Management organization.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing design technology, team capabilities, and overall efficiency, including promoting Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and mistake-proofing principles, and fostering knowledge sharing across disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of operational management (staffing, resource allocation, FPY, OTD) and technical engineering leadership, with a strong emphasis on process adherence and continuous improvement within the design and configuration management functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field). Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical, structural, or related engineering disciplines, with a focus on aerospace, space, or other mission-critical hardware domains.

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing an engineering team, particularly on structural or mechanical design efforts.

• Experience with aerospace product definition, including specifications, Statements of Work (SOWs), drawings, and Interface Control Document (ICD) compliance.

• Proven understanding of aerospace composite tooling, including experience with layup molds, assembly fixtures, test fixtures, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).

• Experience with composite manufacturing processes and their applications in hardware development.

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

• Experience in generating engineering drawings and a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

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

• Proven ability to build team engagement and foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.

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

• Engineering Leadership: Proven track record of leading and developing engineering teams, managing project execution, and driving technical excellence.

• Mechanical Design: Expertise in mechanical and structural design principles, with a focus on aerospace applications and complex hardware.

• Configuration Management: Strong understanding of configuration management processes, product baselines, and change control throughout the product lifecycle.

• CAD/PLM Proficiency: Hands-on experience with industry-standard CAD software (Siemens NX) and PLM systems (Teamcenter) for design, documentation, and data management.

• Composite Design & Manufacturing: Knowledge of composite materials, manufacturing processes, and the design of composite tooling and structures.

Preferred Skills:

• Management Experience: 5 years of direct management experience leading structural or mechanical design efforts.

• Composite/Metallic Assemblies: Extensive experience with composite and metallic assemblies, including associated materials, adhesives, and fasteners.

• End-Item Test Support: Experience in the design of end-item test setups and support for static and dynamic testing.

• Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement initiatives within design and configuration management operations.

• Program Execution: Broad understanding of engineering, manufacturing, cost and schedule execution, scope management, and risk management principles.

• Configuration Management Partnership: Experience leading or closely partnering with Configuration Management teams and their associated processes.

• Security Clearance: Active U.S. Government TS/SCI clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical engineering expertise in aerospace design and manufacturing, coupled with strong leadership and team management capabilities. The requirement for specific CAD/PLM tools and experience with configuration management are key operational aspects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase successful mechanical and structural design projects, detailing the problem, your role, design approach, key challenges overcome, and the final outcome.

• CAD/PLM Deliverables: Include examples of complex drawings, 3D models, and documentation generated using Siemens NX and managed within Teamcenter, demonstrating proficiency in GD&T and design standards.

• DFM/Mistake-Proofing Examples: Present specific instances where Design for Manufacturability principles were applied to improve production efficiency, reduce errors, or lower costs.

• Configuration Management Integration: Illustrate how you've collaborated with or managed configuration management processes to ensure product baseline integrity, manage engineering changes effectively, and maintain accurate documentation.

Process Documentation:

• Design Workflow Optimization: Examples of how you have documented, standardized, and optimized design workflows to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality within an engineering team.

• Tooling Design & Implementation: Documentation related to the design, fabrication, and implementation of composite tooling, assembly fixtures, or Ground Support Equipment (GSE), highlighting process considerations.

• Performance Metrics Analysis: Evidence of how you have tracked and analyzed key performance indicators such as First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD) to identify areas for process improvement and report on team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates are expected to demonstrate practical application of design principles, CAD/PLM proficiency, and an understanding of integrated processes like configuration management and DFM through their portfolio. This is crucial for operations roles where tangible evidence of process execution and improvement is valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $175,400 - $263,200 USD per year. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Life Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for beneficiaries.

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

• Savings Plan: Retirement savings plan, likely a 401(k) with company matching.

• Paid Holidays: Company-recognized paid holidays.

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

• Relocation Assistance: Assistance may be available for qualified candidates relocating to San Diego, CA.

• Discretionary Bonus: Potential for an annual discretionary bonus based on individual contributions and company performance.

• Potential for Overtime: Depending on the position and business needs, overtime pay may be applicable.

• Shift Differential: May be available for certain roles or shifts.

• Long Term Incentives: Potential eligibility for Long Term Incentives for Vice President or Director level positions.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, flexibility may be offered based on operational needs and team collaboration requirements, particularly for managing tasks across different time zones or project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a guideline. Northrop Grumman considers factors such as scope, responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, and current market conditions in determining the final offer. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a large aerospace and defense contractor, with specific mention of relocation assistance and potential discretionary bonuses.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting. Northrop Grumman is a global leader in innovative systems and services for defense, homeland security, and space applications.

Company Size: Large enterprise, with tens of thousands of employees globally. This scale offers opportunities for diverse career paths and exposure to large-scale, complex projects.

Founded: 1939. With a long history, Northrop Grumman has a legacy of pioneering technological advancements and contributing to national security.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role is within the Space Sector, specifically the Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit, supporting the PASS operating unit. This indicates a specialized focus on products critical for mission success in space and defense applications.

• Reporting Structure: The Sr. Engineering Design Manager reports to the Director of Engineering, indicating a clear hierarchy within the engineering function.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with analysis, manufacturing, quality, program management, and chief engineers, highlighting an integrated GTM (Go-to-Market) and product development operational approach.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on robust product definition, design verification practices, and performance metrics like First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD) suggests a data-driven approach to engineering operations.

• Process Optimization: A strong focus on continuous improvement, DFM, mistake-proofing, and standardization of design software and methods points to a commitment to optimizing engineering workflows.

• Configuration Control: The integral role of Configuration Management emphasizes the importance of disciplined control over product baselines and documentation throughout the lifecycle.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is deeply rooted in innovation, national security, and technological advancement. For an operations role, this translates to working on high-impact, mission-critical projects within a structured, process-oriented environment that values precision, quality, and continuous improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Management position (Level 3) within Engineering Design. It signifies a role with significant responsibility for leading a team, managing technical execution, and contributing to strategic operational improvements within the engineering function.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Director of Engineering, placing it at a mid-to-senior management level. This manager will likely oversee multiple individual contributors and potentially junior leads within the Mechanical Design, Tooling, and Configuration Management domains.

Operations Impact: The Sr. Engineering Design Manager has a direct impact on the success of critical PASS programs by ensuring the quality, performance, schedule, and cost-effectiveness of flight hardware and ground support equipment designs. Their leadership influences the team's ability to deliver on program objectives and contribute to Northrop Grumman's overall mission success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Director-level positions within Engineering or operations management roles within other business units, managing larger teams or broader functional areas.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of aerospace engineering, composite design, or advanced manufacturing processes through leading complex projects.

• Program Management Transition: The combination of technical and programmatic leadership experience could open doors to program management roles, overseeing entire projects from conception to delivery.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead initiatives that span multiple departments, enhancing skills in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and enterprise-level process improvement.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in or development of mentorship programs to guide junior engineers and build future leadership talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established organization. The combination of technical depth and management scope provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles, either within engineering or broader operations and program management functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a 100% on-site position, indicating a traditional office and potentially lab/engineering workspace environment within Northrop Grumman's facilities in San Diego, CA.

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

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workplace that fosters collaboration among engineers, designers, manufacturing personnel, and program managers, likely through dedicated team spaces, meeting rooms, and shared design tools.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced engineering software such as Siemens NX and Teamcenter, alongside other relevant design, analysis, and project management tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a multi-disciplinary team, fostering knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and a cohesive team dynamic. The role involves managing and mentoring these teams directly.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. While on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times depending on operational needs and team coordination, but core hours will likely be expected for effective team management and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the hands-on nature of the role, involving direct oversight of design processes, team collaboration, and potential interaction with manufacturing and testing facilities. The San Diego location places the role within a significant aerospace and defense ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the Director of Engineering or another senior engineering leader to delve into technical expertise, leadership philosophy, team management approach, and strategic thinking. This stage will heavily focus on assessing your ability to manage a multi-disciplined team and execute engineering operations.

• Technical/Panel Interview: This may involve interviews with key stakeholders from analysis, manufacturing, quality, or program management, and potentially team members. Expect questions focused on specific engineering challenges, design methodologies, and collaboration strategies.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your experience with mechanical design, tooling, configuration management, and process improvement. Be prepared to discuss your role, the impact of your decisions, and the outcomes achieved.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level leadership to confirm overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your leadership in mechanical design, tooling, configuration management, and process optimization relevant to aerospace/defense.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions, the methodologies used (e.g., DFM, GD&T), and quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, yield increases, quality enhancements).

• Demonstrate Process Ownership: Highlight instances where you implemented or improved design workflows, configuration management procedures, or manufacturing readiness processes.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you developed talent, managed team performance, and fostered a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss the technical details, challenges, and strategic decisions behind each portfolio piece in depth.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem or a current engineering challenge faced by the team, requiring you to outline a problem-solving approach, design considerations, and collaboration strategy.

• Process Improvement Exercise: Be prepared to analyze a given process (e.g., change management, design review) and propose improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, or speed.

• Leadership Scenario: Expect questions about how you would handle specific team dynamics, performance issues, or conflicting priorities, testing your leadership and conflict resolution skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing not only technical skills but also leadership capabilities and the ability to manage complex engineering operations. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates tangible achievements in design, process, and team leadership is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Siemens NX: Essential for 3D modeling, CAD design, and creating complex engineering drawings. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Teamcenter: A leading Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system for managing design data, revisions, workflows, and product configurations. Deep understanding is critical for configuration management and design integration.

• Other CAD/CAM Software: While NX is primary, familiarity with other CAD/CAM packages could be beneficial.

• Engineering Analysis Tools: Knowledge of or ability to collaborate with teams using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and other simulation tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• PLM Reporting Capabilities: Utilizing Teamcenter's built-in reporting features to track design progress, manage engineering changes, and monitor product data.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or similar for tracking schedules, resources, and task completion.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency with tools for analyzing performance metrics such as First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD), potentially including Excel, SQL, or BI platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal ERP/MRP Systems: Understanding how design data integrates with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems for manufacturing and procurement.

• Change Management Systems: Tools or processes used to manage and track engineering change requests (ECRs) and engineering change orders (ECOs).

• Workflow Automation: Potential use of automation within PLM or other systems to streamline design review processes, document approvals, and data release.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Siemens NX and Teamcenter signifies a standardized and integrated engineering design and product lifecycle management environment. Candidates must be proficient with these tools to effectively manage design data, configurations, and associated workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Pioneering Spirit: Northrop Grumman fosters an environment where bold new ideas and a pioneering spirit are encouraged to tackle complex challenges and invent the future.

• Intellectual Curiosity & Cognitive Diversity: The company thrives on diverse perspectives and encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work, promoting an environment where different ideas are valued.

• Excellence in Execution: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable products and services, with a focus on technical rigor, precision, and meeting program objectives.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, particularly critical in the defense and aerospace sectors.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Encouraging cross-functional partnerships and open communication to achieve shared goals and drive collective success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates working closely with analysis, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset to integrate design with broader project execution.

• Process Review & Feedback: An expectation of open communication and a culture where processes are regularly reviewed, and constructive feedback is exchanged to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across disciplines to elevate the collective capability of the engineering organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Northrop Grumman emphasizes a blend of cutting-edge innovation and disciplined execution, essential for success in the defense and aerospace industry. For this operations role, it means fostering a team that is both technically proficient and highly collaborative, with a strong sense of shared purpose and accountability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Projects: Overseeing design and configuration management for multiple, high-stakes aerospace programs simultaneously, each with unique technical requirements and timelines.

• Balancing Technical Depth and People Management: Effectively leading a multi-disciplinary team while also maintaining a strong grasp of technical details and design challenges.

• Navigating Evolving Priorities: Adapting the team's focus and efforts to shifting program needs, technological advancements, or business objectives while maintaining morale and productivity.

• Driving Continuous Improvement: Implementing and sustaining process improvements (DFM, mistake-proofing, efficiency gains) within a large, established organization with established practices.

• Talent Development and Retention: Attracting, developing, and retaining skilled engineering talent in a competitive market, particularly for specialized roles like composite tooling and configuration management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in composite materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and cutting-edge design software.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship opportunities focused on enhancing management, strategic planning, and executive communication skills.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend industry events and pursue certifications relevant to aerospace engineering, design management, and project execution.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience by working on diverse projects that involve various departments, broadening understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle and business operations.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within Northrop Grumman and to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in leading complex engineering operations within the defense sector. However, these challenges are coupled with substantial opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and career advancement within a leading aerospace and defense organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Strategy: "How would you approach developing a strategic plan for your design and configuration management team to support the company's growth objectives over the next three years? What key performance indicators would you prioritize?" (Preparation: Focus on aligning team capabilities with business goals, defining measurable objectives, and outlining steps for implementation and monitoring.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between design engineering, manufacturing, and program management. How did you facilitate a resolution and ensure project success?" (Preparation: Use the STAR method to detail a situation, your task, the actions you took to collaborate and negotiate, and the positive result.)

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine a critical design review is at risk of being delayed due to unforeseen technical issues. What steps would you take to diagnose the problem, rally your team, and mitigate the schedule impact?" (Preparation: Outline a structured problem-solving approach, emphasizing communication, resourcefulness, and efficient execution.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Culture Alignment: "Northrop Grumman values innovation and integrity. Can you provide an example of how you've fostered these values within an engineering team you've led?" (Preparation: Research Northrop Grumman's specific values and prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your alignment with them, focusing on practical application.)

• Team Dynamics: "How do you build trust and psychological safety within a diverse engineering team, especially when facing high-pressure project deadlines?" (Preparation: Discuss your approach to communication, feedback, conflict resolution, and creating an inclusive environment where team members feel empowered to contribute.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the effectiveness and impact of your engineering design and configuration management operations? What metrics are most important to you and why?" (Preparation: Be ready to discuss KPIs like FPY, OTD, design cycle time, change order efficiency, and how they tie back to program success and business objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the innovative or efficient solutions implemented, the tools and processes used (especially NX, Teamcenter, DFM), and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Focus on Leadership & Operations: Emphasize your leadership in guiding the team, managing resources, optimizing processes, and driving results, not just your individual technical contributions.

• Highlight Process Improvements: Specifically call out any instances where you improved design workflows, configuration management accuracy, or manufacturing readiness through process optimization.

• Be Data-Driven: Use metrics and data to support your claims about project success and impact. Quantify benefits wherever possible (e.g., percentage reduction in errors, time saved, cost savings).

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of the technical and operational aspects involved.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strong leadership, operational efficiency, technical acumen in aerospace design, and a clear understanding of how to manage and improve engineering processes within a large, structured organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Engineering Design Manager position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in engineering leadership, mechanical/structural design, configuration management, CAD/PLM proficiency (Siemens NX, Teamcenter), DFM principles, and any experience with composite tooling and aerospace/defense projects. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects that demonstrate your leadership in design, process optimization, and team management. Focus on quantifiable achievements and provide clear narratives for each case study, emphasizing your role and the operational outcomes.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to leadership, technical problem-solving, stakeholder management, and process improvement. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method and be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Research Northrop Grumman: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent achievements, particularly within the Space Sector and MEP Business Unit. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to innovation, integrity, and operational excellence to articulate your fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.