Sr. Engineering Design Manager – 3

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Engineering Design Manager – 3

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: San Diego, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical leadership position within Northrop Grumman's Space Sector, focusing on the Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit.

• The Sr. Engineering Design Manager will lead a multi-disciplined team comprising Mechanical Design Engineers, Tool Engineers, and Configuration Management professionals.

• Key responsibilities include ensuring product performance, quality, technical execution, schedule adherence, and cost management for critical aerospace programs.

• The position demands a strong emphasis on people leadership, talent development, and fostering a positive, high-performing team culture focused on design and configuration management excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title specifies "Engineering Design Manager," the core responsibilities, team composition (including Configuration Management), and emphasis on product lifecycle, quality, schedule, and cost strongly align with a Revenue Operations or GTM Operations leadership role within a complex engineering and manufacturing environment. The focus on process execution, efficiency (FPY, OTD), and cross-functional coordination is indicative of an operations-oriented management function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a multi-discipline engineering team, including Mechanical Design, Tooling, and Configuration Management professionals, supporting critical aerospace programs.

• Oversee staffing, resource allocation, and individual development plans, conducting regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development discussions to foster talent growth.

• Cultivate a positive, inclusive, high-trust team culture that encourages effective collaboration across disciplines and enables optimal performance.

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

• Develop and implement succession and talent development plans to build a robust leadership pipeline within Mechanical Design, Tooling, and Configuration Management.

• Provide technical oversight and guidance for design activities across multiple programs, ensuring robust product definition and adherence to design and verification best practices.

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

• Partner closely with Configuration Management to ensure rigorous control of product baselines, engineering changes, and documentation throughout the entire product lifecycle.

• Coordinate cross-functionally with analysis, manufacturing, quality, program management, and chief engineers to effectively manage workload and priorities.

• Support daily management of design activities and issues (technical, schedule, financial), ensuring appropriate escalation and cross-functional coordination.

• Track and drive improvements in First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD) for design and configuration management processes.

• Generate proposal Bases of Estimates (BOEs) for design labor and tooling costs, contributing to business development efforts.

• 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 in design technology, capability, and efficiency, promoting DFMA, mistake-proofing, and knowledge sharing across disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed clearly indicate a management role focused on operationalizing engineering processes, managing resources, and driving efficiency and quality metrics (FPY, OTD). This aligns with the strategic operational oversight expected in a Senior Operations Manager role within a large, complex technical organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

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

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

• Proven experience in aerospace with product definition (specifications, SOWs, drawings, ICD compliance) and design and verification processes.

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

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

• Proficiency in CAD and PLM systems, specifically Siemens NX and Teamcenter, and in generating detailed drawings with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Demonstrated application of Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) principles and mistake-proofing methodologies.

• 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 ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

• Mechanical & Structural Design: Deep understanding of mechanical and structural design principles, particularly in aerospace applications.

• Configuration Management: Strong knowledge of configuration management processes, product baselines, and engineering change control.

• CAD/PLM Proficiency: Expertise in Siemens NX for design and Teamcenter for Product Lifecycle Management.

• GD&T & DFMA: Proficiency in applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing and Design for Manufacturability principles.

• Composite Materials & Tooling: Understanding of composite materials, manufacturing processes, and associated tooling design.

• Team Building & Culture Development: Demonstrated success in fostering positive, inclusive, and high-performing team environments.

• Programmatic Execution: Ability to manage technical execution, schedule, and cost for engineering projects.

Preferred Skills:

• 5 years of management experience specifically leading structural or mechanical design efforts.

• Extensive experience with composite/metallic assemblies and associated materials, adhesives, and fasteners.

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

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

• Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement initiatives across design and configuration management functions.

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

• Experience leading or partnering closely with Configuration Management teams and processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of deep technical expertise in mechanical design and composite manufacturing with strong operational management skills. The emphasis on CAD/PLM systems, DFMA, and Configuration Management indicates a need for someone who can not only lead engineers but also ensure the efficient and controlled execution of design processes, a key operational function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Documentation: Showcase examples of well-defined design processes, from concept to detailed design, including design review gate adherence (PDR, CDR, MRR).

• Configuration Management Integration: Evidence of how design processes integrate with robust configuration management practices to control baselines and engineering changes.

• CAD/PLM Workflow Examples: Demonstrations of efficient workflows utilizing Siemens NX and Teamcenter for design, documentation, and data management.

• DFMA & Mistake-Proofing Case Studies: Portfolios should include specific examples where DFMA principles were applied to improve manufacturability, reduce costs, or enhance quality.

• Tooling Design Projects: Examples of composite tooling designs (layup molds, assembly fixtures, test fixtures) and their successful implementation in manufacturing.

• Performance Metrics (FPY/OTD): If possible, include examples of how metrics like First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD) were tracked and improved within design or related operational functions.

• Proposal Support (BOE): Examples of contributions to Bases of Estimates (BOEs) for design labor and tooling costs in proposal development.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Documented processes for designing complex aerospace components and assemblies, including design review phases and stakeholder engagement.

• System Implementation & Automation: Evidence of how CAD/PLM systems are implemented and utilized for efficient workflow management, data integrity, and product lifecycle tracking.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Examples of how design and configuration management processes are measured for effectiveness, with a focus on metrics like FPY and OTD, and how data is used for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused role, a portfolio demonstrating process ownership, efficiency improvements, and system utilization is crucial. This section emphasizes the need for candidates to showcase not just technical design skills, but their ability to manage and optimize the processes that govern design and product data.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this position is $175,400.00 - $263,200.00 USD per year. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for medical needs.

• Life Insurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

• Disability Insurance: Income replacement in case of inability to work due to disability.

• Savings Plan: A retirement savings vehicle, likely a 401(k) plan.

• Company Paid Holidays: Designated paid days off throughout the year.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): For vacation, personal business, and other needs.

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

• Annual Bonuses: Discretionary bonuses based on individual contributions and company performance, rewarding operational success.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are assumed to be 40 hours per week, consistent with industry norms for engineering management roles.

• Occasional overtime may be required to meet program demands, and shift differentials may apply depending on specific project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a senior-level engineering management role in a high-cost-of-living area like San Diego, especially within a major defense contractor like Northrop Grumman. The inclusion of "discretionary bonus" and emphasis on "individual contributions" reinforces the performance-driven nature of the role, common in operations management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense & Aerospace. Northrop Grumman operates at the forefront of national security, developing advanced systems for space, defense, and aviation. This industry demands high levels of precision, innovation, reliability, and adherence to stringent quality and security standards.

Company Size: Large enterprise (likely 100,000+ employees globally). This implies a structured environment with established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for large-scale project involvement.

Founded: 1939. With a long history, Northrop Grumman has a deep-rooted culture of innovation and a legacy of technological advancement, including contributions to major historical milestones.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Space Sector, specifically the Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit, supporting the PASS operating unit.

• The direct team consists of Mechanical Design Engineers, Tool Engineers, and Configuration Management professionals, indicating a cross-functional engineering support unit.

• The manager reports to the Director of Engineering, suggesting a hierarchical structure common in large engineering organizations. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on metrics like First Pass Yield (FPY) and On-Time Delivery (OTD) suggests a data-driven approach to process management and improvement.

• Continuous Improvement: The explicit mention of leading continuous improvement initiatives points towards a culture that values process optimization, efficiency gains, and adopting best practices (e.g., DFMA, mistake-proofing).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The need to coordinate with analysis, manufacturing, quality, and program management highlights a collaborative methodology essential for complex product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes a culture of innovation, precision, and operational excellence within the defense sector. For an operations-focused role, understanding these industry-specific demands (security, quality, reliability) and how they translate into process requirements is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Managerial role (Level 3), representing a significant step up from individual contributor or junior management positions. It involves direct leadership of a substantial, multi-disciplinary team and accountability for key operational metrics and programmatic success.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Director of Engineering. This position offers visibility into higher-level engineering strategy and execution within the business unit. The manager will also be responsible for developing future leaders within their own team.

Operations Impact: The manager's influence extends to the successful technical execution, quality, schedule, and cost of critical aerospace programs. By optimizing design and configuration management processes, they directly impact product development cycles, manufacturing efficiency, and ultimately, the company's ability to deliver on its mission-critical contracts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Director-level roles within Engineering or Operations, managing larger teams or broader functional areas.

• Specialization Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced composite manufacturing, complex tooling, or product lifecycle management systems.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to move into program management or roles with broader business unit responsibilities, leveraging operational expertise.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training, development programs, and mentorship to enhance leadership, technical, and operational skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a significant operational leadership opportunity within a highly technical field. Growth paths likely involve increasing scope of responsibility in managing complex engineering operations and driving strategic improvements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: 100% On-site. This indicates a traditional office and potentially lab/manufacturing floor interface environment.

Office Location(s): San Diego, California. This location offers a vibrant tech and aerospace hub environment. Specific details about accessibility and on-site amenities would typically be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with a multi-disciplined team and cross-functional departments, suggesting an open or team-oriented workspace designed to facilitate communication.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art CAD/PLM systems (Siemens NX, Teamcenter), engineering software, and potentially simulation tools will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports, peers, program management, and senior leadership is expected.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the nature of defense contracting and critical program delivery often necessitates flexibility, with potential for overtime to meet deadlines or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the hands-on nature of managing design and configuration processes, often requiring direct oversight and interaction within engineering and manufacturing environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, salary expectations, and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Director of Engineering focusing on leadership experience, team management philosophy, technical background, and operational approach. Expect questions on managing people, driving performance, and handling challenges.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with key team members (e.g., lead design engineers, configuration managers) and potentially peers in related functions (e.g., manufacturing, quality) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and technical acumen.

• Potential Technical/Case Study: A hypothetical scenario or a review of a candidate's portfolio may be presented to assess problem-solving skills, process optimization thinking, and ability to articulate operational strategies.

• Final Interview: Possibly with higher-level leadership to confirm fit and discuss the strategic importance of the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership & Operational Impact: Focus on examples where you led teams to achieve measurable improvements in design quality, efficiency (FPY, OTD), or cost reduction.

• Showcase Process Expertise: Clearly articulate your understanding and management of design workflows, configuration management processes, and the integration of CAD/PLM systems.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Use case studies to illustrate how you identified operational challenges and implemented solutions, detailing the process, tools used, and outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to support your accomplishments. For example, "Reduced design iteration time by X% through improved process Y."

• Tailor to Northrop Grumman: Research Northrop Grumman's specific programs and values. Frame your experience in the context of defense and aerospace, emphasizing reliability, quality, and security.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Scenario: Be prepared for questions or scenarios related to managing team performance, resolving cross-functional conflicts, improving process efficiency, or handling budget constraints.

• Technical Depth: While leadership is key, be ready to discuss technical aspects of mechanical design, composite manufacturing, and PLM/CAD systems at a management level.

• Company Knowledge: Research Northrop Grumman's mission, recent projects, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for this role will heavily weigh operational leadership and process management alongside technical engineering expertise. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they drive efficiency and quality through effective team and process management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Siemens NX: The primary CAD software for 3D design, modeling, and drafting. Proficiency in its advanced features for complex mechanical and structural design is expected.

• Siemens Teamcenter: A leading Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system for managing product data, workflows, revisions, and collaboration throughout the product lifecycle. Strong understanding of its configuration management capabilities is essential.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, the emphasis on FPY and OTD suggests the use of internal or standard business intelligence tools for tracking team and project performance. Candidates may need to be proficient in generating reports from PLM systems or integrating data into broader analytics platforms. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, the principles of process automation and workflow management within Teamcenter are critical. The role may involve identifying opportunities for automation within design and configuration processes to improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Siemens NX and Teamcenter is a non-negotiable requirement, highlighting the technical foundation for this operational leadership role. Understanding how these tools support broader business operations (product lifecycle, configuration control) is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all engineering and management activities, essential in the defense industry.

• Excellence and Innovation: Driving for superior performance in design, execution, and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of pushing technological boundaries.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Promoting a cooperative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged to achieve common goals.

• Accountability and Ownership: Taking responsibility for team performance, project outcomes, and delivering on commitments with a focus on measurable results.

• Safety and Security: Prioritizing the safety of personnel and the security of sensitive information and technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with analysis, manufacturing, quality assurance, and program management to ensure holistic product development.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture where processes are regularly reviewed, and constructive feedback is shared to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where engineers share best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly those related to integrity, excellence, and collaboration, are critical for anyone stepping into a leadership role within Northrop Grumman's operations. These values directly inform how engineering and operational processes should be managed.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Programs: Balancing technical rigor, schedule pressures, and cost constraints across multiple critical aerospace programs.

• Talent Development & Retention: Attracting and retaining top engineering talent in a competitive market, while also developing existing team members for future roles.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying ahead of advancements in design software, manufacturing techniques, and materials science to maintain a competitive edge.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between design, manufacturing, quality, and program management to avoid bottlenecks and rework.

• Security Requirements: Navigating and ensuring compliance with stringent government security protocols and clearance requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in project management, financial forecasting (BOEs), and process optimization methodologies.

• Industry Certifications & Conferences: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing certifications in engineering management, PLM, or aerospace technology.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Access to formal mentorship programs and leadership training designed to cultivate future leaders within Northrop Grumman.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges common in large-scale engineering operations, particularly in the defense sector. Successfully navigating these challenges will provide substantial opportunities for professional growth and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a multi-disciplinary engineering team through a significant technical challenge. What was your approach, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and process management.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration between design engineering and manufacturing/quality teams to optimize for manufacturability and reliability?" (Focus on cross-functional operations.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing a team's workload and priorities when faced with shifting program demands or resource constraints." (Focus on operational planning and execution.)

• "Tell me about a time you implemented a continuous improvement initiative within your team. What was the initiative, how did you measure its success, and what was the impact on metrics like FPY or OTD?" (Focus on operational metrics and process optimization.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Northrop Grumman and this specific role within our Space Sector?" (Demonstrate research into the company's mission and the role's strategic importance.)

• "How do you foster an inclusive and high-trust team culture, especially in a demanding engineering environment?" (Align with company values and leadership philosophy.)

• "How do you approach performance management and career development for your team members?" (Show your commitment to people leadership.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key responsibility areas or by project type. Clearly label each section to align with the job description (e.g., "Team Leadership," "Process Optimization," "CAD/PLM Workflow").

• Case Study Focus: For each significant example, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Emphasize your actions as a leader and the results achieved, quantifying them whenever possible.

• Process Demonstration: Show, don't just tell. Include diagrams of workflows, screenshots of CAD/PLM interfaces (if permissible and anonymized), and examples of documentation you've implemented or managed.

• Metric-Driven: Highlight how you use data (FPY, OTD, cost savings, efficiency gains) to measure success and drive improvements.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key highlights efficiently, as interviewers' time is limited. Have deeper details available if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating operational leadership, process management capabilities, and a deep understanding of how engineering design and configuration management contribute to overall program success and business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight leadership experience, specific achievements in managing engineering teams, proficiency with Siemens NX and Teamcenter, and any quantifiable improvements in design processes, FPY, or OTD.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a portfolio that showcases your leadership in design and configuration management. Include examples of process optimization, team development, and successful project execution. Be ready to discuss specific case studies that demonstrate your operational impact.

• Research Northrop Grumman: Understand the company's mission, its role in the defense and aerospace industry, and its commitment to innovation and quality. Familiarize yourself with the Space Sector and Mission Enabling Products business unit.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions focusing on leadership, team management, problem-solving, and operational efficiency. Be ready to articulate your management philosophy and how you align with Northrop Grumman's values.

⚠️ 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.