Test Engineering Manager 2

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company known for its innovative contributions to revolutionary systems that impact lives worldwide today and for generations to come. The company has been at the forefront of technological advancements in the nation’s history, from pioneering the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean to developing stealth bombers and contributing to moon landings. Northrop Grumman fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and a pioneering spirit, encouraging employees to bring their whole selves to work and embrace challenges that others might consider impossible. At Northrop Grumman, employees don't just become part of history; they actively make history through their efforts.

Located within the Space Sector of Northrop Grumman, the Mission Enabling Products (MEP) Business Unit is instrumental in designing, building, and delivering space, defense, and aviation-related systems to customers globally. Their portfolio includes satellites, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, missile products, defense electronics, precision weapons, armament systems, and advanced aerospace structures. The team is committed to advancing the boundaries of space technology and defense capabilities.

The Test Engineering Manager 2 position is based in Oxnard, CA and plays a critical role in supporting key space missions. This leadership role involves managing a diverse and skilled team of approximately 15-20 test engineers and technicians who are responsible for space hardware testing across multiple programs. The manager balances functional team leadership responsibilities such as staffing, performance reviews, and mentoring with direct program-level support to ensure that test engineering objectives are met on time and within budget. Roughly 20 percent of the role's focus is dedicated to functional management, with the remaining 80 percent providing hands-on engineering management and technical expertise to deliver exceptional results.

In this role, the Test Engineering Manager 2 ensures all test activities align with stringent program cost, schedule, and quality requirements. They provide technical oversight for test engineering deliverables including procedures and ground support equipment (GSE) requirements, and ensure product and test readiness meet rigorous standards. They act as the primary technical liaison between test engineering, system engineering, design engineering, and other interdisciplinary groups to promptly resolve any test-related issues and maintain seamless program execution.

Additional responsibilities include developing and implementing staffing strategies, setting clear performance goals, delivering regular feedback, conducting performance reviews, supporting salary review processes, and fostering a high-performance culture of accountability and empowerment within the team. The manager also supports continuous improvement initiatives including Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations and Failure Review Board (FRB) processes to drive rapid resolution of issues.

Candidates for this role must have a strong background in aerospace and defense space hardware testing, leadership experience, and the ability to manage multiple shift schedules including oversight of 24/7 technician support. This position offers a competitive salary range of $146,600 to $219,800 and may also include eligibility for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and long-term incentives. Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and more to support employee well-being and career growth.

This is a unique opportunity for engineering leaders passionate about space technology and mission success to contribute to a secure future while working for a renowned leader in aerospace and defense innovation.