Northrop Grumman is seeking a forward‑thinking leader to join the engineering team in Aurora, Colorado as a Functional Software Engineering Manager Level 1. The selected individual’s primary role will be in a technical execution capacity for a program performing out of Aurora while also being accountable for managing a diverse group of 12‑15 early career direct reports across the SW Engineering organization (SW, DevOps, AI/ML). This dual‑track role blends technical execution with people leadership and will report directly to the SW Department Manager.
Core Responsibilities
- Team Coaching & Development – Lead, mentor, and grow a team of software, DevOps, and AI engineers; hold regular 1:1s, staff meetings, and career‑development workshops. Identify and develop top performing talent across the organization.
- Staffing & Talent Acquisition – Own the full hiring lifecycle: workforce planning, recruiting (including external hires), re‑assignment, onboarding, and retention strategies.
- AI Solution Development – Help identify and implement AI solutions to accelerate daily tasks, improve organizational effectiveness, and drive data-driven talent development. Drive organization‑wide standardization and promote its adoption.
- Performance Management – Set clear goals, conduct performance assessments, coordinate compensation reviews, and recognize high‑impact contributions.
- Process Rigor – Enforce engineering‐process standards, agile/lean practices, and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
- Employee Relations – Partner with HR Business Partner on HR matters, resolve personnel issues, and ensure compliance with corporate policies (goal setting, performance reviews, etc.).
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in STEM related discipline and a minimum of 6 years related experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI Engineering; Master's degree and 4 years of related experience; or a PhD and 3 years of related experience
- Active Top-Secret clearance and SCI eligibility required at time of application
- Minimum of 3 years direct technical execution experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI/ML related position
- Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Strong practical knowledge of Engineering Processes and Leadership
- Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate with positive outcome
- Experience working with both internal and external customers and partners
Preferred Qualifications:
- Team leadership such as IPT lead or equivalent role
- Experience with Business Development and capture-related activities
- Breadth of software engineering lifecycle experience
- Strong understanding of agile principles as well as other lean methodologies
- Experience working with system requirements and architecture
- Experience with DoD programs and processes
Primary Level Salary Range: $133,000.00 - $199,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related discipline and 6 years of related experience; alternatively, a master’s degree with 4 years or a PhD with 3 years
- Active Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility at the time of application
- At least 3 years of direct technical execution experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI/ML
- Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Strong practical knowledge of engineering processes and leadership
- Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate positive outcomes
- Experience working with internal and external customers and partners
- Team leadership experience, such as IPT lead or equivalent
- Business development and capture-related experience
- Broad software engineering lifecycle experience
- Strong understanding of agile principles and lean methodologies
- Experience with system requirements and architecture
- Experience with DoD programs and processes
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.








