We are looking for you to join our team as a Systems Engineering Section Manager based in McClellan, CA.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a dynamic Systems Engineering Section Manager to lead a high‑performing team of Systems Engineers. The role reports to the Department Manager (20 % of the time) for functional staff management and spends the remaining 80 % executing the technical Statement of Work.
This is an on‑site position in McClellan, CA and will eventually require a current TS/SCI clearance.
What You'll Get to Do:
Key Responsibilities
- Resource Planning & Staffing – Forecast engineering manpower, allocate resources to meet program schedules, and adjust staffing plans as demand changes.
- Talent Development – Build mentorship programs, identify growth opportunities, and support career progression for team members.
- Performance Management – Set clear goals, gather continuous feedback, conduct annual performance reviews, administer compensation decisions, and resolve personnel issues.
- Strategic Vision & Execution – Translate the department’s strategic plan into actionable objectives; champion a growth‑mindset culture.
- Program Review Support – Prepare functional responses for System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR), and other milestones; contribute technical content to proposals and bid packages.
- Personnel Management – Authorize work assignments, lead recruitment efforts, and manage hiring, onboarding, and salary reviews for section staff.
- Cross‑Functional Coordination – Align engineering activities with broader functional initiatives, enforce consistent standards, and disseminate best practices across the organization.
Basic Qualifications
- Education & Experience – Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and at least 9 years of systems, aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering experience OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and at least 7 years of relevant experience.
- Systems Engineering Expertise – Recent, demonstrable experience applying modern systems‑engineering processes (e.g., requirement management, verification & validation, risk management; integration and test)
- Security Clearance – Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced STEM degree (Ph.D. or specialized M.S.).
- Prior leadership experience in systems engineering, managing a team of five or more engineers.
- Familiarity with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) and its application to aerospace programs.
- Experience working in a military aerospace development environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable interfacing with all levels of staff and senior leadership.
- Active TS/SCI clearance.
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the
flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including: Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Primary Level Salary Range: $161,100.00 - $241,700.00The 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 discipline and at least 9 years of systems, aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering experience OR Master's degree in a STEM discipline and at least 7 years of relevant experience
- Recent, demonstrable experience applying modern systems-engineering processes (requirements management, verification & validation, risk management, integration and test)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
- U.S. Citizenship (required for positions with government clearance)
- On-site work in McClellan, CA
- Advanced STEM degree (Ph.D. or specialized M.S.)
- Prior leadership experience in systems engineering, managing a team of five or more engineers
- Familiarity with Earned Value Management System (EVMS)
- Experience working in a military aerospace development environment
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
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.





