Description:
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
The Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) sector designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. Our main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures.
Are you ready to #definepossible in your next career growth opportunity as a Manager 2 of Special Test Equipment team. If so, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems in Plymouth, MN may be the employer for you!
Position Summary and Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a team of 8 to 12 engineers responsible for research, design, integration, and validation of Test Equipment and test processes for development and production programs covering several business units and sectors.
- Management responsibilities include technology development, talent development, staffing, workload planning, process improvement, capital and expense budgets, software tool planning and management, and accountability for team performance.
- The Special Test Equipment (STE) Manager will utilize their emotional intelligence to lead, coach, motivate and direct a high performing engineering team to accomplish project deliverables and strategic objectives, drive timely decision making, and maintain development and succession plans for team members.
- The STE Manager has full working knowledge of procedures and practices. Direct work involvement is required to oversee projects and tasks assigned to the organizational group.
- Responsible for the integration of the techniques of Design for Testability into all new products, as well as the product test strategy for the prototype builds and full-rate production.
- Initiate continuous improvement activities to create high quality and efficient processes.
- Support technology growth through identification of potential innovations, technology roadmap modifications, and proposal preparation. Increase the understanding and use of standardization to offer a higher return on investment (ROI).
- Present deliverables at program technical reviews, proposal reviews, or other technical meetings.
Basic Qualifications:
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret level security clearance after starting employment. (US Citizenship Required)
- Bachelors degree in a STEM field & 8+ years of related experience, OR a Masters degree & 6 years of related experience
- 4+ years proven experience in Special Test Equipment (STE) related jobs linked to development and/or production testing using Automated Test Equipment (ATE), In-Circuit testing (ICT), and functional Design Validation Testing (DVT), circuit card level and fully assembled product testing.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in leading cross-functional technical teams. Demonstrated experience in leading personnel, including high performance and experienced engineers.
- Experience in cost estimating task as well as authoring and approving Basis of Estimates (BOEs) for Proposals.
- Multi-disciplinary engineering experience desired. Electrical, software, mechanical.
- Familiarity or experience with development of test fixtures for products to simulate real world environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- BS degree in Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering, MS preferred.
- Current & active DoD security clearance
- Experience in military, space or medical product development, transition from Technology Development to Early Manufacturing Development (EMD), and Rate Production and product life-cycle engineering.
- Advanced level of understanding in a specialized electrical engineering field or general understanding of several diverse electrical engineering disciplines.
- LabVIEW and Test Stand programming experience. Object Oriented Programming (OOP) is a plus.
- Knowledge in Electrical and Functional Testers with: Interfaces, Pneumatic Systems, Communication protocols, PXI and GPIB instruments test platforms.
- Some experience in Project and Cost Account management techniques using Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
- Familiarity or experience with RF and MMW radar testing processes
- Demonstrated history of technical progression leading to engineering leadership position.
- Experience with the design and developing PWB layouts is a plus.
- Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, presentation) across all levels of the organization. Proven partnership/collaboration skills and ability to partner with cross disciplines.
Skills Required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance after starting employment
- U.S. citizenship
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 8+ years of related experience, or a master’s degree and 6 years of related experience
- 4+ years of experience in Special Test Equipment roles supporting development or production testing
- Experience with Automated Test Equipment, In-Circuit Testing, Design Validation Testing, circuit-card testing, and fully assembled product testing
- At least 2 years of experience leading cross-functional technical teams
- Experience leading personnel, including high-performing and experienced engineers
- Experience with cost estimating and authoring or approving Basis of Estimates for proposals
- Multi-disciplinary engineering experience in electrical, software, or mechanical engineering
- Experience developing test fixtures that simulate real-world product environments
- Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering
- Current and active DoD security clearance
- Experience with military, space, or medical product development and product lifecycle engineering
- Advanced knowledge of a specialized electrical engineering field or broad knowledge of multiple electrical engineering disciplines
- LabVIEW and TestStand programming experience; object-oriented programming experience is a plus
- Knowledge of electrical and functional testers, interfaces, pneumatic systems, communication protocols, PXI, and GPIB platforms
- Experience with project and cost account management using Earned Value Management Systems
- Familiarity with RF and MMW radar testing processes
- Experience designing and developing PWB layouts
- Exceptional verbal, written, presentation, communication, and cross-disciplinary collaboration 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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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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.







