Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Director of Design Engineering 1 to lead the Strategic Deterrent Systems (SDS) Division Engineering Functional Homeroom organization with an emphasis on Mechanical Design and Analysis. This position will be located in Roy UT, Huntsville AL, Colorado Springs CO or Manhattan Beach CA. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
This role requires a strong Design Engineering background and a solid understanding of Analysis fundamentals and best practices. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing, optimizing, and driving standardized engineering processes, tools, and technical training resources across the Division’s portfolio. This includes the optimization of Common Product Lifecycle Management (CPLM) systems, Product Data Package / Analysis Data Product Quality and release Velocity. In this dynamic role, you will lead a cross functional team to achieve balance in Technical Rigor by Empowering Teams. You will optimize execution of business outcomes by establishing strategic Program Partnerships and leveraging data-driven management best practices to ensure consistency and excellence across a nationally dispersed team of experts.
What You Will Get To Do
• Drive design engineering execution across the SDS Division portfolio of programs while reporting to the Strategic Deterrent Systems Division’s Engineering and Manufacturing Operations organization.
• Lead Mechanical Design and Analysis functions, directing integrated processes that cover the complete product lifecycle—from concept to product data package release—ensuring superior quality and optimized release velocity.
• Establish and direct the implementation of standardized design engineering practices and tools across the SDS Division, incorporating consistent PLM systems and techniques across nationally dispersed teams and multiple subcontractor sites.
• Manage all aspects of process development, training, and technical resource development across mission/weapon system engineering, subsystem/component design, nuclear surety, and SDS-specific processes and enablers.
• Optimize product data package and analysis data product throughput and quality by implementing best practices and leveraging data-driven management dashboards that track key performance indicators.
• Develop and nurture Strategic Program Partnerships with product/program leadership, facilitating collaborative solutions and integrating systems engineering priorities into the design process.
• Balance technical rigor with program execution by creating high-performing, accountable teams that are empowered to navigate ambiguity, drive clarity, and achieve excellence across the design engineering and analysis disciplines.
A Successful Candidate For This Role Will
• Excel at organization, managing a concurrent span of control over Mechanical Design and Analysis functions while navigating ambiguity and driving clarity across diverse teams.
• Exhibit a sense of urgency, ownership, and accountability in managing complex technical programs, ensuring that engineering processes deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Demonstrate a commitment to developing a purposeful organizational culture at both individual and team levels, with a strong focus on professional development and cross-functional collaboration.
• Possess hands-on expertise in one or more engineering disciplines, serving as a trusted advisor to solve complex problems and make sound technical decisions.
• Communicate effectively and inspire teams through clear, precise, and influential verbal and written communication skills.
Position Benefits:
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401k
- Educational Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
- Paid Time Off
- Health & Wellness Resources
- Employee Discounts
This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
You’ll Bring These Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of related experience or Masters Degree and 8 years of related experience
• Experience in a formal management position
• At least 3+ years of experience managing technical, high-complexity programs, including:
• Experience in optimizing Common Product Lifecycle Management systems to drive Product Data Package / Analysis Data Product quality and release velocity.
• U.S. Citizenship with an Active Secret Clearance (investigation date/periodic review within the last 5 years) and the ability to obtain program special access.
These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have
• Master’s degree or higher in Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience establishing a new organization function and/or leading a major change initiative.
• Active Top Secret clearance.
• Experience with ICBM or complex aerospace systems.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and advanced design engineering/Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools.
• Prior experience interfacing with prime contractor site leads and USAF leadership personnel.
• Proven track record in leading performance tasks on schedule, within cost constraints, and achieving all requirements as a project lead, integrated program team member, or cost account manager.
This role is ideal for an experienced leader who excels at balancing technical acuity with empowered team management, and who leverages data-driven tools to drive optimal business outcomes across design engineering operations and beyond.