Optical Engineering Manager 1

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Chandler
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time 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. Northrop Grumman Chandler Launch Vehicles business unit is looking for a motivated Optical Engineering Manager 1 to lead the optical system level design engineering, modeling and algorithm development, integration, and test of launch vehicles. The Optical Engineering Manager will work with the Advanced Weapons Program Managers and lead engineers that are part of the optical subgroup to coordinate and support the day-to-day activities of the optical engineering team assigned to the respective program and will also act as a technical lead, technical contributor, or technical consultant on various projects. The optical engineering manager will also focus attention on the career development needs of the team members. The team supports all aspects of optical system level vehicle design, integration, and test using a wide range of optical products. Key Responsibilities Include: Work with program managers and engineering leads to ensuring the right people, processes, and tools are in place to meet the business needs. Work with electro-optical engineering leads to help oversee the supervision of engineering activity and work products, workload management, and performance management processes. Function as a key contributor, managing assigned responsibilities and directing the projects of the leads and engineers to accomplish goals. Spend a high percentage of available work time each week, accomplishing direct tasks on the program. Plan manpower requirements as well as conduct quarterly and annual performance reviews of staff Identify, manage and grow the critical skills development process for the design team Motivates team; actively, effectively participates and contributes in a positive manner. Train and mentor early career engineers in Optical Engineering and test standards. Makes an extra effort to provide quality internal and external customer service Work with the engineering team to identify causes of problems and develop solutions. Help to establish standard EO processes, procedures and command media to ensure direct reports can follow. Evaluating and implementing Lean/agile solutions to decrease cycle times Identify and/or lead continuous improvement activities within the department Technical Skills Understanding and application of the business unit electro-optical engineering technical standards. Broad technical understanding and working knowledge of other related disciplines. Strong technical writing skills Familiar with Root Cause and Fault Trees analyses. Perform data analysis to identify trends in system performance or processes that may indicate poor performance or degradation and then suggest methods to intercept and mitigate the degradation Basic Qualifications: Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and five (5) years of related experience. Or three (3) years and a master’s degree in electrical engineering. Strong leadership, influence, and people management skills Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to effectively communicate to all levels of employees, management and customers Preferred Qualifications: Experience as technical manager, lead, or other similar leadership role with team building, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Experience working on space systems/launch vehicles is a plus. Problem-solving experience in a team environment Interest in mentoring/teaching/growing early career engineers Ability to multi-task and apply good time management Able to exercise influence and lead team to success Ability to make independent decisions, be self-motivated, possess excellent communications skills, detail-oriented, and team player Demonstrated effectiveness in managing internal relationships, prioritization, and delegation Primary Level Salary Range: $114,900.00 - $172,300.00 The 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Goodyear , Optical Engineering Manager 1, Engineering , Chandler, Arizona