Manufacturing Operations Manager - Level 2

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager – Level 2 to join our team in Dulles, VA.      

We are seeking an experienced Functional Manufacturing Operations Manager (M2) to lead the Component Test Lab (CTL) within the Manufacturing and Operations organization. The CTL Manager will be responsible for day‑to‑day leadership of the CTL team, ownership of lab capability and readiness, and alignment of CTL test execution with program, I&T, and design engineering needs. This role will drive improvements in first‑pass success for box‑level components through disciplined test practices, robust EGSE/Test Systems, and close collaboration with design and I&T teams.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical depth in electronic/box‑level testing and EGSE/test systems with proven people leadership, operational discipline, and a continuous‑improvement mindset.

• Team and Functional Leadership: Lead, develop, and manage a team of CTL test engineers and technicians, including performance management, staffing, onboarding, and career development. Set clear expectations for safety, quality, schedule adherence, and disciplined use of lab processes and tools.
• Lab Operations, Capability, and Readiness: Own day‑to‑day CTL operations, including work prioritization, resource allocation, and staffing alignment to program demand. Ensure CTL test infrastructure (EGSE, test fixtures, equipment, software, and facilities) is maintained, calibrated, safe, and ready to support program schedules.
• Test Execution and Quality: Oversee planning and execution of box‑level and component‑level tests, ensuring compliance with requirements, procedures, and quality standards. Drive improvements in first‑pass yield for box‑level components by tightening test methodology, setup quality, and defect detection/containment practices.
• Technical Integration and EGSE/Test Systems: Provide technical leadership for CTL test systems and EGSE, including architecture, configuration, and troubleshooting of test hardware and software. Lead or support introduction of new test capabilities, automation, and tools to improve throughput, repeatability, and coverage.
• Planning, Engagement, and Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Serve as primary CTL interface to programs and senior engineering leadership, providing clear status, risks, mitigation plans, and capacity constraints. Support proposal and planning activities with realistic labor and schedule estimates for CTL work scopes.
• Continuous Improvement and Strategy: Define and track key CTL metrics (e.g., first‑pass yield, cycle time, utilization, defect sources) and drive continuous improvement initiatives based on data. Identify and prioritize investments in CTL capability (people, process, tools, and facilities) aligned with Engineering and I&T strategy.

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
• No clearance required to start
• A minimum of 5 years of Lead, supervisory or management experience in a manufacturing role.
• 2+ years of direct people leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience in box‑level or component‑level testing, including test procedure execution, test system usage, and anomaly resolution.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety, ESD/FOD controls, configuration management, and quality processes.
• Proven ability to coordinate across functions (design engineering, I&T, quality, programs) and communicate clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

• Prior experience managing or leading a test facility, or EGSE/test systems team.
• Demonstrated expertise in the following systems and concepts: MRP and IMS Scheduling, Cost Point production planning and material management tools, Windchill, TipQA, Cognos, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing and Manufacturing, Utilizing either Microsoft Project or Primavera to understand schedule and priorities.
• Experience with automated test systems, test software (e.g., LabVIEW, Python, C/C++ test frameworks), and data analysis tools.
• Experience working in space, aerospace, or defense hardware environments with formal requirements and verification processes.
• Demonstrated success improving first‑pass yield, reducing test cycle time, or enhancing test coverage through process and tooling improvements.
• Experience leading or contributing to functional Objective and Key Results, strategy, or lab capability roadmaps.

As a leader with integrity, you ensure ethical conduct, balanced results, and partner satisfaction. You respect and nurture growth, fostering a culture of excellence. Skilled in building collaborative teams and customer trust, you communicate well, foster strong teams, and embrace change.  

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

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