Software Engineer 2

About the CompanyNorthrop Grumman is a leading aerospace and defense technology company developing advanced systems and solutions that support national security and critical missions. The company brings together engineers, technologists, and technical leaders to solve complex challenges across defense and aerospace programs.About the RoleNorthrop Grumman is seeking a forward-thinking Functional Software Engineering Manager Level 2 to join its engineering organization in Aurora, Colorado.This is a dual-track leadership position combining technical execution with people management. The selected candidate will hold a direct technical program role while also managing a diverse group of engineering professionals across Software Engineering, DevOps, and AI/ML.The manager will report directly to the Software Engineering Department Manager and will be responsible for developing technical talent, supporting staffing and workforce planning, improving engineering processes, and helping identify AI solutions that improve organizational effectiveness.A direct program position is required prior to starting this functional management role.Core ResponsibilitiesTeam Coaching & DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop software, DevOps, and AI/ML engineering professionals.Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and staff meetings.Support career development and professional growth initiatives.Identify high-performing talent and develop future technical leaders.Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing engineering culture.Staffing & Talent ManagementOwn workforce planning and staffing activities across the organization.Support recruiting and external hiring initiatives.Manage employee reassignment and onboarding activities.Develop strategies that support employee engagement and retention.Align workforce capabilities with current and future program requirements.AI Solution DevelopmentIdentify opportunities to apply AI solutions to improve engineering and organizational workflows.Help implement AI-enabled solutions that accelerate daily tasks and improve organizational effectiveness.Promote data-driven approaches to talent development and workforce management.Drive standardization of successful AI solutions and encourage adoption across the organization.Performance ManagementEstablish clear goals and performance expectations.Conduct performance assessments and provide ongoing feedback.Coordinate compensation review activities.Recognize and support high-impact employee contributions.Address performance and development opportunities in partnership with employees and leadership.Engineering Process & Continuous ImprovementEnforce engineering process standards across assigned teams.Promote Agile, Lean, and continuous improvement practices.Identify opportunities to improve engineering workflows and organizational efficiency.Encourage consistent application of engineering management best practices.Employee RelationsPartner with Human Resources Business Partners on employee-related matters.Help resolve personnel issues and workplace conflicts.Ensure compliance with corporate policies and management processes.Support organizational requirements related to goal setting, performance reviews, and employee development.Basic QualificationsBachelor's degree in a STEM-related discipline with at least 8 years of related experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI Engineering; orMaster's degree with at least 6 years of related experience; orPhD with at least 4 years of related experience.Active Top Secret security clearance and SCI eligibility required at the time of application.Minimum of 5 years of direct technical execution experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI/ML.Demonstrated leadership capabilities and ability to work effectively within a team environment.Strong verbal and written communication skills.Practical knowledge of engineering processes and management.Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate toward positive outcomes.Experience working with internal and external customers, partners, and stakeholders.U.S. citizenship required for positions requiring government security clearances.Preferred QualificationsDirect supervisory experience or significant team leadership experience, such as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) leadership role.Previous functional management experience.Experience supporting Business Development and capture activities.Demonstrated process improvement experience.Broad understanding of the software engineering lifecycle across programs of varying size and complexity.Strong understanding of Agile principles and Lean methodologies.Experience working with system requirements and architecture.Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs and processes.Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.Experience applying AI/ML technologies to engineering or organizational workflows.Technical & Leadership SkillsSoftware EngineeringDevOpsArtificial Intelligence & Machine LearningEngineering ManagementFunctional ManagementAgile & Lean MethodologiesSoftware Development LifecycleSystems RequirementsSystems ArchitectureProcess ImprovementWorkforce PlanningTalent DevelopmentPerformance ManagementTechnical LeadershipAI Solution AdoptionDoD Programs & ProcessesBusiness Development & CaptureSecurity & Work RequirementsActive Top Secret clearance required.SCI eligibility required at the time of application.Security clearance is required to start the position.U.S. citizenship is required for positions involving government clearance.Position is based onsite in Aurora, Colorado.Travel of approximately 10% may be required.Relocation assistance may be available, although it is not guaranteed.Compensation & BenefitsThe primary salary range for this position is:$161,100–$241,700 per yearActual compensation may vary based on the scope and responsibilities of the position, experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may also be eligible for:OvertimeShift differentialsDiscretionary bonusesHealth insuranceLife and disability insuranceSavings and retirement plansCompany-paid holidaysPaid time off (PTO)Additional employee programs and benefitsWhy Join Northrop Grumman?This position offers the opportunity to combine hands-on technical execution with engineering leadership, influencing both mission-critical programs and the development of software, DevOps, and AI/ML talent.The successful candidate will help shape engineering practices, develop technical professionals, introduce AI-driven improvements, and contribute to complex defense programs supporting national security.Equal Opportunity StatementNorthrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.