Manager Software Engineering 1
Northrop Grumman
- Location
- United States-Colorado-Aurora
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Entry
- Salary
- $133k – $199.6k/yr
- Posted
- Sep 3, 2026
Skills
About this role
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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 is seeking a forward‑thinking leader to join the engineering team in Aurora, Colorado as a Functional Software Engineering Manager Level 1. The selected individual’s primary role will be in a technical execution capacity for a program performing out of Aurora while also being accountable for managing a diverse group of 12‑15 early career direct reports across the SW Engineering organization (SW, DevOps, AI/ML). This dual‑track role blends technical execution with people leadership and will report directly to the SW Department Manager.
Core Responsibilities
Team Coaching & Development – Lead, mentor, and grow a team of software, DevOps, and AI engineers; hold regular 1:1s, staff meetings, and career‑development workshops. Identify and develop top performing talent across the organization. Staffing & Talent Acquisition – Own the full hiring lifecycle: workforce planning, recruiting (including external hires), re‑assignment, onboarding, and retention strategies. AI Solution Development – Help identify and implement AI solutions to accelerate daily tasks, improve organizational effectiveness, and drive data-driven talent development. Drive organization‑wide standardization and promote its adoption. Performance Management – Set clear goals, conduct performance assessments, coordinate compensation reviews, and recognize high‑impact contributions. Process Rigor – Enforce engineering‐process standards, agile/lean practices, and continuous‑improvement initiatives. Employee Relations – Partner with HR Business Partner on HR matters, resolve personnel issues, and ensure compliance with corporate policies (goal setting, performance reviews, etc.).
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in STEM related discipline and a minimum of 6 years related experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI Engineering; Master's degree and 4 years of related experience; or a PhD and 3 years of related experience Active Top-Secret clearance and SCI eligibility required at time of application Minimum of 3 years direct technical execution experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI/ML related position Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment Effective verbal and written communication skills Strong practical knowledge of Engineering Processes and Leadership Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate with positive outcome Experience working with both internal and external customers and partners Preferred Qualifications: Team leadership such as IPT lead or equivalent role Experience with Business Development and capture-related activities Breadth of software engineering lifecycle experience Strong understanding of agile principles as well as other lean methodologies Experience working with system requirements and architecture Experience with DoD programs and processes Primary Level Salary Range: $133,000.00 - $199,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman