> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3729256-hardware-test-engineering-manager-2](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3729256-hardware-test-engineering-manager-2). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Hardware Test Engineering Manager 2 - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Goleta, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $146,600.0 - $219,800.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Systems Engineering, Test Execution Engine, Hardware Testing - **Published:** October 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9240763/hardware-test-engineering-manager-2 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 6+ years of engineering experience * Experience with testing space hardware in the aerospace and defense industry * Experience in leading, mentoring, and developing engineering teams to deliver technical solutions, within cost and schedule constraints * Knowledge of workforce and resource planning, including allocating resources across programs, managing workloads and priorities, and forecasting staffing needs * Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance, * Prior leadership experience in Functional Management * Demonstrated experience in environmental (thermal cycling and vibration) and deployment testing of space hardware * Hands on experience with Earned Value Management (EVMS), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), and Basis of Estimate (BOE) development. * Direct involvement in the System Engineering Technical Review process (SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR). * Strong background in technical planning, risk & opportunity management, and driving project outcomes across cost, schedule, and technical quality. * Experience partnering with customers to negotiate test requirements and ensure mutual alignment. ## Description The Hardware Test Engineering Manager 2 leads a diverse team of test engineers and technicians, ensuring the test needs of multiple programs are met. This role blends functional management (staffing, performance reviews) with program-level support (delivering test engineering products that satisfy cost and schedule objectives). The selected candidate will lead a group of approximately 10-15 engineers and technicians responsible for space hardware testing. The selected candidate is expected to dedicate approximately 20% of their time to functional responsibilities, with the remaining time focused on providing direct support to various space programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Program Test Engineering Management * Direct test engineers and technicians assigned to concurrent space programs * Ensure that day to day test execution aligns with program cost and schedule goals * Provide technical oversight to guarantee the quality of all test engineering deliverables, i.e. procedures and GSE requirements. * Ensure product and test readiness to meet rigorous program standards and deliverables. * Serve as the primary technical liaison between test engineering and system, design, and other engineering groups to resolve test-related issues. Functional Test Engineering Management * Define and execute staffing strategies for test engineers and technicians * Set clear performance goals, deliver regular feedback, and conduct performance reviews * Support the annual salary review process. * Enforce, refine, and improve Test Engineering processes. * Foster a culture that empowers individuals, promotes high performance, and establishes shared accountability with program teams * Occasionally contribute to proposal activities, continuous-improvement initiatives, Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) and Failure Review Board (FRB) investigations * Driving to rapid resolution and effective corrective actions The successful candidate must also be able to support multiple shift schedules (including 1st and/or 2nd shift) and supervise technicians who operate on a 24/7 schedule.