Lead and develop a 15–20 person software/DevOps/AI engineering organization: hiring, coaching, performance management, process enforcement (agile/lean), AI solution adoption, program support, and business development collaboration while ensuring compliance and stakeholder engagement.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 2. The selected individual will be tasked with developing high‑performing Software and DevOps teams while driving initiatives across the organization. This dual‑track role blends people‑leadership with direct execution supporting strategic engineering projects, business‑development (BD), and ensuring program performance. The manager will report directly to the SW Department Manager and will be accountable for a diverse group of 15‑20 engineers across the SW Engineering organization (SW, DevOps, AI/ML).
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 8 years related experience in Software Engineering, DevOps, or AI Engineering; Master's degree and 6 years of related experience; or a PhD and 4 years of related experience
- Active Top-Secret clearance and SCI eligibility required at time of application
- Minimum of 5 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 Process and Management
- Ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate with positive outcome
- Experience working with both internal and external customers and partners
Preferred Qualifications:
- Direct supervisory experience and/or significant team leadership such as IPT or equivalent role; Functional management experience
- Experience with Business Development and capture-related activities
- Process improvement experience
- Breadth of software engineering lifecycle experience on large or small programs
- Strong understanding of agile principles as well as other lean methodologies
- Experience working with system requirements and architecture
- Experience with DoD programs and processes
Similar Jobs
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
Manage and lead a software engineering team (up to 15 direct reports) for the DARC program. Contribute as IC or product owner, direct development, integration, testing, sustainment, and process improvements. Collaborate with cross-functional leads, support hiring, staffing, career development, proposals, labor estimates, performance management, and brief program/customer leadership. Work onsite on a 9/80 schedule; requires active Secret clearance.
Top Skills:
AgileC++ConfluenceDevsecopsJavaJavaScriptJIRAMbseMicroservicesPythonRedhat Linux
Cloud • Fintech • Software • Business Intelligence • Consulting • Financial Services
Serve as Financial Reporting Manager for FQHC healthcare clients: deliver financial reports and KPIs, support budgeting/forecasting and cash flow modeling, provide technical accounting guidance, lead and mentor staff, collaborate with advisory teams, support client onboarding and system setup, improve processes, and assist with technology integrations and training. Travel up to 10%.
Top Skills:
IntacctMicrosoft Office SuiteNetSuiteQuickbooks
Fintech • Financial Services
Support branch operations and customer experience by processing teller transactions, resolving operational issues, escalating complaints, educating customers on digital solutions, assisting branch managers with scheduling, and enforcing compliance and risk controls.
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute


