Hardware technician Jobs in Pasadena, CA

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: 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 Defense Systems is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineering Manager to lead the Hardware Engineering function for the Advanced Weapons Business Unit (AW BU) in Northridge, CA . Reporting to the AWBU Senior Director of Engineering, this senior manager role is critical for executing advanced hardware initiatives that deliver innovative, high-performance solutions to support our defense programs, while ensuring close alignment with the Hardware Product Line leader.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and managerial leadership for a diverse, cross discipline hardware engineering team encompassing electrical, mechanical, programmable logic and production engineering functions.

• Oversee the development, design, and integration of advanced hardware products while ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, and quality targets.

• Drive continuous process improvement by implementing best practices, advanced engineering tools, and robust design methodologies to optimize product development and execution.

• Manage resource planning, team assignments, and departmental budgets to align with program requirements and strategic objectives.

• Monitor engineering performance using key metrics, proactively address technical challenges, and implement corrective actions to maintain high-quality standards.

• Collaborate closely with cross functional teams—including program management, operations, and customer support—to resolve issues and drive seamless project execution.

• Work collaboratively with the Hardware Product Line Engineering Fellow to ensure alignment in metrics, issue tracking, standardized processes, and product line strategy across Advanced Weapons programs.

• Serve as a technical advisor during customer and executive engagements, effectively communicating design progress, risk assessments, and technical challenges.

• Mentor and develop team members through performance management, career development initiatives, and targeted training programs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or a closely related technical field.

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in hardware engineering or product development, with a strong background in complex design and integration.

• At least 5 years of management or leadership experience overseeing engineering teams.

• Proven proficiency in technical problem solving, including root cause analysis, corrective action development, and implementation.

• Demonstrated success in managing complex engineering projects that meet cost, schedule, and quality objectives.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels.

• U.S. Citizenship required and the ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret clearance, with eligibility for a DoD Top Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• Experience leading diverse hardware engineering teams in the aerospace, defense, or related high-technology industries.

• Prior exposure to digital transformation initiatives and modern engineering methodologies.

• Familiarity with project management tools and techniques such as Earned Value Management and Integrated Master Scheduling.

• Proven track record of influencing technical strategy and driving team success in a dynamic, evidence-based environment.

Primary Level Salary Range: $193,000.00 - $289,600.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.