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Aerospace Engineering Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Aerospace Engineering Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.9K

$151.3K

$179.2K

How much do aerospace engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineering manager in Chicago, IL is $151,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerospace engineering manager do?

An Aerospace Engineering Manager oversees teams of engineers and technicians who design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. Their responsibilities include managing projects, coordinating with other departments, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and meeting deadlines and budgets. They also play a key role in hiring, training, and evaluating staff, as well as communicating technical information to non-technical stakeholders. This position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and excellent organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace engineering manager?

To thrive as an Aerospace Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and project management systems like MS Project is essential, as well as relevant certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively guide multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring successful project delivery, compliance with industry standards, and innovation within the aerospace sector.

What are some common challenges faced by aerospace engineering managers when leading cross-functional teams?

Aerospace Engineering Managers often work with cross-functional teams that include engineers, designers, supply chain specialists, and quality assurance professionals. One common challenge is aligning diverse technical perspectives and priorities toward shared project goals while maintaining deadlines and compliance with rigorous industry regulations. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are crucial to navigate complex projects and ensure that all team members are working cohesively. Additionally, managing rapidly advancing technologies and integrating new systems across departments requires adaptability and continuous learning.

What is the difference between Aerospace Engineering Manager vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAerospace Engineering ManagerAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, often with management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, oversees design and development processesDesigns, analyzes, and tests aerospace systems and components
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in aerospace companies, government agencies, and defense contractorsFound in similar settings, focusing on technical tasks

The main difference is that an Aerospace Engineering Manager oversees teams and projects, focusing on leadership and management, while an Aerospace Engineer concentrates on technical design and analysis. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and are integral to aerospace development, but their responsibilities and focus areas differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Aerospace Engineering Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Aerospace Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Aerospace Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineering Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,295 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Manager 2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$153K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman is looking for a Mechanical Engineering Manager 2 in Hardware Engineering within the Mission Systems Sector that will play a key role in the mission to protect our military personnel. The Hardware Engineering organization is dedicated to consistently providing high quality product designs in support of multiple product areas. The RF Business Unit Mechanical team provides concept-to-production development, test, and integration for all types Systems including circuit card assemblies to Line Replaceable Units (LRU).
The Mechanical Engineering Manager 2 will have relevant experience in one or more of the following disciplines: mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, systems engineering, integration & test, electrical engineering, or hardware engineering. The candidate should be familiar with manufacturing and procurement.
Responsibilities include the ability to oversee project execution, maintain staffing across multiple programs, monitor and improve design processes, provide collaboration internal and external to the Hardware Engineering (HWE) organization, as well as training and development of the engineering staff.
A Mechanical Engineering Manager 2 will have demonstrated highly ethical behavior, and will have developed strong leadership, project management, and communication skills. He or she will have demonstrated success in leading teams, overseeing project execution, and representing the organization as a prime point of contact for internal stakeholders and external customers.
#MSRMTA
This position will be full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location
Basic Qualifications:
• BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar discipline and minimum 8 years relevant experience; or MS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace or similar discipline with minimum 6 years relevant experience
• Demonstrated success in leading, collaborating, and building teams on complex technical projects
• Demonstrated interest in process improvement initiatives
• Must possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of management and individual contributors
• Must have people management experience prior
• US Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
• An advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Working knowledge of mechanical engineering circuit card assembly development
• Prior success in leading and developing technical staff - discipline or IPT lead levels are acceptable
Primary Level Salary Range: $153,800.00 - $230,800.00
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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939