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Engineer Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Program Manager JD What's in it for you? * Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1 * 401(k) with 4% match, vests immediately after a 90-day waiting period

Engineering Program Manager JD What's in it for you? * Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1 * 401(k) with 4% match, vests immediately after a 90-day waiting period

Be the Bar we set our own standard of excellence and hold ourselves to it What You Will Do As an Engineering Program Manager, you will be responsible for driving execution of our product development ...

Bachelor's degree in Business , Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Program Management, Computer Science, or a related field. Experience (Required) * Minimum 6 years of experience ...

Program Manager

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

This Program Manager will: * Lead and manage Simultaneous Product and Process Development (SPPD ... Communicate regularly with all functional areas, including engineering, sales, marketing and supply ...

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Project Management, or related field * 5+ years' experience in Project/ Program Management * 5+ years managing multi-year, complex regulated projects/programs We ...

... engineering, service desk operations, and end-user support. The Program Manager will serve as the primary contractor point of contact and provide strategic leadership to ensure successful program ...

New

Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Project Management, or related field * 5+ years' experience in Project/ Program Management * 5+ years managing multi-year, complex regulated projects/programs We ...

Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Work closely with Engineering teams to understand technical requirements, constraints, and risks associated with new technologies and design approaches * Translate technical concepts and trade-offs ...

Work closely with Engineering teams to understand technical requirements, constraints, and risks associated with new technologies and design approaches * Translate technical concepts and trade-offs ...

Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Work closely with Engineering teams to understand technical requirements, constraints, and risks associated with new technologies and design approaches * Translate technical concepts and trade-offs ...

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Showing results 1-20

Engineer Program Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$86.5K

$130.4K

$134.9K

How much do engineer program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer program manager in Chicago, IL is $130,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,900.00 and $132,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineer Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineer Program Manager, you need a solid engineering background, project management expertise, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field, often with PMP or similar certification. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, JIRA, or Asana, and technical documentation tools is essential. Outstanding leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These abilities are crucial for delivering complex engineering projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards.

How does an Engineer Program Manager typically collaborate with engineering and cross-functional teams during a project?

As an Engineer Program Manager, you will act as a bridge between engineering teams and other departments such as product management, quality assurance, and operations. You’ll facilitate clear communication, set project expectations, and help resolve roadblocks to keep projects on track. Regular meetings, progress updates, and documentation are common practices to ensure alignment and accountability. Your ability to balance technical understanding with project management skills is crucial in driving successful outcomes.

What is an Engineer Program Manager?

An Engineer Program Manager (EPM) is a professional who oversees and coordinates engineering projects from conception through completion. They work closely with engineering teams, stakeholders, and other departments to ensure that technical projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. EPMs manage schedules, resolve issues, and facilitate communication between different teams to keep projects on track. Their role often blends technical expertise with project management skills, making them essential for successful engineering initiatives.

What is the difference between Engineer Program Manager vs Software Engineer?

AspectEngineer Program ManagerSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Project Management certifications (e.g., PMP)Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, project planning, stakeholder communicationDesign, develop, test software applications
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, product developmentSoftware companies, tech startups, IT departments

The main difference is that Engineer Program Managers focus on overseeing projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring timely delivery, while Software Engineers primarily develop and implement software solutions. Both roles often collaborate closely but serve distinct functions within tech organizations.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Engineer Program Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Engineer Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Engineer Program Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,416 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Engineering Program Manager

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
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.
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.
We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.
The Engineering Program Manager (EPM) is responsible for leading end-to-end engineering execution across the full program lifecycle. The EPM ensures the integrated engineering team delivers on cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role works in close partnership with the Program Manager and Chief Engineer to drive program success and meet commitments. EPMs are essential to strengthening how we execute-bringing consistency, rigor, and visibility across all engineering efforts on a program.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead engineering execution across the entire program lifecycle (capture through delivery)
  • Drive cost, schedule, and technical performance with disciplined execution
  • Integrate across all engineering functions and partner organizations (GSC, MFG, MA) to ensure cohesive program alignment
  • Enable data-informed decisions using program metrics and performance indicators
  • Ensure adherence and appropriate rigor to all engineering processes
  • Partner with Program Managers and Chief Engineers to align technical scope, staffing, and execution plans
  • Identify, communicate, and mitigate risks and issues early
  • Drive milestone reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) with clear entry/exit criteria and readiness

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
Basic Qualifications for Engineering Program Manager:
  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or other STEM field with 12+ years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 10+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 8+ years of related experience
  • 5+ years of related engineering experience working in an engineering organization at a defense contractor during EMD and/or LRIP phases
  • Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass hardware, software, and firmware
  • Experience in development and Earned Value Management (EVM) of cost accounts and schedules
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Program Manager:
  • Experience using metrics to drive decisions and program outcomes
  • Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills including presentation experience briefing senior levels of leadership, both internal and external
  • 9+ years engineering experience, including 5+ years leading multi discipline engineering teams
  • Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal / requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems
  • Experience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
  • Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
  • Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Enterprise Architect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification cross-reference artifacts
  • Strong understanding of engineering execution across the full program lifecycle (beyond task tracking or a single discipline)
  • Proven ability to collaborate across functions, sites, and stakeholders
  • Familiarity with Northrop Grumman processes and operating procedures
  • CAM certification with experience in ETCs and CEACs (or demonstrated experience performing CAM responsibilities)
  • Demonstrated success guiding teams through proposals and Basis of Estimate (BOE) generation, program planning including start-up, Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs), milestone or gate reviews and through all execution phases
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00
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.

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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