Design Manager Jobs in Maryland
Design Manager jobs in Maryland are concentrated in the Baltimore metro, the Washington D.C. suburbs of Montgomery and Prince George's counties, and Annapolis, where government contracting, defense technology, and healthcare anchor consistent demand. Employers like Northrop Grumman, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Leidos maintain long-standing design leadership teams in the state, hiring at every level from senior individual contributor to director-track manager. The most in-demand specialties are UX and product design management, brand and creative direction, and design systems leadership for software and federal platforms. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 31+ Design Manager jobs
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.The ideal candidate will manage a RF/Microwave design group within the Hardware Engineering organization. Emphasis is placed on leading a team of 10 – 15 RF/Microwave Circuit Card Assemblies (CCA) and tile designers and test leads that support development and production programs, and new business pursuits to ensure quality engineering solutions. Our engineering work includes full life-cycle programs including system design, development, system integration, hands on test, training, and production.
This position will report to the department manager of the Electrical Design & Technologies department within Hardware Engineering. Minimal travel is expected
Roles and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Technical leadership on a piece of a larger program
General team supervision, performance management, career development, staffing, merit planning, engagement, employee rewards and recognition, and resolving personnel issues
Provide project and technical oversight for design activities performed by the group
Strategic hiring and employee skills development, labor forecasting and execution through close collaboration with program management, and balancing employee needs with business goals
Manpower and resource assignment
Technical risk assessment and mitigation
Facilitate knowledge sharing and mentoring
Analysis of design tools, processes, and technologies needed to support strategic product plans
Maintain and ensure application of design processes and guidelines used by the department
Develop proposal inputs and review proposal content for both internal and external customers
Lead or support department initiatives, recruiting, technology roadmap creation, cross-campus/sector involvement, and NCTA project leadership
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline plus 9 years of engineering experience OR Master of Science Degree in a STEM discipline plus 7 years of engineering experience OR PhD in a STEM discipline with 4 years of engineering experience
Excellent verbal, organizational, and written communication skills are required
Demonstrated success leading high performance teams as technical, integrated product team, and/or functional leader
RF Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) design experience from concept and requirements analysis through verification testing
US Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering
Minimum 2 years as a functional manager
Minimum 6 years RF CCA design experience
Able to work in a fast-paced environment where multiple projects are being developed and deployed simultaneously
Experience in a multi-disciplined engineering environment
Experience with business development activities
- Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
As a leader with integrity, you ensure ethical conduct, balanced results, and partner satisfaction. You respect and nurture growth, fostering a culture of excellence. Skilled in building collaborative teams and customer trust, you communicate well, foster strong teams, and embrace change.
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
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.The ideal candidate will manage a RF/Microwave design group within the Hardware Engineering organization. Emphasis is placed on leading a team of 10 – 15 RF/Microwave Circuit Card Assemblies (CCA) and tile designers and test leads that support development and production programs, and new business pursuits to ensure quality engineering solutions. Our engineering work includes full life-cycle programs including system design, development, system integration, hands on test, training, and production.
This position will report to the department manager of the Electrical Design & Technologies department within Hardware Engineering. Minimal travel is expected
Roles and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Technical leadership on a piece of a larger program
General team supervision, performance management, career development, staffing, merit planning, engagement, employee rewards and recognition, and resolving personnel issues
Provide project and technical oversight for design activities performed by the group
Strategic hiring and employee skills development, labor forecasting and execution through close collaboration with program management, and balancing employee needs with business goals
Manpower and resource assignment
Technical risk assessment and mitigation
Facilitate knowledge sharing and mentoring
Analysis of design tools, processes, and technologies needed to support strategic product plans
Maintain and ensure application of design processes and guidelines used by the department
Develop proposal inputs and review proposal content for both internal and external customers
Lead or support department initiatives, recruiting, technology roadmap creation, cross-campus/sector involvement, and NCTA project leadership
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline plus 9 years of engineering experience OR Master of Science Degree in a STEM discipline plus 7 years of engineering experience OR PhD in a STEM discipline with 4 years of engineering experience
Excellent verbal, organizational, and written communication skills are required
Demonstrated success leading high performance teams as technical, integrated product team, and/or functional leader
RF Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) design experience from concept and requirements analysis through verification testing
US Citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering
Minimum 2 years as a functional manager
Minimum 6 years RF CCA design experience
Able to work in a fast-paced environment where multiple projects are being developed and deployed simultaneously
Experience in a multi-disciplined engineering environment
Experience with business development activities
- Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
As a leader with integrity, you ensure ethical conduct, balanced results, and partner satisfaction. You respect and nurture growth, fostering a culture of excellence. Skilled in building collaborative teams and customer trust, you communicate well, foster strong teams, and embrace change.
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
See All 31 Design Manager Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Manager JobsDesign Manager Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Manager Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- SOLTESZ3S
- Northrop Grumman3
- Johns Hopkins University2
- Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP2
- JLG1
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Education2
- Construction & Real Estate2
- Insurance1
- Technology & Software1
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design manager jobs across Maryland.
- Bachelor's degree in design, human-computer interaction, or a related field required
- Five or more years of experience leading design teams or creative departments
- Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional projects from concept to delivery
- Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent design tooling
- Experience presenting design strategy and rationale to senior stakeholders
- Familiarity with agile product development processes and design sprint facilitation
Design Manager Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design manager in Maryland?
Most design manager roles in Maryland require a bachelor's degree in graphic design, interaction design, or a related discipline, followed by several years of hands-on design work before moving into people management. Maryland does not issue a state license for design managers, so progression typically depends on building a strong portfolio, leading projects within an organization, and demonstrating cross-functional leadership. Employers in the federal contracting corridor often value candidates who have experience with government UX standards or Section 508 accessibility compliance.
How much do design managers make in Maryland?
Design managers in Maryland earn a median of about $98,400 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,160 for the lowest 10% to over $175,690 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire design managers in Maryland?
Maryland design manager roles are posted by SOLTESZ, Northrop Grumman, and Johns Hopkins University and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Maryland's concentration of defense contractors, healthcare systems, and federal technology agencies means design leadership openings appear consistently across both private industry and government-adjacent organizations.
Which Maryland cities have the most design manager jobs?
Baltimore, Dundalk, and Bethesda have the most design manager openings in Maryland. Baltimore drives demand through its anchor healthcare and university institutions, while the D.C. suburban corridor, including Bethesda and Rockville, generates strong volume from federal contractors and technology firms that maintain large Maryland campuses.
Are there remote design manager jobs in Maryland?
Yes, and more than many management fields, since design leadership work is largely screen-based and collaborative tools make distributed teams practical. About 67% of design manager openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the broad shift in creative and product organizations toward flexible arrangements. Strategic and UX-focused roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while brand and in-house studio positions more often require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a design manager in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is to move from a senior individual contributor design role into a team lead or design lead position before pursuing a formal manager title. Large Maryland employers like Johns Hopkins Health System and Leidos hire associate-level and junior designers who grow into leadership over time. Building experience with Section 508 accessibility standards, which federal contractors must meet, gives Maryland candidates a concrete edge. A portfolio demonstrating cross-functional project ownership, even on small teams, matters more than a management credential at the entry level.
Where can I find and apply to design manager jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to design manager jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current Maryland openings. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and experience level, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 31 Design Manager Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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