Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Maryland
Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs in Maryland are concentrated in the Baltimore metro, the I-270 technology corridor, and the Eastern Shore industrial zone, where defense contractors, biotech manufacturers, and food processing companies drive consistent demand. Lockheed Martin, McCormick & Company, and Northrop Grumman maintain long-term Maryland footprints and regularly hire at the manager level. The most sought-after specialties are lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and FDA-regulated production oversight. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a 2nd Shift Manufacturing Operations Manager 1 to join our Troy Hill Operations Team of dedicated, diverse individuals. This role will lead a cross-functional group of employees supporting manufacturing, test, production, shipping, and quality inspection activities at our Elkridge, MD facility.
In this role, you will oversee and manage the daily operational aspects of one or more manufacturing/production areas, with responsibility for employee safety, delivering quality products on time and within customer cost targets, and driving continuous improvement. You will provide day-to-day leadership across production, operations, engineering, test, shipping, and quality functions within your area. You will directly supervise a team of non-represented employees, manage work assignments and schedules, monitor cost and schedule performance for your work unit, assess issues, and implement mitigation actions to meet productivity, quality, cost, and delivery goals.
What You’ll Get to Do
Oversee daily operations across production, mechanical assembly, integration, test, shipping, and associated quality activities to support new production, sustainment spares, and returned material for repair (RMR)
Directly supervise approximately 5–10 non-represented employees (up to ~15 across one/split shift), including assigning work, setting daily priorities, managing schedules, monitoring workflow, and supporting operating cost targets
Provide clear directions and coaching to your team using established procedures and precedents; assignments are received in task-oriented terms, and your work is reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives
Monitor work in process, material and tooling availability, and shipping readiness, identifying and resolving day to day operational and quality issues to ensure personnel, equipment, materials, and services are available as needed
Execute and support production and shipping schedules in coordination with Material Requirements Planning, Production Control, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to meet internal and external customer delivery requirements
Track and act on key performance indicators (KPIs) for your area (safety, quality, delivery, productivity, 5S/housekeeping), using data to maintain process control and drive continuous improvement
Coordinate interdepartmental activities daily with operations, quality assurance, production control, supply chain, engineering, inventory control, shipping/receiving, and transportation; most liaison is internal with subordinates and peer/next level leaders
Support program and project performance by providing accurate status on cost, schedule, and technical performance for your work unit; identify risks and develop mitigation actions to maintain productivity, quality, cost, and delivery objectives
Support staffing, onboarding, training, and engagement for your team, providing performance feedback and helping employees build skills and reach their potential
Support process development, continuous improvement events, capacity planning, capital and facility planning, annual budget inputs, monthly cost performance reviews, manpower planning, and all ISO9001, AS9100, and other auditable processes by providing floor level input and executing approved plans
Participate in first time manufacturing builds, helping establish workspace layouts, process flows, work instructions, and personnel responsibilities across production, quality, and test
Work hands on and monitor daily operations, actively assisting or directing subordinates as needed to resolve issues and ensure smooth workflow
Manage the use of consumables and indirect materials in your area to meet budget and cost targets
Serve as point of contact for equipment calibration activities in your area, ensuring compliance with calibration and documentation requirements
Ensure compliance with applicable Northrop Grumman procedures and requirements for manufacturing and test environments
Ensure equipment and machinery are maintained in accordance with preventative maintenance schedules for each assigned area, coordinating with maintenance and facilities as required
Promote and support career development for employees, including training and educational opportunities for highly motivated individuals
Operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels of the organization
Be accountable for safety, quality, delivery, employee engagement, and cost performance for your assigned products and operations, supporting overall [Product Area] program commitments
Support ISO, LEAN, and world class manufacturing practices, including participation in continuous improvement and problem-solving activities
Document and help standardize tasks and processes to drive repeatability, training effectiveness, and adherence to established procedures
Implement local process improvements that enhance affordability, quality, and schedule performance within your operations
Perform required GOLDesp and SAP/MES transactions to manage work orders, material flow, and personnel assignments
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment across production, shipping, quality, manufacturing, and test areas, promptly addressing hazards and reinforcing safe work practices
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree with 5 years of Manufacturing Operations experience; Master's Degree with 3 years of Manufacturing Operations experience; 9 years of Manufacturing Operations experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirement
Experience mentoring, leading, and/or coaching people and/or teams
Experience in developing cross discipline partnership and collaboration within a diverse team
Experience using MS Office tools - Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance
U.S. Citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications:
Active/Current U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance
Advanced degree in a STEM Field or management discipline
Experience in both production and sustainment work environments
Lean manufacturing and process improvement implementation experience
Agile manufacturing environment experience
Experience managing department budgets
Experience in a DoD regulated environment
Experience in SAP (MES) (or related) and GOLD system knowledge
Experience with production control and manufacturing processes
Operational and sustainment repair support/repair depot experience
Excellent verbal communication skills with Technician staff, Manufacturing support personnel, Functional management, Program management and related groups
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $105,000.00 - $157,600.00 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.See All 6 Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Maryland
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Find JobsManufacturing Operations Manager Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Operations Manager Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Food & Beverage
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing operations manager jobs across Maryland.
- Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, or a closely related field
- Five or more years of progressive manufacturing floor and supervisory experience
- Demonstrated proficiency with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience managing cross-functional teams across production, quality, and logistics functions
- Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and FDA or GMP compliance in regulated environments
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle for production planning and reporting
Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing operations manager in Maryland?
Most Maryland employers require a bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or a related technical field, followed by several years of progressive floor and supervisory experience. Maryland does not issue a state license specifically for manufacturing operations managers, but roles in FDA-regulated or defense-adjacent facilities often require documented GMP or ITAR compliance training. Professional certifications such as APICS CPIM or ASQ Certified Manager of Quality strengthen candidacy with major Maryland manufacturers.
How much do manufacturing operations managers make in Maryland?
Manufacturing operations managers in Maryland earn a median of about $132,540 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $78,760 for the lowest 10% to over $213,100 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing operations managers in Maryland?
Employers hiring manufacturing operations managers in Maryland right now include Northrop Grumman, BD, and Qrypt, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Maryland's mix of defense contractors, life sciences producers, and specialty food manufacturers means openings appear across sectors rather than concentrating in a single industry.
Which Maryland cities have the most manufacturing operations manager jobs?
The cities with the most manufacturing operations manager openings in Maryland are Hunt Valley, Elkridge, and Baltimore. The Baltimore metro anchors the largest share of listings given its concentration of biotech, defense, and food manufacturing employers, while suburban corridors along I-270 and I-95 generate additional demand from aerospace and logistics-oriented facilities.
Are there remote manufacturing operations manager jobs in Maryland?
Yes, but they are rare. Manufacturing operations management is fundamentally a floor-level, on-site discipline, so most roles require daily presence in the facility. About 0% of manufacturing operations manager openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve program oversight, multi-site coordination, or supply chain strategy rather than direct production supervision.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing operations manager in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a production supervisor or shift lead role at a mid-size Maryland manufacturer, which builds the floor credibility larger employers require before promoting to operations manager. Northrop Grumman and Leidos run rotational operations development programs in the state that accept candidates from adjacent roles such as quality engineer or supply chain analyst. Earning an APICS CPIM certification while in a junior role signals readiness and accelerates consideration at Maryland's defense and life sciences facilities.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to manufacturing operations manager jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current Maryland openings across the Baltimore metro, the I-270 corridor, and the Eastern Shore. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
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