Director of Programs 1 - GEM
About The Position
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 is seeking a Director of Programs 1 to lead the GEM Motor Program team within the Propulsion Systems business unit to oversee execution of the current production contract and drive increased production capacity to meet growing customer demand. This position will be located in Bacchus (Magna), Utah. Overview The Director of Programs 1 will manage two solid rocket motors, GEM63 and GEM63XL, which support United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V and Vulcan launch vehicles. This role is accountable for meeting technical, financial, and schedule objectives on a fixed-price commercial contract generating approximately $400M in annual revenue. The director will work closely with United Launch Alliance and customers including the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and commercial partners.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree with 10 years’ experience supporting U.S. Government programs; OR a Master’s degree with 7 years’ experience
- Experience in defense or aerospace production manufacturing environment
- Experience managing rocket motor programs
- Understanding of the Launch marketplace and customers
- Experience managing Facility and Tooling projects to support future production
- Experience managing fixed‑price commercial contracts
- Demonstrated ability to forecast and manage sales, cash, and operating margin (OM) performance
- Experience with program budget, EAC and risk/opportunity management
- Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance
Nice To Haves
- MBA or advanced STEM degree
- Experience running proposals and commitment reviews
- Demonstrated expertise in technical performance baselines, requirements management, planning/scheduling, and earned value management
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high‑performance, integrated “team of teams”
- Serve as a key member of the Space Launch Program Leadership team, shaping vision and strategy for commercial programs
- Provide clear direction to functional and operations leaders and drive timely, well‑communicated decisions and recommendations
- Own end‑to‑end program performance (safety, quality, schedule, technology, cost; full P&L responsibility)
- Plan and execute GEM63 production expansion, including capital investments
- Manage risk, issues, and opportunities; proactively address cost, schedule, prioritization, and resource needs
- Lead proposal teams, communicating opportunities, schedules, financial positions, and risks to senior leadership
- Continuously drive for results, challenge the status quo, and effectively influence and manage people issues
- Represent Northrop Grumman to customers, aligning NG capabilities with customer needs
- Balance the interests of the customer, the company, and employees
- Negotiate and resolve disputes to positive outcomes while preserving strong customer relationships
- Regularly present program reviews to corporate leadership
- Provide overall leadership to program teams, including coaching, conflict resolution, performance reviews, and corrective actions
- Direct core program functions (engineering, contracts, finance, BD, scheduling, manufacturing)
- Set clear role and performance expectations; deliver concise, persuasive verbal and written communication
- Develop and manage program plans and critical milestones; meet master schedules and initiate corrective actions as needed
- Demonstrate mastery in program budgeting, earned value management, EAC, and risk/opportunity management
- Forecast and manage sales, cash, operating margin, and fixed‑price contract scope
- Oversee discretionary budgets (IRAD, B&P, Marketing, CAPEX) as required
- Lead contract negotiations, endorse final pricing and terms, and resolve contract issues
- Drive technical excellence by setting standards, partnering with technical teams, balancing risk, and ensuring performance
- Leverage existing programs to win new business
- Direct proposal development to align with NG strategy, meet customer needs, and enable successful negotiations and execution
- Plan discretionary budgets to support future opportunities and help develop business cases for new pursuits
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available
- health insurance coverage
- life and disability insurance
- savings plan
- Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- overtime
- shift differential
- a discretionary bonus
- 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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
