Director of Programs 1 - GEM

Northrop Grumman • Magna, UT

8d • $193,800 - $290,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Director of Programs 1 to lead the GEM Motor Program team within its Propulsion Systems business unit. The role oversees execution of the current production contract and drives increased production capacity to meet growing customer demand. It is located in Bacchus (Magna), Utah, and includes travel 25% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available.

The director manages the GEM63 and GEM63XL solid rocket motors, which support United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V and Vulcan launch vehicles. The position is accountable for technical, financial, and schedule objectives on a fixed-price commercial contract generating approximately $400 million in annual revenue, and works closely with United Launch Alliance and customers including the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and commercial partners.

The director leads an integrated program team and contributes to the Space Launch Program Leadership team’s vision and strategy for commercial programs. Responsibilities include end-to-end program performance and full P&L ownership; production expansion and capital investment planning; customer and corporate engagement; team leadership; schedule, budget, and financial management; contract negotiations; technical performance; and business development. The role directs core program functions, manages risks and opportunities, leads proposals, and ensures program plans and performance align with customer needs and company strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of experience supporting U.S. Government programs, or a master’s degree with 7 years of experience.
• Experience in a defense or aerospace production manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing rocket motor programs.
• Understanding of the launch marketplace and its 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 performance.
• Experience with program budgets, EAC, and risk/opportunity management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. 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 and scheduling, and earned value management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performance, integrated team of teams.
• Shape vision and strategy for commercial programs as a member of the Space Launch Program Leadership team.
• Provide direction to functional and operations leaders and drive timely decisions and recommendations.
• Own end-to-end program performance across safety, quality, schedule, technology, and cost, with full P&L responsibility.
• Plan and execute GEM63 production expansion, including capital investments.
• Manage program risks, issues, and opportunities, and address cost, schedule, prioritization, and resource needs.
• Lead proposal teams and communicate opportunities, schedules, financial positions, and risks to senior leadership.
• Represent Northrop Grumman to customers and align company capabilities with customer needs.
• Balance the interests of customers, the company, and employees; negotiate and resolve disputes while maintaining customer relationships.
• Present program reviews to corporate leadership.
• Lead program teams through coaching, conflict resolution, performance reviews, and corrective actions.
• Direct engineering, contracts, finance, business development, scheduling, and manufacturing functions.
• Set role and performance expectations and communicate clearly and persuasively in writing and verbally.
• Develop and manage program plans and critical milestones, meet master schedules, and initiate corrective actions when needed.
• Manage program budgets, earned value management, estimates at completion (EAC), and risk/opportunity management.
• Forecast and manage sales, cash, operating margin, and fixed-price contract scope.
• Oversee discretionary budgets, including IRAD, B&P, Marketing, and 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 company strategy, meet customer needs, and enable successful negotiations and execution.
• Plan discretionary budgets to support future opportunities and develop business cases for new pursuits.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for a discretionary bonus
• Potential eligibility for long-term incentives for employees in Director positions
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director