Director of Programs I

Northrop Grumman

146d • $217,300 - $325,900

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. Exciting Opportunity: SiAW Program Director at Northrop Grumman Defense Systems Join Northrop Grumman’s Defense Systems sector as the SiAW Program Director in our Advanced Programs Operating Unit, located in the heart of Northridge, CA. This position may also be worked out of Tucson, AZ or Linthicum, MD. This pivotal role offers you the chance to lead a talented team in shaping the future of defense technology and contributing to our nation’s security. As the SiAW Program Director, you will take the reins of the Phase 2 Development Program, forging the product roadmap and driving the execution of an advanced capability Air-to-Ground tactical missile. Your leadership will be instrumental in propelling our growth trajectory as we expand our capabilities of cutting-edge tactical missiles for the Department of Defense and our allied partners. You’ll report directly to the Operating Unit Director and play a key role in steering our ambitious strategic plan, underpinned by significant technology and capital investments. Your focus will be on engineering and execution excellence, ensuring that our projects not only meet but exceed cost, schedule, and performance metrics. In this role, you will lead the crucial development phase of the program, potential upgrades to the missile, critical platform integration activities, shaping the next technology insertion opportunities, and transition to production initiatives. You'll oversee all execution activities—from proposals and program planning to testing and integration—making a tangible impact in the defense sector. If you’re ready to inspire innovation, drive growth, and lead a passionate team at the forefront of advanced weapon systems, we want to hear from you!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 15 years of experience OR a Master’s degree and 13 years of experience supporting U.S. Government contracts and customers and/or project management in other industries
• 10 years of experience leading the performance of tasks on schedule and at or under cost with use of program management tools such as Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Integrated Master Plan (IMP), Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), Risk and Opportunity Management, Scope Board or similar business process
• 10 years of experience leading high performing teams and cross-functional teams including: Engineering, Contracts, Business Management and/or Manufacturing/Operations
• Experience managing programs as the Prime Contractor for missiles or aircraft
• Demonstrated execution capability for firm fixed price development contract type
• Ability to manage revenue, profit and cash performance of programs
• Ability to make good decisions and exercise appropriate judgment that balances customer and Northrop Grumman needs
• Experience managing suppliers to include development of robust Supplier Statement of Work (SSOW) and assessing metrics such as Purchase Requisition (PR) to Purchase Order (PO) conversions
• Strong formal and informal communication skills with all levels of internal and external management
• Active Secret clearance or above is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain program access after start
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing environments, while maintaining consistently high customer relations, service, and engagement
• Demonstrated success creating and maintaining strong executive level relationships with suppliers, customers, government representatives, primes and internal peers
• Familiarity with Long Range Planning development in conjunction with customer requirements
• Experience leading proposal efforts to include large value through corporate level gating processes
• Experience with contract negotiations and executions with varying contract types (IDIQ, OTA) and government acquisition process for Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD), Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) and Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA)
• Experience with missile whole life considerations including system safety and logistics
• Experience in the transition from development to production of advanced aerospace systems
• Experience with Air Force acquisition processes; preferred experience with prime contract activities with AFLCMC and/or AFLCMC/EB

Responsibilities

• Provide profit and loss leadership across multiple diverse development efforts
• Lead a diverse team of functional and program direct reports in developing and executing the vision and business strategy to achieve and exceed growth and overall financial metrics
• Develop trusted partnerships with key customers
• Demonstrate a sense of urgency, ownership of tasks, and accountability
• Provide leadership to resolve complex technical challenges
• Develop strategies to add and retain current and future key talent
• Excel at organization and navigating ambiguity to drive clarity and inform and unite others
• Recognize the importance of culture both at an individual and organizational level and with demonstrated commitment to and success in individual employee and broader organizational development
• Partner effectively across organizational lines to achieve goals and objectives
• Coordinate with the broader NG organization to identify & leverage existing resources, tools, and practices
• Effectively communicate progress to customers, senior leadership and companywide audiences
• Participate in the negotiation of contracts and contract change management
• Conduct thorough risk & opportunity management practices including identification, mitigation & realization
• Coordinate the preparation of proposals, capture plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets and financial terms/conditions of contract
• Ensure program team understands & adheres to contract scope, and manages change through control board activities
• Oversee contract and contractor research and development execution activities related to the lifecycle of the SiAW program
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of discretionary activities to grow 'this franchise program'

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree