Manager of Strategic Innovation and Technology Partnerships 3

Northrop Grumman•Falls Church, VA

26d•$175,400 - $263,200•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Manager of Strategic Innovation and Technology Partnerships 3 to join their Corporate Strategy and Technology (CTO) organization. In this high-impact role, the individual will lead the identification, vetting, and integration of external emerging technologies from the global commercial and defense ecosystem (startups, non-traditionals) into Northrop Grumman’s core mission systems. The role acts as a primary bridge between external "disruptors" and internal R&D, ensuring that the next generation of key technologies are transitioned from the lab to the warfighter. This position will be located in Falls Church, VA and is not a remote position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience OR a Master’s Degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience.
Minimum 5 years of experience in technology scouting, corporate venture capital, or strategic partnerships within the Aerospace, Defense, or High-Tech sectors.
Proven ability to translate complex emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, Quantum Computing, etc.) into defense-specific mission applications and business terms.
Candidates must have a current U.S. Government Secret level security clearance (or higher) in order to be considered and must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a U.S. Government Top Secret level security clearance as a condition of continued employment.
Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to influence executive-level stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Existing relationships within the Silicon Valley/tech hub ecosystems or with government innovation units like DIU, AFWERX, or DARPA.
Experience in technical due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or corporate venture investments.
PMP certification or experience managing government CRAD (Contractual R&D) programs.
MBA or a PhD in a relevant STEM field preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for the venture capital community, tech accelerators, and nontraditional defense contractors to identify, drive, and manage "dual-use" technologies and associated partnerships.
Lead cross-functional technical and business due diligence on emerging tech startups to assess their readiness, scalability, and strategic fit for Sector IRAD (Internal Research & Development) roadmaps.
Enable complex partnership agreements, including Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), licensing, and pilot "sandboxing" initiatives.
Develop multi-year partnership strategies.
Partner with Sector CTOs to ensure external innovation initiatives align with our long-term technology roadmaps.
Support the development and execution of a cohesive technology partnership program.
Manage a portfolio of pilot projects, tracking technical milestones and transition success rates into Programs of Record or equivalent maturation success metrics.
Develop and deliver high-level briefings to senior leadership on market intelligence, competitive landscapes, and disruptive technology trends.
Drive pipeline creation and revenue growth through collaborative partner strategies.
Identify co-sell opportunities, joint pursuits, and technology integrations that enhance mission outcomes.
Manage operations of CTO Technology Partnership Subcommittee.