Manager Production Operations - Level 3

Northrop Grumman • Baltimore, MD

1d • $167,500 - $251,300 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Manager Production Operations–Level 3 to lead manufacturing and operations for the Active RF operating unit in the Surveillance and Targeting business unit in Baltimore, Maryland. The position is part of the eastern region M&O organization and has direct accountability for manufacturing performance, cost, and schedule execution on a high-visibility Space Sector program. The manager will drive operational excellence, safe and compliant production, and coordination with Program Management and Functional Leadership to meet customer and business objectives.

The role leads end-to-end production execution for assigned programs, manages operations resources and performance, and ensures that the team has the people, equipment, processes, and facilities to meet quality, delivery, and contractual commitments. It also supports proposals and strategic initiatives with operations expertise and execution planning. The position follows a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off, and requires travel 10% of the time. No clearance is required to start.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field and 8 or more years of relevant production operations, manufacturing, or factory leadership experience; alternatively, a Master’s degree and 6 or more years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading production or operations activities for complex hardware, such as aerospace, defense, or RF systems.
• Experience managing cost and schedule performance, including earned value, variance analysis, recovery planning, and risk/opportunity management.
• Prior direct or indirect people-leadership experience, including tasking, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with Program Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and other partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting status and recommendations to leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Active Top Secret clearance.
• Advanced degree (Master’s) in a STEM field.
• Experience leading production or operations for RF, space, or other complex electronic hardware programs.
• Direct experience supporting or leading a major, high-visibility program, such as a top-20 or flagship program in the aerospace or defense sector.
• Familiarity with EVMS, integrated master schedules (IMS), and formal program management reviews such as SRR, PDR, CDR, and PRR.
• Success driving manufacturing or operations affordability, throughput, and first-pass-yield improvements using lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing or coordinating geographically dispersed teams or multi-site operations.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions using metrics, dashboards, and root cause/corrective action (RCCA) methodologies.
• Track record of building engaged, high-performance teams and fostering an inclusive culture that supports employee development, engagement, and retention.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end production execution for assigned Active RF programs, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Own manufacturing and operations cost and schedule performance, including variance analysis, risk identification, and recovery planning.
• Manage production operations resources, including Operations Project Managers, through manpower planning, hiring, and day-to-day tasking.
• Mentor, develop, and assess direct reports, building a high-performing, engaged, and inclusive team aligned with program and business objectives.
• Ensure Manufacturing has the people, equipment, processes, and facilities needed to meet quality, delivery, and contractual commitments.
• Serve as the manufacturing and operations lead for proposals and strategic initiatives, providing BOEs, execution strategies, and operations expertise.
• Create and lead cross-functional teams to resolve issues affecting manufacturing execution.
• Provide clear, timely status updates and recommendations to Program Management and executive leadership.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position

What This Job Offers

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