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 Manufacturing and Operations organization and has direct accountability for manufacturing performance, cost, and schedule execution for a high-visibility program. The role drives operational excellence and safe, compliant production while partnering with Program Management and Functional Leadership to meet customer and business objectives. The position is 100% onsite and follows a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Travel is required 10% of the time.

The manager leads end-to-end production execution for assigned Active RF programs and oversees manufacturing and operations resources, including Operations Project Managers. Responsibilities include resource and manpower planning, hiring, day-to-day tasking, coaching and development of direct reports, and ensuring manufacturing has the people, equipment, processes, and facilities needed to meet quality, delivery, and contractual commitments. The manager owns cost and schedule performance, including variance analysis, risk identification, and recovery planning; supports proposals and strategic initiatives with basis-of-estimate inputs, execution strategies, and operations expertise; and leads cross-functional issue resolution, providing timely status and recommendations to program and executive leadership.

Candidates need a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least eight years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree and at least six years. Demonstrated experience leading production or operations activities for complex hardware, managing cost and schedule performance, leading people, coordinating across functions, and communicating with leadership is required. An active Top Secret clearance, advanced STEM degree, and relevant experience in RF, space, complex electronics, or major aerospace and defense programs are preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field with at least 8 years of relevant experience in production operations, manufacturing, or factory leadership; or a master’s degree with at least 6 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading production or operations activities for complex hardware, such as aerospace, defense, or RF systems.
• Proven 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 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 master’s degree in STEM.
• Experience leading production or operations for RF, space, or other complex electronic hardware programs.
• Direct experience supporting or leading a major, high-visibility aerospace or defense program, such as a top-20 or flagship program.
• Familiarity with EVMS, integrated master schedules, 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 methods.
• Experience managing or coordinating geographically dispersed teams or multi-site operations.
• Capability in data-driven decision-making, including metrics, dashboards, and root cause/corrective action 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, covering 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 basis-of-estimate inputs, execution strategies, and operations expertise.
• Create and lead cross-functional teams to resolve issues affecting manufacturing execution.
• Provide clear, timely status and recommendations to Program Management and executive leadership.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• 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 position

What This Job Offers

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