Principal/Sr. Principal Project Management

Northrop Grumman•Rolling Meadows, IL

1d•$89,900 - $168,200•Onsite

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. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Project Management Lead to join our Engineering & Sciences (E&S) Hardware Engineering team in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. In this highly visible role, you will partner directly with the MSTS RM HWE Director and leadership team to drive strategic initiatives, shape operating rhythms, and enable data‑driven decisions across a large, complex engineering organization. This role reports directly to the MSTS RM HWE Director and supports the Rolling Meadows Multidomain Sensing, Targeting & Survivability (MSTS) Hardware Engineering (HWE) organization. The Principal/Sr. Principal Project Management Lead will manage the business operational aspects of the HWE organization and provide direct support to the Director ensuring the leaders’ vision is translated into an operational reality. The position will require interface across the MSTS RM HWE leadership team and coordination of activities all sub-organizations. The Principal/Sr. Principal Project Management Lead position requires a high energy strategic thinker with the ability to operate at both a strategic and a hands-on level as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience (for Principal Project Manager).
Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience (for Sr. Principal Project Manager).
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
Demonstrated project management, analytical, planning, and presentation skills.
Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks and projects within critical deadlines.
Strong experience with Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, formulas) or other data analysis tools.
US Citizenship

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership experience in functional or program roles (e.g., technical lead, IPT lead, functional manager).
BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or relevant Hardware discipline.
Experience working in or with hardware engineering or similar technical organizations.
Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
Strong Jira and Confluence skills.
Experience in Agile leadership and/or as a Scrum Master.
Strong Microsoft Office and SharePoint skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to build and foster effective relationships across multi-discipline and cross-campus teams.
Demonstrated ability to respect confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information.
Familiarity with organizations and stakeholders outside of Engineering & Sciences, with experience in cross-campus or multi-discipline collaboration.

Responsibilities

Drive execution of strategic initiatives and tasks initiated by the RM HWE Director by working with cross-functional teams and business leaders throughout the organization and sector.
Establish and maintain the operating rhythm for the RM HWE Director and Leadership Team, including regular cadences, reviews, and follow-up.
Serve as the focal point for communication and collaboration for the RM HWE organization and ensure strong collaboration across the entire MSTS E&S organization.
Support the Director in cultivating relationships with strategic partners and other key stakeholders.
Draft organizational communications related to calendar events, functional processes, and strategic updates.
Lead internal special project initiatives and the HWE Director, including overseeing HWE process activities, establishing and leading cross-discipline teams, managing overhead budgets on initiatives, and briefing the HWE Director and senior leaders.
Facilitate organizational strategy discussions (off-sites, roadmap development, engagement planning) across all RM HWE areas.
Work with the RM HWE leadership team to support workforce planning, metrics, and movement of work across campuses.
Perform analysis, planning, and forecasting to aid leadership, financial, and organizational decision making.
Facilitate the collection and presentation of metrics and develop analytical tools to track results and measurable outcomes versus stated objectives/goals.
Coordinate RM HWE financials and management of investments (ITA/Capital, etc.) across the organization.
Establish agendas and coordinate preparation for leadership team meetings, off-sites, events, and other key meetings.
Shadow the Director at major meetings and events, reviewing the agenda and pre-/post-interactions to ensure successful outcomes.
Anticipate and manage materials, data, and presentation needs for upcoming meetings and events.
Brief the Director on key issues, challenges, and decisions made at meetings.
Work with the administrative team to facilitate staff meetings (establish rhythms, coordinate special topics).