Northrop Grumman’s Defense Systems sector location located in Rocket Center, WV is currently seeking a Program Manager Level 1 to support our growing business.
This position is on site at our Rocket Center, WV location. No remote opportunities available for this position.
The primary objective will be the delivery of all contractual requirements on cost and on schedule, while achieving all technical requirements and creating customer intimacy to support value creation strategies and actions. The individual will lead a cross-functional organization aligned to common program performance goals.
Program Managers are responsible for leading all phases of the program life cycle from inception (proposal development) through startup, execution, and completion (contract closeout). Primary responsibilities are the management of cost, schedule, and technical performance of company programs or subsystems and include, but are not limited to:
Leading and directing cross-functional Integrated Program Teams (IPT) to meet program cost, schedule and technical performance objectives
Measuring and reporting program performance
Delivering presentations to customers, executive management and other program stakeholders
Participating in the negotiation of contracts, contract changes, specifications, operating budgets, schedule milestones, and key terms and conditions
Creation, review and finalization of the program Statement of Work
Identification, distribution, tracking, and completion of program requirements
Establishment and management of the program and subordinate baselines
Development and adherence to budget baselines utilizing Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar cost & schedule control methodologies and tools
Identifying, allocating and managing program resources, including workforce planning
Managing Government/customer supplied property or information
Managing suppliers to meet program objectives
Adherence to all internal processes, policies, and applicable industry standards
Ensuring program team understands and adheres to contract scope, and manages change through control board activities
Development and adherence to master plans and schedules
Conducting thorough risk & opportunity management practices including identification, mitigation and realization
Cultivating customer relationships to develop further opportunities within the customer community
Developing new business opportunities through long term strategic planning, capture planning, and development of proposals and business plans
Desired Attributes:
Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to manage a project team daily and communicate effectively with leadership regarding status, awareness’s, and escalations
The ability to effectively plan, define, establish, communicate, monitor, and control scope to ensure that all of the work required and only the work required is performed.
The ability to initiate, develop, integrate, execute, direct and control program plans and cost and schedule baselines that meet both program contractual requirements and stakeholder expectations.
Ability to resolve disputes and negotiate with a positive outcome while maintaining good relationships with customers and within the organization
Basic Qualifications:
Prior Experience in manufacturing is required
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience OR a Master’s degree and 3 years of related experience supporting U.S. Government contracts and customers and/or project management in other industries
5 years of experience leading the performance of tasks on schedule, at cost and achieving all requirements as either a project lead, integrated program team lead or cost account manager
Basic competency in Project Management skills and toolsets
Competent in Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook)
Must be able to obtain a DoD security clearance. (US Citizenship is a requirement)
Preferred Qualifications:
A degree in a science, engineering, or a business program
Experience in the aerospace/defense industry or within the Department of Defense or NASA
PMP® certification
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Agile methodologies
Active Security Clearance
Skills Required
- Prior experience in manufacturing
- Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience, or Master's degree and 3 years of related experience supporting U.S. Government contracts, customers, or project management
- 5 years of experience leading tasks on schedule, at cost, and in accordance with requirements as a project lead, integrated program team lead, or cost account manager
- Basic competency in project management skills and toolsets
- Competency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Ability to obtain a Department of Defense security clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Degree in science, engineering, or business
- Experience in the aerospace or defense industry, Department of Defense, or NASA
- PMP certification
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile methodologies
- Active security clearance
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.








