Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.
Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.
Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal or Sr. Principal Project Management to join our team of qualified, individuals. This position will be located onsite in either El Segundo or Rancho Bernardo, CA.
AccomplishIn this role you will Oversee and manage the operational aspects of ongoing projects while serving as the key liaison between project management and planning, the project team, and line management. reviewing project statuses and budgets, managing schedules, and preparing status reports.
Develop and adhere to the budget baseline using the Earn Value Management (EVM)
Initiate, develop, integrate, and execute cost and schedule baselines as well as technical performance baselines that satisfy program contractual requirements.
Support the Risk, Issue, and Opportunity process to proactively address potential challenges.
Drive action item adjudication collaboratively with the operating unit team, Enterprise, and Customer.
Lead the execution of Contractual Deliverable (CDRL) commitments and ensure their on-time or early delivery to the customer.
Drive innovation in proposal strategy by challenging conventional approaches, aligning proposals with customer needs, and ensuring our responses set benchmarks for excellence.
The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.
**This role may be filled at either the Principal Project Management or a Sr. Principal Project Management level based on the qualifications below.**
Basic Qualifications:
Principal Project Management: Bachelors degree and 5 years of relevant experience OR Masters degree and 3 years of relevant experience
Senior Principal Project Management: Bachelor's degree and 8 years of relevant experience OR Masters degree and 6 years of relevant experience
Relevant would include project/program management, learning and development course delivery as described above in essential functions
Ability to travel up to 10%
Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
Ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities
Experience with budgeting processes and monthly tracking and reporting procedures.
Your ability to obtain and/or transfer and maintain the final U.S. adjudicated government Secret clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelors/Masters degree in Project Management, Training, Education, Professional Development, and/or Adult Learning
Current PMP certification
Control Account Manager (CAM) experience
Experience with planning, developing, coordinating, and executing education, training, and/or career development programs
Demonstrated experience applying Program Management processes (e.g., Program Planning, Requirements Management, Supplier Management, Risk & Opportunity Management, Cost & Schedule Management, Change Management, Performance Management, and Program Closeout) and incorporating them into training content and exercises.
Strong written and verbal communication skills required, as well as strong organizational skills and an ability to work independently in a deadline-oriented environment
Proficiency in tracking/reporting tools/dashboards such as JIRA and TABLEAU
Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain Special Access Clearance within a reasonable time as determined by business needs
At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being off all our employees. We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.
Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
If you are ready to join us in defining possible, apply now.
#Blue
Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience for the Principal level
- Master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience for the Principal level
- Bachelor's degree and 8 years of relevant experience for the Senior Principal level
- Master's degree and 6 years of relevant experience for the Senior Principal level
- Relevant experience in project or program management, learning and development course delivery, or related essential functions
- Ability to travel up to 10%
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities
- Experience with budgeting processes and monthly tracking and reporting procedures
- Ability to obtain, transfer, and maintain a final U.S. adjudicated government Secret clearance and required program access
- Bachelor's or master's degree in Project Management, Training, Education, Professional Development, and/or Adult Learning
- Current PMP certification
- Control Account Manager (CAM) experience
- Experience planning, developing, coordinating, and executing education, training, and/or career development programs
- Experience applying program management processes, including planning, requirements, supplier, risk, cost and schedule, change, performance, and closeout management
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in a deadline-oriented environment
- Proficiency with tracking and reporting tools or dashboards such as JIRA and Tableau
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain Special Access 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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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
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.





