Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal / Sr. Principal Project Manager supporting RQ-4 Global Supply Chain Programs. This is an individual contributor, non-manager role with no direct reports. This candidate will join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in San Diego, CA.
This role supports a hybrid work schedule, reporting to the office every week.
This role offers flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a friendly team environment. Candidates who are self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented are encouraged to apply.
Essential Functions:
This role is responsible and accountable for the strategy, planning, and execution of all material and services content under the RQ-4 Programs. The individual will act as the main focal point for the Program Management Office (PMO) for Global Supply Chain duties and coordinates cross-functionally to ensure that all supply chain commitments are met, and that appropriate mitigation plans are developed and executed to address any programmatic risks related to suppliers. This role ensures that prior to program execution, all elements of the proposed program(s) plans have complete and accurate schedules, budgets, make/buy plans, and procurement and subcontracts strategies are in place. Selected candidate would be accountable for resource planning, material cost, forecasting, schedule performance, risk/opportunity management, supplier performance, and supply chain issue resolution. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and harmonizing material forecasting across the RQ-4 program in support of sales and cash initiatives. This individual would regularly brief the PMO and executive management on the status and issues affecting Program cost and schedule performance.
The selected candidate will be a high-performing, experienced individual who is goal-oriented and well equipped to partner with a wide range of stakeholders, to support program and division objectives.
Responsibilities include:
- Working under pressure in a multiple conflicting priority environment to meet deadlines and fulfill internal/external customer needs
- Developing solutions for complex problems, and effectively communicating approaches and findings to the team and stakeholders
- Control Account Manager (CAM) for program labor and material and supporting material EAC reviews
- Communicating and elevating supply chain risks, opportunities, and mitigations, effectively managing and executing strategies to create the most value for the program
- Managing and overseeing sales forecast and invoicing for RQ-4 programs, coordinating information gathered from Supplier Management and Finance
- Providing leadership for the GSC RQ-4 organization in a matrixed environment, ensuring strategies and plans are aligned with the business unit
- Leading process improvement initiatives, training, and optimization efforts
Basic Qualifications for Principal Project Management (Level 3):
- Must have Bachelor’s Degree with at least 5 years of experience, Master’s Degree with at least 3 years of experience or High School diploma and 9 years of experience in the following: Logistics, Project Management, Business Management, Proposals, Resource Planning, Program Management, Program Scheduling, Price/Cost Analysis, Program Integration, Subcontracts Administration, Procurement, or other Global Supply Chain related field
- Must have aerospace & defense (A&D) industry experience
Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal Project Management (Level 4):
- Must have Bachelor’s Degree with at least 8 years of experience, Master’s Degree with at least 6 years of experience or High School diploma and 12 years of experience in the following: Logistics, Project Management, Business Management, Proposals, Resource Planning, Program Management, Program Scheduling, Price/Cost Analysis, Program Integration, Subcontracts Administration, Procurement, or other Global Supply Chain related field
- Must have experience leading projects
- Must have aerospace & defense (A&D) industry experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- CAM certification and/or experience
- Master's degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain related field
- Solid understanding of ERP business systems
- Supplier Management experience
- Experience in GSC project management
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience, master’s degree with at least 3 years, or high school diploma with 9 years for Principal level
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience, master’s degree with at least 6 years, or high school diploma with 12 years for Senior Principal level
- Relevant experience in logistics, project management, business management, proposals, resource planning, program management, scheduling, price or cost analysis, program integration, subcontracts administration, procurement, or global supply chain
- Aerospace and defense industry experience
- Experience leading projects for the Senior Principal level
- CAM certification or experience
- Master’s degree in business administration or a supply chain-related field
- Understanding of ERP business systems
- Supplier management experience
- Global supply chain project management experience
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.





