Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (DS) is seeking a Program Manager 3 to lead AARGM and AARGM-ER Missile development programs within the Advanced Weapons Business Unit (AWBU) at Northridge, CA. Our Advanced Weapons team designs, develops, and manufactures missile systems that support U.S. national and allied security objectives. The AWBU has several development programs associated with development, qualification, flight test, transition-to-production, and fielding of hardware and software configurations of the AARGM and AARGM-ER weapon systems for which qualified program managers are required.
This position is required to be full-time, on-site in the Northridge, CA location. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must have a current US Government Secret security clearance with ability to get cleared for SAP.
The Development Program Manager 3 is responsible for cost, schedule, and technical performance in the execution of assigned technical development programs (This position reports directly to the Director of AARGM and AARGM-ER Development and Integration Programs). This Program Manager 3 role requires a strategic thinker with a mix of technical development expertise with rigorous program management skills. He or she will be expected to meet strict quality, schedule, and budget requirements while complying with defense regulations and standards.
Responsibilities:
Leading and directing cross-functional Integrated Program Teams (IPT) to ensure achievement of program cost, schedule and technical performance objectives
Cultivating customer relationships and intimacy 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.
Establishing a program organization that effectively addresses customer requirements and incorporates the necessary internal and external sub-organizations
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.
Identification, distribution, tracking, and completion of program requirements
Establishment and management of the program and subordinate baselines
Identifying, allocating and managing program resources, including workforce planning
Managing Government/customer supplied property or information (GFE, CFE, etc.)
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, assessment, and mitigation
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of experience managing development programs OR a master’s degree and 8 years of experience managing development programs.
Experience leading high performing, cross-functional development teams within the aerospace/defense sector
Experience leading the performance of tasks on schedule, at or under cost achieving all requirements as either a project lead, integrated program team lead, or cost account manager.
Proficiency in program management tools and processes such as: Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and Risk and Opportunity Management.
Active and current US Government DoD Secret security clearance with ability to get cleared for SAP
Preferred Qualifications:
A degree in science, engineering, or business
PMP® certification
5-10 years of managing direct reports
Experience in Proposal Management
Experience in the aerospace/defense industry or within the Department of Defense or NASA
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Agile methodologies
Ability to define technical strategy to promote capturing business in new areas
Living in Northridge offers a perfect combination of urban living with the beauty of nature. It is a short drive away from downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills, or the rest of the San Fernando Valley. Take advantage of your flexible work schedule to enjoy shopping at the local Northridge Fashion Center or spend time at the local Recreation Center as well as easy access to nearby protected natural areas such as the Chatsworth Reservoir, the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, Lake Balboa or within driving distance, spend a day at the beach. With Cal State Northridge right in the heart of town, the area has an active college town energy combined with family-friendly suburban charm. The stunning southern California climate makes for year-round easy living. With an average of 284 sunny days during the year, it is safe to say you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your outdoor activities to the fullest.
Primary Level Salary Range: $193,000.00 - $289,600.00The 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 10 years of experience managing development programs, or a master's degree and 8 years of experience managing development programs
- Experience leading high-performing, cross-functional development teams within the aerospace or defense sector
- Experience leading tasks on schedule and at or under cost while achieving requirements as a project lead, Integrated Program Team lead, or cost account manager
- Proficiency in program management processes including Earned Value Management System, Integrated Master Schedule, and Risk and Opportunity Management
- Active and current US Government DoD Secret security clearance with ability to obtain SAP clearance
- Degree in science, engineering, or business
- PMP certification
- 5-10 years of experience managing direct reports
- Proposal management experience
- Experience in the aerospace or defense industry, Department of Defense, or NASA
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or Agile methodologies
- Ability to define technical strategy to support business capture in new areas
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.







