Program Director 1 - Autonomy (Research & Advanced Design)

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
2 Locations
In-Office
224K-337K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Lead a 50+ person autonomy directorate executing flight and mission autonomy contracts. Oversee P&L, capture efforts, technical strategy, stakeholder briefings, cross-sector integration, risk management, and resource planning to mature and deliver autonomous capabilities for defense customers.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

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 Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) sector is seeking a Program Director 1 to lead the Autonomy directorate within the Research and Advanced Design (R&AD) division. This position may be supported from Redondo Beach, CA or El Segundo, CA.

Position Overview:

The selected candidate will be responsible for leading a team of 50+ individuals within the sector executing a portfolio of contracts including Flight Autonomy, Mission Autonomy, and Science & Technology innovation. Candidates will oversee solutions aligned to Government Reference Architectures (GRAs) and Special Projects supporting classified efforts, in addition to managing Non-Contract Technical Activity (NCTA) targeted towards growing the directorate Annual Operating Plan (AOP). This role will serve as an expert in Autonomy, representing the sector in pursuits requiring the latest in flight control technology, GN&C, VMS, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and; develop and deliver briefings to internal and external stakeholders on NGC efforts to mature and implement Autonomous capability; interface and collaborate with chief architects across the sector to define and design enterprise approaches and architectures to address DoW and coalition partner aspirations; and identify current and emerging operational and system capabilities needed to achieve desired warfighting mission effects.

The successful candidate will possess strong leadership abilities, excellent communications skills, and effective problem-solving skills. This person must have the ability to influence up and down the chain of command as required and will be responsible for operating and executing across the enterprise using influence, knowledge, and experience to shape sector and corporate strategy.  This position will be required to engage at senior levels in the Government and across the corporation and must display consistent impeccable judgment and embody Northrop Grumman leadership behaviors. Flexibility to work in a dynamic, learning organization that quickly adapts to the acquisition environment while cultivating a stable strategic vision is desired.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

  • Positively lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team across multiple contracts
  • Execution of growing P&L portfolio with expectations to capture workshare with aligned to government expenditures in Autonomy
  • Identify and respond to RFIs, RFPs, and FOPRs related to Autonomy
  • Briefings to customers at the flag officer level and NG executive leadership
  • Drive horizontal integration of Autonomy technologies and architectures across the sector into Future Franchise Programs and Priority Captures
  • Collaboration across NG Sectors to drive integrated solutions
  • Customer communication and collaboration to drive mutual goals and shared success 
  • Leadership of a team of matrixed reports where you will define goals, define composition of team members, and ensure the team is continuously performing into expanded roles
  • Actively manage Risk, Issues & Opportunities to ensure program execution success 
  • Set a vision and articulate resource, personnel, and facility requirements to achieve financial and technological commitments.

Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others. 

Basic Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree and 10 years (or Bachelor of Science in STEM and 9 years) of related experience as defined below , OR a Master’s degree and 8 years (or Master of Science in STEM and 7 years) of related experience as defined below 
  • Related experience includes project management, program management, engineering, capture efforts, and/or business management related functions
  • At least 3 years’ experience in program/project management 
  • Previous leadership or management experience
  • Current, active U.S. government Secret (or higher) security clearance
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP)

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Current U.S. government Top Secret security clearance
  • Degree in related STEM discipline
  • Prior roles involving Profit & Loss responsibility, contract execution, and business growth
  • Experience with uncrewed air vehicles, crewed/uncrewed teaming, or implementing mission-critical autonomy architectures to aeronautical concepts
  • International business capture and execution experience
  • Experience leading a team in a matrixed environment to achieve program goals 
  • Experience engaging, briefing, and influencing customer executive leaders 
  • Breadth of knowledge and experience across NG and USG products, systems, missions, and operations
  • Experience with Government Reference Architecture or Modular Open Systems Approach architecture
  • Proposal capture experience including developing a basis of estimate, SOW, IMS, and overall program design
  • Experience leading Software teams to develop roadmaps, protect intellectual property, and commercialization of software solutions (e.g., SaaS, XaaS, Dual-use, Software Acquisition Pathway, Commercial Solutions Offerings, etc.)

Primary Level Salary Range: $224,300.00 - $336,500.00

The 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 (or B.S. in STEM and 9 years) OR Master's degree and 8 years (or M.S. in STEM and 7 years) of related experience
  • Related experience in project management, program management, engineering, capture efforts, and/or business management
  • At least 3 years' experience in program/project management
  • Previous leadership or management experience
  • Current, active U.S. government Secret (or higher) security clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP)
  • Current U.S. government Top Secret security clearance
  • Degree in related STEM discipline
  • Prior roles involving Profit & Loss responsibility, contract execution, and business growth
  • Experience with uncrewed air vehicles, crewed/uncrewed teaming, or mission‑critical autonomy architectures for aeronautical concepts
  • International business capture and execution experience
  • Experience leading a team in a matrixed environment to achieve program goals
  • Experience engaging, briefing, and influencing customer executive leaders
  • Knowledge across NG and USG products, systems, missions, and operations
  • Experience with Government Reference Architecture or Modular Open Systems Approach architecture
  • Proposal capture experience including developing basis of estimate, SOW, IMS, and overall program design
  • Experience leading software teams to develop roadmaps, protect IP, and commercialize software solutions (e.g., SaaS, XaaS)

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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.

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