Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector is currently seeking a Program Manager 3 – Operations & Integration to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This leadership role is intended to be in Rancho Bernardo, CA. Consideration may be made for Palmdale, CA or El Segundo CA.
This role will report directly to the Operating Unit (OU) Director and act as Chief of Staff for the OU. The ideal candidate thrives on shaping and developing high-value strategy and execution of multiple projects for a complex program, orchestrating proposal activities to achieve organization goals that align with customer’s strategic objectives while ensuring successful program execution.
The position requires a solution-based mindset and the demonstrated ability to develop practical execution plans in a dynamic and complex environment. The selected candidate must demonstrate a proven track record of solving complex problems through systematic and objective evaluation of information and data resulting in effective communication, collaboration, and implementation of a strong operational foundation with a diverse set of internal and external customers and suppliers. This position requires a candidate with strong organizational and decision-making skills with the ability to lead in an environment of continuous change. This position requires the ability to report out at the Executive level, including status, planning, and execution. Collaboration with programs and functional leaders to develop and nurture a highly competent and engaged team that delivers on commitments and embodies “best culture” is essential.
The successful candidate in this role will be interested/energized by and able to:
- Drive operating rhythms and cadences across the OU, including weekly status reports, executive‑ready communications, and timely follow‑up on actions.
- Plan and facilitate effective staff meetings with focused agendas, calendar reviews, task and risk tracking, and appropriate analytics to support decision‑making.
- Engage with employees and leaders at all levels, from individual contributors to executive leadership, to understand requirements and expectations and help foster a positive, retentive team culture.
- Manage execution across the team, including calendar integration, task tracking, customer engagement coordination, and internal deliverables, ensuring commitments are clear and met.
- Serve as the focal point for communication, planning, and collaboration for internal logistics and integrator activities within the OU.
- Lead regular team and cross‑functional forums to surface issues and concerns, drive alignment, and ensure timely resolution of actions.
- Improve operational efficiency of systems, processes, and practices in support of the OU’s mission, identifying bottlenecks and driving continuous improvement.
- Oversee execution of key strategic projects and deliverables, engaging all relevant stakeholders, establishing needed partnerships, developing program plans, and driving accountability for performance.
- Integrate metrics and develop/refine dashboards, leveraging digital transformation opportunities to streamline procedures, processes, and communication across the OU.
- Prepare OU leadership for meetings and events, including agenda review, data collection and synthesis, and coordination of pre‑briefs and read‑ahead materials.
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 professional and/or military experience to include a background in project management, program management, engineering, capture efforts, and/or business management related functions.
- Experience with Risk and Opportunity Management.
- Experience with Earned Value Management Techniques (EVMS) / Control Account Management (CAM), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), Basis of Estimates (BOEs) and cost-schedule-risk trade off management.
- Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.
- Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment to be able to completely support statement of work.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
- Active USG Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
- Experience with Executive Level presentation preparation.
- A STEM degree.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- 2 years’ experience in profit & loss (P&L) program management on a DoD program.
- Proposal and customer management experience.
- 4 or more years of experience as a Control Account Manager CAM.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree with 10 years of related experience, or Bachelor of Science in STEM with 9 years of related experience
- Alternatively, a Master's degree with 8 years of related experience, or Master of Science in STEM with 7 years of related experience
- Related experience in project management, program management, engineering, capture efforts, business management, or military experience
- Experience with Risk and Opportunity Management
- Experience with Earned Value Management Techniques, Control Account Management, Integrated Master Schedules, Basis of Estimates, and cost-schedule-risk trade-off management
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret or higher clearance, with a qualifying recent background investigation or current enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program clearance and subsequent SAP PARs
- Current applicable Special Access Program clearance
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret SCI clearance
- Executive-level presentation preparation experience
- STEM degree
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Two years of profit and loss program management experience on a Department of Defense program
- Proposal and customer management experience
- Four or more years of experience as a Control Account Manager
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.







