Director of Programs 2

0902 SP - Launch Vehicles; United States; On-site; USD 230,000 - 345,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems seeks a Senior Director of Programs for an Operating Unit based in Gilbert, AZ. The role leads a portfolio of complex defense programs, delivering cost, schedule, technical, and quality outcomes while maturing growth opportunities.

The position requires 15+ years in program management, strong cross-functional leadership, and DoD prime contractor experience, with Top Secret clearance eligibility and U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 15+ years in program or project management in defense/aerospace.
• Experience leading diverse cross-functional teams to deliver on cost, schedule, and technical objectives.
• DoD prime contractor experience and strong customer engagement skills are essential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for a portfolio of complex programs, ensuring cost, schedule, technical, and quality objectives are met.
• Drive disciplined program execution, risk management, and performance across the portfolio.
• Lead and mentor program managers; set expectations, accountability, and career development paths.
• Champion a high-integrity, inclusive culture reflecting company values and fostering engagement and performance.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Engineering, Operations, and other stakeholders to align capabilities with customer needs.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Customer engagement

DoD experience

Team leadership

Communication skills

Clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:

Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 50% of the Time

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. Join Northrop Grumman on our mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. At Northrop Grumman, your voice is valued. You’ll join a team of passionate professionals providing real-world solutions to our customers’ toughest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and enabling our employees to grow and achieve their goals by Defining Possible. With competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we offer the right opportunities to fit your life and advance your career.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Senior Director of Programs for an Operating Unit at our Gilbert, Arizona facility. This role is based on-site in Gilbert, AZ, with travel to other Northrop Grumman locations as well as customer and supplier sites as required. The Senior Director reports directly to the Business Unit Vice President and is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and health of the program and supporting staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership & Execution Provide overall leadership for a portfolio of complex programs, ensuring cost, schedule, technical, and quality objectives are met or exceeded.
• Drive disciplined program execution, risk management, and performance management across the portfolio.
• Lead and mentor a team of program managers, setting clear expectations, accountability, and development paths.
• Leadership & Culture Champion a high-integrity, inclusive culture that reflects Northrop Grumman values and fosters engagement, collaboration, and high performance.
• Maintain strong employee morale and effective communication across all levels and functions.
• Business Growth & Strategy Shape and execute the growth strategy for the site’s business portfolio, including identification, capture, and execution of new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Engineering, Operations, and other stakeholders to align capabilities and investments with customer needs and competitive positioning.
• Engage directly with customers and partners to strengthen relationships, understand emerging requirements, and position Northrop Grumman for long-term success.
• Cross-Functional & Matrix Leadership Provide indirect leadership to all supporting disciplines to ensure alignment with Operating Unit and Business Unit goals.
• Coordinate closely with the Business Unit leadership team and other company sites to leverage enterprise capabilities, share best practices, and drive continuous improvement.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of program or project management experience in the defense or aerospace sector, including responsibility for both execution and growth of a diverse program or new business portfolio.
• Proven experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams (program and functional) to develop and execute a vision and business strategy that achieves or exceeds program performance and financial objectives.
• Demonstrated expertise in customer shaping and engagement, including developing strategies and win themes to position for future opportunities.
• Experience within the DoD as a major prime contractor.
• Strong track record of disciplined program execution, including risk management, issue resolution, and performance to plan.
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and lead program management teams, including effective delegation, coaching, and succession planning.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across organizational boundaries and at executive levels.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SAP eligibility.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience managing complex programs and/or portfolios with significant new business capture and growth responsibilities.
• Knowledge of Northrop Grumman internal processes, procedures, and organizational structure.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and present strategies, business cases, and program status to senior customer and internal executive audiences.
• Current Top Secret clearance with SAP eligibility.

Primary Level Salary Range: $230,000.00 - $345,000.00

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.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.