Director of Programs 2 - Mission Enabling Products

Northrop Grumman; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems - MEP BU seeks a Director of Programs for the Propulsion and Structures Operating Unit, based on-site at Commerce or San Diego, CA, with travel to other sites as required. The role reports to the MEP Business Unit VP and is responsible for performance, health of the portfolio, and staff development.

Lead a high mix/high volume program portfolio, drive disciplined execution, mentor program managers, and ensure alignment with enterprise goals and standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall Propulsion and Structures Operating Unit leadership for a high mix/high volume portfolio of complex programs; ensure cost, schedule, technical, and quality objectives are met or exceeded.
• Drive disciplined program execution, risk management, and performance management across all programs at both facilities.
• Lead and mentor a team of program managers, setting clear expectations, accountability, and development paths.
• Mentor the program managers to build and strengthen partnerships and collaboration with all Functions.
• Champion integrity and an inclusive culture reflecting company values, fostering engagement, collaboration, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Shape and execute the growth strategy for the Operating Units business portfolio, including identification, capture, and execution of new business opportunities.

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description

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 - MEP BU is seeking a Director of Programs for our Propulsion and Structures Operating Unit at our Commerce and San Diego, CA facilities. This role is on-site and based at either Commerce or San Diego, CA with travel to other Northrop Grumman locations as well as customer and supplier sites as required.

The Operating Unit Director of Programs reports directly to the MEP Business Unit Vice President and is responsible for overall leadership, performance, and health of the business, program portfolios and supporting staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Execution

• Provide overall Propulsion and Structures Operating Unit leadership for a high mix/high volume 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 all programs at both facilities.
• Lead and mentor a team of program managers, setting clear expectations, accountability, and development paths.
• Mentor the program managers to build and strengthen partnerships and collaboration with all Functions.

Leadership & Culture

• Champion the highest integrity, inclusive culture that reflects Northrop Grumman values and fosters engagement, collaboration, safety, teamwork continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Maintain strong and improving employee morale and highly effective communication across all levels and functions of the organization. Coach and mentor leaders and team members, reinforcing accountability, engagement, and ownership.
• Engage and support employee career growth, work satisfaction and retention.
• Help the organization navigate ambiguity by driving clarity in priorities, roles, and expectations; communicate decisions, changes, and strategic direction effectively. Delegate to the level that supports leadership development and organizational speed.

Business Growth & Strategy

• Shape and execute the growth strategy for the Operating Units 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 external and internal 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, Business Unit and Space Systems goals.
• Coordinate closely with the Business Unit leadership team and other Northrop Grumman sites to leverage enterprise capabilities, share best practices, and drive improvement.

Operating Unit Compliance

• Support day-to-day oversight of Operating Unit in collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Mission Assurance, EHS, Security, HR and other Functional partners.
• Help ensure business compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental, safety, labor law, security, and any applicable site-specific requirements.
• Assist in planning and prioritizing capital investments, facility sustainment, and modernization initiatives to support Operating Unit growth and long-term capability.
• Promote and reinforce a strong safety and quality culture, ensuring safety of our people, safe execution of all operations and timely resolution of