Senior Program Manager, Defense Systems (Top Secret)

Northrop Grumman; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in Palmdale, CA is seeking a Program Manager 2 to lead cost, schedule, and technical performance across multiple development projects. This senior role involves developing and maintaining master plans, budgets, and risk management in a fast-paced, leadership-driven environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CAM, EVM, and cross-functional leadership, with the ability to coordinate geographically dispersed teams and subcontractors while

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.
• Two years of experience as a Control Account Manager (CAM).
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance across multiple development projects.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor master plans, roadmaps, and milestone schedules; ensure adherence and take corrective actions as needed.
• Establish and manage budget baselines, including application of Earned Value Management (EVM) methodologies and tools when required.
• Identify program problems and implement solutions, including resource reallocation or contractual changes.
• Conduct thorough risk and opportunity management: identify, mitigate, track, and realize opportunities and mitigations.
• Lead issue resolution and decision-making to closure, balancing competing perspectives, constraints, stakeholder priorities, and strategic objectives.
• Act as primary customer contact for program activities; plan and lead program review sessions with customers and senior leadership to address cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Build and sustain an effective, engaged, and integrated team in a complex, geographically dispersed, partner-rich environment.
• Direct and align subcontractors and suppliers to common program objectives and performance expectations.
• Identify, allocate, and manage program resources, including workforce planning and assignment of responsibilities.
• Identify, distribute, track, and facilitate completion of program requirements and deliverables.
• Support capture management and pursuit of new business: lead capture planning, long-term strategic planning, and development of proposals and business plans.
• Lead proposal preparation and support contract negotiations and contract change activities.
• Cultivate customer relationships to deepen engagement and develop further opportunities within the customer community.
• Deliver presentations to customers, executives, management, and other program stakeholders to communicate status, risks, and decisions.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM (preferred)

Tools

CAM Certification

SAP access

Job description

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in Palmdale, CA is seeking a Program Manager 2 to lead cost, schedule, and technical performance across multiple development projects. This senior role involves developing and maintaining master plans, budgets, and risk management in a fast-paced, leadership-driven environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CAM, EVM, and cross-functional leadership, with the ability to coordinate geographically dispersed teams and subcontractors while