Director 1 - Future Aircraft Business Unit - NGAS Research & Advanced Design

In this role the candidate will report directly to the Sector Vice President of R&AD and will have profit & loss (P&L) responsibility for the shaping, capture, and program execution of a portfolio of early-stage Mobility, Vertical Lift, and emerging Vehicle Technology CRAD / IRAD. Success in this role will be measured by meeting or exceeding R&AD AOP awards for this new portfolio, increasing portfolio CAGR, meeting partner NGAS Division award targets, and minimizing schedule variance on first-flight dates. This role will partner closely with our counterpart NGAS Division business development, production, and program management teams to establish footholds in new lines of business for Northrop Grumman.
Relationship management, capture and program management acumen, and unquestionable integrity and transparency are vital skills necessary for success in this role. This leadership position will manage a matrixed and direct-report workforce deployed at multiple sites across the continental United States, coordinate closely with R&AD Technology Directorates and Business Units.
The program leader is responsible for leading all phases of the program life cycle from inception (marketing, sales, and proposal development) through execution of technology maturation and risk reduction (TMRR), and transition of P&L to our partner NGAS Divisions.
Primary responsibilities are successful capture and subsequent management of quality, cost, schedule, and technical performance of Future Aircraft and Vehicle Technology CRAD /IRAD including but not limited to:

Cultivating customer relationships and intimacy to develop new aircraft concepts that align with emerging mission needs

Developing winning business deals in a competitive new aircraft markets for prototype development and flight test contracts

Obtaining early customer funding for aircraft technology maturation efforts

Optimizing a program organization for lean operations that effectively addresses customer requirements and incorporates the necessary internal and external sub-organizations

Leading and directing cross-functional Integrated Program Teams (IPT) to meet program cost, schedule, and technical performance objectives

Driving predictable program performance, including regular measurement and management of key performance metrics

Delivering presentations to customers, executive management, and other program stakeholders

Identifying, allocating and managing program resources, including workforce planning

Participating in the negotiation of contracts, contract changes, specifications, operating budgets, schedule milestones, and key terms and conditions

Development and adherence to program, business, and technical baselines

Ensuring program team understands and adheres to contract scope, and manages change through control board activities, and drives performance towards first-flight milestones

Conducting thorough risk & opportunity management practices including risk identification, mitigation and realization

Managing Government/customer supplied property or information (GFE, CFE, etc.)

Establishing relationships with new suppliers and managing those suppliers to meet program objectives

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 in engineering and 9 years or Master's degree in engineering and 7 years of related professional / military technical development experience in the defense industry

Background in marketing and sales and proposal development to DARPA, ONR, and/or AFRL

Experience in low-rate or prototype manufacturing of complex weapons systems and/or aircraft

Experience working with executives and senior leaders

Experience leading / aligning teams to achieve a common goal in a dynamic work environment

Experience managing communications with diverse stakeholders

Demonstrated depth in technical and business acumen

Experience working with small businesses in supply chains

Must have an active DoD Top Secret clearance with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into continuous evolution

Must be able to obtain and maintain SCI clearance and Special Program Access (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's or PhD in aerospace engineering and/or business management and advanced industry training in program management and capture

Active TS/SCI clearance and accessed to at least one SAP

Technical leadership or program management experience at a startup or small technical development firm

Profit & loss responsibility with demonstrated ability to achieve financial performance targets in emerging and competitive markets

The ability to address uncertainty through an organized and analytical forward-looking approach

Successful leadership of a rapid prototype development and flight-test program

Primary Level Salary Range: $217,300.00 - $325,900.00The 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.

Client-provided location(s): Redondo Beach, CA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10213515

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-11-07T20:11:33