Systems Engineering IPT Director 1
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector has an opening for a Program Director to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals and lead the Systems Engineering IPT for the RQ-4 Enterprise. This position is located in San Diego, CA.
The RQ-4 Systems Engineering IPT Director position is responsible for providing strategic leadership and day-to-day management for an Integrated Product Team and delivering systems engineering products and services in accordance with all Enterprise Program Statements of Work (SOWs) and Northrop Grumman Policies and Procedures. The IPT Director will lead a diverse team of architects, engineers, and integrators tasked with ensuring our systems, software and logistical products meet customer, regulatory, security and internal specifications and support missions in accordance with customer expectations. This IPT performs systems engineering activities in Rancho Bernardo and Palmdale, California, Grand Sky, North Dakota, and a number of additional domestic and overseas forward deployment locations for a wide array of design, development, integration and sustainment programs.
The RQ-4 Systems Engineering IPT Director will interface with Customer Program Offices, Program Leaders, Business Operations/Integration, and the broader Engineering organization to shape future requirements and ensure contracted requirements defined by the SOW are achieved within budget, schedule, quality, and closure criteria.
Primary responsibilities include:
Leadership & Vision - Define and communicate the IPT's technical vision, strategy, and performance objectives; inspire and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, program managers, and subject-matter experts
Requirements Management - Oversee the capture, analysis, validation, and traceability of system requirements throughout the product lifecycle
System Architecture & Integration - Guide the development of robust system architectures, interface control documents, and integration plans; ensure technical solutions meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards
Program Planning & Execution - Develop and maintain detailed IPT master schedules, resource plans, and budgets; drive execution against milestones and deliverables
Risk & Issue Management - Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks and issues; maintain risk registers and ensure timely resolution
Program Reviews - Oversee and lead preparation of presentation materials to support Program Reviews
Change Management - Oversee the organization's input to Change Board Activity such as Technical Review Board, Configuration Control Board, and Joint CCBs, oversee what is presented in change packages
Technical Leadership - Partner with Chief Engineering to oversee technical performance of the RQ-4 and other Enterprise platforms in close collaboration with the other Enterprise IPTs
Stakeholder Coordination - Serve as the primary liaison with customers, suppliers, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners; facilitate clear, effective communication and decision-making
Quality & Compliance - Enforce adherence to applicable standards (e.g., ISO, IEC, MIL-STD), configuration management processes, and internal quality systems
Metrics & Reporting - Establish performance metrics, generate status reports, and present technical and programmatic health to senior leadership and external stakeholders
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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:
Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 10 years of related professional/military experience that includes a background in systems engineering, integration, test and/or related design engineering field, OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related professional/military experience that includes a background in systems engineering, integration, test and/or related design engineering field
Systems Engineering experience as an Individual Contributor or Manager/Director
Must have an active Secret clearance that has been granted or reissued in the last 6 years or is currently enrolled in continuous evaluation and the ability to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance
Ability to be granted and maintain special program access as required by business needs
Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time
Must be able to obtain a Valid U.S. Passport
Proven leadership of engineering cross-functional teams within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment
Demonstrated experience managing complex responsibilities with multiple stakeholders (internal and external)
Prior experience with program execution including cost, schedule, risk and performance accountability
Strong background in customer engagement, proposal development, and contract execution
Familiarity with government/military contracts, acquisition process, and sustainment requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
Active TS/SCI/SAP Clearance
Experience working Systems Engineering efforts on different phases of the program lifecycle
Master's Degree in STEM discipline or Business Administration
Previous experience working with U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and International customers
Deep understanding of Systems Engineering elements: Architecture Development, Requirements & Verification, Mission Engineering, Modeling & Simulation, IFC Management, Configuration Management, Data Management, Model Based Systems Engineering, System Safety, System Security / Cybersecurity, and Airworthiness
Experience with Statement of Work (SOW) development, Basis of Estimate (BOE) creation and negotiations
Five or more years of experience managing complex cost accounts
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships across engineering, supply chain, business management, program management, and executive leadership
Exceptional communication skills - able to brief executive leadership, engage customers, and translate technical content to stakeholders
Ability to delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for overall IPT success
Strategic thinker with ability to align team objectives with program and functional goals
Proven record of developing & implementing action plans to improve strategic growth using continuous improvement techniques spanning across a large organization
We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly inclusive environment! We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) provide benefits for the members, our leaders and the company. Our ERGs offer opportunities to be a friend, be active, be a volunteer, be a leader, to be recognized and to be yourself. Every ERG is inclusive of all employees! Does this sound like what you're looking for?
At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation-- building the next generation of sophisticated products to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well known for our inclusive, family environment, as well as our excellent work/life balance. We also offer exceptional benefits, a 9/80 schedule, and a great 401K matching program.
Primary Level Salary Range: $224,300.00 - $336,500.00The 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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- HSA
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- On-Site Gym
- Pet Insurance
- Mental Health Benefits
- Virtual Fitness Classes
Parental Benefits
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
- Four-Day Work Week
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Company Outings
- On-Site Cafeteria
- Holiday Events
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Sabbatical
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K)
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Financial Counseling
- Profit Sharing
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
Company Videos
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