Director of Programs – Mission Enabling Products

Northrop Grumman

. Provide overall leadership for the Propulsion and Structures Operating Unit and its complex program portfolio .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesLead💰 $266,300 - $399,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive program management expertise with a focus on disciplined execution, risk management, and strategic growth in complex aerospace and defense environments. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and maintain strong customer relationships while ensuring compliance and quality standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program Management ExperienceRisk ManagementCustomer EngagementLeadership DevelopmentTop-Secret Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program ExecutionStrategic PlanningIssue ResolutionBusiness DevelopmentNegotiation Strategies

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsCollaboration SkillsMentoringTeam BuildingInfluence

Certifications & Qualifications

Top-Secret ClearanceSAP Eligibility

Industry Keywords

AerospaceDefenseProgram PortfolioComplianceContinuous Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide overall leadership for the Propulsion and Structures Operating Unit and its complex program portfolio
Ensure financial, profit/loss, return on invested capital, planning, schedule, technical, and quality objectives are met or exceeded
Drive disciplined program execution, risk management, and performance management across programs at both facilities
Lead, mentor, and develop program managers
Build partnerships and collaboration with functional teams and deepen customer relationships
Champion an inclusive, high-integrity culture focused on engagement, safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and performance
Maintain employee morale and effective communication across organizational levels
Coach and mentor leaders and team members while supporting career growth, satisfaction, and retention
Clarify priorities, roles, expectations, decisions, changes, and strategic direction
Shape and execute growth strategy, including identifying, capturing, and executing new business opportunities
Engage internal and external customers and partners to understand requirements and position Northrop Grumman for long-term success
Provide indirect leadership to supporting disciplines and align them with organizational goals
Collaborate with Business Development, Engineering, Operations, and stakeholders on capabilities, investments, customer needs, and competitive positioning
Coordinate with Business Unit leadership and other Northrop Grumman sites to leverage enterprise capabilities and drive improvement
Support day-to-day Operating Unit oversight with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Mission Assurance, EHS, Security, HR, and other partners
Help ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and site-specific requirements
Assist with capital investment, facility sustainment, and modernization planning
Promote safety and quality culture and resolve safety and quality issues

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
15+ years of program or project management experience in industry, including responsibility for execution and growth of a diverse program and new business portfolio
Experience leading diverse, cross-functional teams through direct and indirect leadership and influence
Expertise in customer shaping and engagement
Ability to develop winning strategies for future opportunities
Ability to resolve disputes through negotiation strategies while maintaining customer relationships
Track record of disciplined program execution, risk management, issue resolution, and performance to plan
Ability to build, develop, and lead program management teams, including delegation, coaching, and succession planning
Ability to operate and lead across all functions and mentor others
Strong formal and informal communication skills with internal and external management
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, including 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: 10+ years managing complex programs and portfolios with significant new business capture and growth responsibilities
Preferred: Experience in aerospace and/or defense and adjacent industries
Preferred: Knowledge of Northrop Grumman internal processes, procedures, and organizational structure
Preferred: Ability to develop and present strategies, business cases, and program status to senior customers and internal executive audiences
Preferred: Current Top-Secret clearance with SAP eligibility

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
Potential overtime
Shift differential
Discretionary bonus
Potential long-term incentives for Director positions