Manager Programs 3 – Autonomy, Research & Advanced Design

Northrop Grumman

. Oversee execution of the Autonomy Commercial Research and Development (CRAD) portfolio .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeRedondo Beach • California • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $193,000 - $289,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive experience in project and program management within the defense industry, with a strong focus on automation, control, AI, and autonomy. Capable of building customer relationships, leading proposal efforts, and presenting to executive leadership.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project ManagementProgram ManagementCost ManagementAgile DevelopmentU.S. Government Secret Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost ManagementVariance AnalysisEarned Value ManagementRisk ManagementAIMission AutonomyGN&CMission SystemsAvionicsHuman Machine Interfaces

Soft Skills

Verbal PresentationsCustomer Relationship ManagementTask PrioritizationCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Government Reference ArchitecturesModular Open Systems Approach

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Secret Security ClearanceU.S. Government Top Secret ClearanceSpecial Access Program (SAP)

Industry Keywords

Defense IndustryApplied ResearchCommercial Research and DevelopmentBusiness DevelopmentRFIRFPIDIQFOPRInternational Business Capture

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee execution of the Autonomy Commercial Research and Development (CRAD) portfolio
Shape, capture, and execute applied research CRAD in automation, control, AI, and autonomy
Ensure program managers effectively staff programs
Steer internal investments
Apply sound project management practices
Coordinate with business development personnel on customer shaping
Monitor demand signals and map trends to internal capabilities to capture programs
Define approaches for protecting and growing the portfolio of Science and Technology CRADs in Autonomy
Build briefings for executive leadership and customers
Give verbal presentations
Prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Report to the Autonomy Director

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and 10 years of related experience, or Bachelor of Science in STEM and 9 years of related experience
Master's degree and 8 years of related experience, or Master of Science in STEM and 7 years of related experience
Related experience in project management, program management, engineering, capture efforts, and/or business management functions
Extensive experience with cost management, variance analysis, and staffing
Experience developing customer relationships within the defense industry
Experience with Agile development or fast-paced research and development
Experience leading RFI, RFP, IDIQ, or FOPR responses and developing compelling proposal offerings
Current, active U.S. government Secret security clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP)
Ability to obtain higher-level accesses
Preferred: Active U.S. government Top Secret clearance
Preferred: Active SCI
Preferred: Active SAP clearance
Preferred: Experience with Earned Value Management
Preferred: Experience with Risk Management
Preferred: Experience presenting to executive leadership and customers
Preferred: Experience managing Software or Systems Engineering teams
Preferred: Experience with Government Reference Architectures or Modular Open Systems Approach
Preferred: Technical experience in AI, Mission Autonomy, GN&C, Mission Systems, Avionics, Vehicle Management Systems, Flight Autonomy, and/or Human Machine Interfaces
Preferred: International business capture and execution experience
U.S. Citizenship required for positions with a government clearance and certain restricted positions

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Discretionary bonus eligibility
Health insurance coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
Overtime eligibility may apply
Shift differential may apply