Director of Programs 1 (Research & Advanced Design)

Relocation assistance may be available. Requires an active U.S. government Secret security clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. Travel is required, up to 25% of the time.

About the role

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) sector is seeking a Director of Programs 1 to join the Research and Advanced Design (R&AD) division in El Segundo, CA. This leadership role leads a diverse team in transforming breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. The R&AD team defines next-generation future aircraft, collaborative autonomous platforms, and pushes the boundaries of technology, owning the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation—from early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team across multiple contracts.
• Execute a growing P&L portfolio with a focus on capturing workshare aligned to government expenditures.
• Identify and respond to RFIs, RFPs, and FOPRs.
• Deliver briefings to customers at the flag officer level and NG executive leadership.
• Drive customer communication and collaboration to achieve mutual goals and shared success.
• Lead a team of matrixed reports, defining goals, team composition, and ensuring continuous performance growth.
• Actively manage Risk, Issues & Opportunities to ensure program execution success.
• Set a vision and articulate resource, personnel, and facility requirements to meet financial and technological commitments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 10 years (or Bachelor of Science in STEM and 9 years) of related experience in project management, program management, engineering, capture efforts, and/or business management, OR a Master’s degree and 8 years (or Master of Science in STEM and 7 years) of related experience.
• Previous leadership or management experience.
• Active U.S. government Secret security clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation).
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current U.S. government Top Secret security clearance.
• Degree in a related STEM discipline.
• Experience with Profit & Loss responsibility, contract execution, and business growth.
• International business capture and execution experience.
• Experience leading a team in a matrixed environment to achieve program goals.
• Experience engaging, briefing, and influencing customer executive leaders.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements, including a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.
• Phenomenal learning opportunities and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers.
• Health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, and a savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
• Eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay.
• Annual bonuses designed to reward individual contributions and company results.
• Long Term Incentives for eligible employees in Vice President or Director positions.

Pay

Primary salary range: $224,300.00 – $336,500.00. The final offer considers scope and responsibilities of the position, as well as the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and current market conditions.