Principal Strategic Planner / Senior Principal Strategic Planner- Level 3 or 4

Relocation assistance may be available. Secret clearance required. Travel: 25% of the time.

About the role

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Strategic Planner or a Senior Principal Strategic Planner to join our Strategy team in El Segundo, CA, Falls Church, VA, or Melbourne, FL. This role operates in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment, evaluating investment and partnership opportunities and leading or supporting business case development to drive unique value for the Corporation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate technology scouting initiatives, managing sector tech scouting and startup engagements. Build relationships with internal innovation stakeholders and the external innovation ecosystem (venture capital firms, startup incubators/accelerators). Attend defense technology industry conferences as a technology scout.
• Source, analyze, and execute strategic investments by supporting financial analyses of startups aligned with Northrop Grumman’s strategic priorities. Assist with minority equity investments and manage portfolio activities associated with venture investments.
• Support the development and execution of strategic partnerships by helping identify and analyze opportunities with potential partners. Prepare detailed reports and presentations, align partnership goals with company objectives, and track partnership performance metrics.
• Respond to executive-sponsored special projects with dynamic requirements, presenting findings to leadership through executive-level presentations (e.g., geographic strategies, site selection, industry trends, go-to-market strategies, mergers & acquisitions).

Requirements

Principal Strategic Planner

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience in business, finance, engineering/science, or a related discipline; OR a Master’s degree with 3 years of experience; OR a PhD with 1 year of experience.
• Proven ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize business and financial insights from multiple sources.
• Experience in financial analysis, strategy development, and/or project management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior levels of management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance.

Senior Principal Strategic Planner

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience in business, finance, engineering/science, or a related discipline; OR a Master’s degree with 6 years of experience; OR a PhD with 4 years of experience.
• Proven ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize business and financial insights from multiple sources.
• Experience in financial analysis, strategy development, and/or project management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior levels of management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aptitude for working independently, proactively seeking out work, and identifying new business opportunities.
• MBA or other relevant graduate degree. A technical degree coupled with relevant business education or work experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the aerospace and/or defense industry, with familiarity in aircraft engineering and/or manufacturing.
• Ability to quickly learn and research new topics, including advanced materials, robotics, artificial intelligence, and related emerging technologies.
• Strong familiarity with private and public capital markets, venture capital operations, and startup fundraising activities.
• Background in consulting, venture capital investment, investment banking, private equity, or corporate strategy and development.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and critical thinking skills paired with the ability to visualize data meaningfully.
• Dynamic self-starter with strong attention to detail, work ethic, and ability to handle multiple priorities with minimal guidance.
• Advanced skillset in Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with data analysis tools is a plus.
• Current DOD Secret or higher clearance.

Pay

Salary ranges vary by location and level:

• Principal Strategic Planner (Level 3):
  • El Segundo, CA: $103,600.00 – $155,400.00 USD annually
  • Falls Church, VA: $103,600.00 – $155,400.00 USD annually
  • Melbourne, FL: $89,400.00 – $134,200.00 USD annually
• Senior Principal Strategic Planner (Level 4):
  • El Segundo, CA: $129,300.00 – $193,900.00 USD annually
  • Falls Church, VA: $129,300.00 – $193,900.00 USD annually
  • Melbourne, FL: $111,700.00 – $167,500.00 USD annually

Base salary offers consider factors such as scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Eligible employees may receive overtime, shift differentials, discretionary bonuses, and long-term incentives (for Vice President or Director positions).

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business