RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
DescriptionMission Next is the catalyst for innovation and strategic excellence within the Mission System (MS) portfolio, rapidly accelerating technology maturation and delivering agile, mission critical solutions that empower national security today. Guided by mission architecture and rigorous analysis, and enabled by breakthrough microelectronics, distributed systems, and cutting-edge technology, the division transforms bold ideas into decisive action with speed and precision.
As the Director, Chief Information and Digital Office (CIDO) for Mission Next, you will shape how cutting-edge digital, AI, and IT capabilities are deployed across complex programs, directly influencing cost, schedule, quality, and mission outcomes. You'll operate at the intersection of sector leadership, program teams, and enterprise service lines, with a mandate to turn strategy into execution and visible business results. This is a high-impact role for a proven leader who wants to architect the next generation of digital and AI capabilities for Mission Systems. This position will be located in Linthicum, MD; the candidate selected for this role will be required to be on-site, full-time at our Linthicum, MD campus - this is
not a remote work opportunity.
The Director drives division-level business performance by translating sector digital and AI capabilities into tailored division roadmaps, orchestrating delivery across enterprise service lines, and ensuring effective adoption at sites and programs. This role is accountable for division-level service performance, financial transparency, and compliance, with a focus on improving cost, schedule, quality, and customer outcomes.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Alignment:- Develop, maintain, and continuously refine division digital and AI strategies and roadmaps anchored in program execution challenges, revenue/margin/schedule pressure points, and customer expectations.
- Serve as a primary liaison between enterprise services, IT, CIDO service lines, and sector/division/program senior leadership to align strategies, proposals, and execution with business requirements.
- Provide direction and leadership over enterprise services, IT systems, and program security activities in support of customer strategy development, budget planning, and cost management.
AI & Analytics Enablement:- Identify, prioritize, and shape AI and advanced analytics use cases that improve program execution, cost, schedule, quality, and customer outcomes.
- Parter with Mission Next technical leadership to architect and implement enabling capabilities for the development of Mission AI technologies within the MS Sector product portfolio.
- Partner with corporate and sector AI/analytics teams to define data, tooling, and infrastructure requirements and ensure scalable, secure solutions.
- Champion responsible AI practices, including data governance, model monitoring, and adherence to applicable security and NG AI governance policies.
- Drive AI and analytics adoption through structured change management, training, and communication, ensuring solutions are embedded in day-to-day program and functional workflows.
Demand Management & "Front Door" Operations:- Operate a division "front door" for digital, AI, and IT demand (e.g., common sector capabilities, division-specific configurations, program/site deployments).
- Translate business and program requirements into clear capability needs and prioritized demand for sector and corporate service lines, including AI-enabled solutions.
Delivery Orchestration & Execution:- Orchestrate delivery of CIDO capabilities (e.g., PLM, MES, ERP integration, quality, supplier analytics, infrastructure, data governance, training, AI/ML platforms) so the division experiences a single accountable interface in partnership with CIDO service lines.
- Stand up and lead division "digital deployment pods" for major priorities to ensure site and program adoption of digital and AI capabilities.
- Oversee proposal development, staffing plans, product and service acquisition and delivery, and teaming relationships for CIDO capabilities delivered direct to contract.
- Lead and manage a direct and matrixed team of enterprise services, IT, digital, AI, and program security professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Program Security & Compliance:- Provide leadership for program security execution and compliance, including DFARS, Risk Management Framework, and related disciplines across unclassified and classified program environments.
- Ensure AI and digital solutions comply with program security, cybersecurity, export control, and data protection requirements across unclassified and classified environments.
Performance Management & Financial Transparency:- Own division-level service performance and escalation, leveraging CIDO and enterprise service lines to address issues and drive resolution.
- Provide financial transparency (chargeback or showback) on services consumed, projects delivered, service levels, cost drivers, and realized value; challenge division- or program-specific customizations that add cost and complexity.
- Define, track, and report key performance indicators aligned to business outcomes for digital, AI, and IT services, driving continuous improvement in cost, schedule, and performance outcomes.
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field with 15+ years of relevant professional experience, or a Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field with 12+ years of relevant professional experience.
- Must have a current U.S. Government Secret level security clearance to be considered, based on a completed investigation date within the past 6 years, or must be enrolled in the U.S. Government Continuous Evaluation Program (CEP); maintaining the required security clearance will be a condition of continued employment.
- The selected candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP/SAR) clearance as a condition of continued employment.
- The selected candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance as a condition of continued employment.
- 10+ years of related professional experience in IT, technology development, digital transformation, enterprise services, or program leadership, including 5+ years in people leadership or matrix leadership roles.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing technology roadmaps aligned to business strategy at the division or large program level.
- Foundational understanding of AI/ML and data analytics concepts, and their application to operational and program environments.
- Experience with program security execution and compliance frameworks (e.g., DFARS, Risk Management Framework).
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost management, and value realization for technology services.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence without direct authority, and drive adoption of new capabilities across multiple sites and programs.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills, with a track record of engaging and influencing senior leadership.
Preferred Qualifications:- Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance.
- Advanced degree in a technical or business discipline (e.g., MS, MBA).
- Experience defining and implementing AI/analytics solutions in engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and/or complex program execution environments.
- Experience with PLM, MES, ERP, quality, and supplier analytics platforms and their integration into program workflows.
- Experience operating in classified/CUI environments and applying security/compliance requirements to digital and AI solutions.
- Demonstrated success standing up and leading digital or AI pods, centers of excellence, or similar deployment structures.
We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program. Come join us!
Primary Level Salary Range: $194,600.00 - $292,000.00
The 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.
