Northrop Grumman

Director Manufacturing Operations 1

Northrop Grumman • $177K — $265K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations or program management.
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing teams in complex manufacturing environments.
  • Proven track record of delivering on cost and schedule across multiple programs.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain an active Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Provide overall leadership for manufacturing operations across assembly, RF test, and advanced packaging cells.
  • Ensure operational excellence in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to resolve constraints and maintain operational flow.
  • Align capacity, staffing, and resources with current and future business demands.
  • Develop and implement continuous improvement and lean practices throughout the value stream.
  • Monitor KPIs and initiate corrective actions to bridge performance gaps.
  • Serve as the primary operations leader for external customer visits.
  • Champion a culture of safety, inclusion, accountability, and high performance.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Savings plan options.
  • Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for personal business.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead critical manufacturing operations at our Linthicum, Maryland facility. This leader will be a site lead and responsible for overall manufacturing operations performance with site leadership across assembly, RF test, and the advanced packaging cell. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure on-time, on-cost delivery in support of business objectives for multiple internal MS divisions, multi-sector, and external customers.

This role primarily supports the Foundries, Test and Advanced Packaging (FTAP); a key element of the Mission Next division within the Mission Systems sector. This role will have oversite supporting the work out of the Apopka, FL site as part of the matrix organization aligned to FTAP so partnership with Manufacturing leader at this site with be an essential part of the role. This person will report to the VP of Mission Next. The ability to communicate and lead teams across multiple internal organizations, functional teams and matrix environments is an execution requirement of this role.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide overall leadership for manufacturing operations across assembly, RF test, and advanced packaging cells at the 900i site.
  • Operational excellence meeting our customer commitments and protecting our people and products. This includes execution excellence and overall responsibility for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Morale.
  • Lead cross-functional teams (manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, and program teams) to resolve constraints and maintain flow.
  • Ensure capacity, staffing, and resources are aligned to support current and future business demand.
  • Develop and deploy standard work, continuous improvement, and lean practices across the value stream.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to address gaps.
  • Interface regularly with program and functional leadership across multiple divisions to align priorities and communicate status.
  • Serve as primary operations leader for external customers visiting or engaging with the Linthicum site.
  • Champion a culture of safety, inclusion, accountability, and high performance.
  • Develop, mentor, and evaluate leaders and staff within the site operations organization.


Key Attributes
  • Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline.
  • Collaborative, inclusive leader who builds high-performing teams.
  • Results-driven, with a focus on safety, quality, cost, and schedule.
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, multi-customer environment.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business or related field and a minimum of 10 years related leadership experience in manufacturing operations, production, or closely related advanced manufacturing environments and/or program management
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and/or managers in a complex manufacturing environment.
  • Proven track record delivering on cost and schedule in support of multiple programs or customers.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, and program management.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent communication, executive presence, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Must be able to travel to Apopka, FL 25% (Once a quarter)
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Ability to obtain an active Secret security clearance


Preferred Qualifications
  • Program Management experience
  • Experience with industry and management methodologies focused on continuous improvement in manufacturing, such as ISO 9000, World Class Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma
  • Experience with ERP/MES and PLM business systems
  • Experience in electronics, aerospace/defense, or advanced packaging manufacturing environments.
  • Prior responsibility for site-level or large-cell operations performance.
  • Experience supporting both internal (multi-division) and external customers.
  • Active Security Clearance


Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,400.00

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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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