Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a F-35 Principal Project Management (Level 3) or Sr Principal Project Management (Level 4) to lead and support cross-functional initiatives in support of the F-35 Production Operating Unit (OU).

This role is 100% on-site and will be based in Redondo Beach, CA with travel to Palmdale 1 day a week for program production reviews.

This role requires not only strong project management, but also strong business acumen to bridge strategy and execution, and the discretion to handle highly visible initiatives. The selected individual will need to effectively communicate with internal/external stakeholders (senior executives, customers, and suppliers) ensuring alignment to broader enterprise goals.

Strategic Business Initiatives:

This Program Integration role supports the F-35 Program Office and Production OU and leads strategic initiatives across the business unit, including operational improvements, customer engagements, and executive priorities. The role offers high visibility and the opportunity to build strong relationships across the business.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Program & Project Leadership
  • Lead project planning, execution, and delivery across multiple functional areas to ensure alignment with program goals, development objectives, and business strategies.
  • Support the assigned OU Program Manager and their leadership team in achieving precise, time-sensitive deliverables, metrics, and presentations.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned initiatives, engaging with senior executives, customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
  • Collaborate across functions to meet OU objectives.
• Strategic Rhythm & Executive Review Coordination
  • Proactively manage the organizational rhythm to maintain preparedness for program and customer deadlines.
  • Prepare, integrate, and coordinate executive reviews (e.g., Monthly Program Manager’s Meeting), including scheduling, agenda setting, leadership messaging, and stakeholder input collection.
  • Ensure accurate input and reporting of contractual performance metrics in the Intranet Program Review System (IPRS).
• Resource, Risk, Issue & Opportunity Management
  • Facilitate and track risks, issues, and opportunities within the Tracking Risks, Issues, and Opportunities (TRIO) tool to drive actions to closure.
  • Monitor progress, assess project issues, and drive timely resolution.
• Data Analysis & Communication
  • Aggregate, synthesize, analyze, and communicate data to support decision-making, executive briefings, and stakeholder presentations.
• Knowledge Sharing & Team Engagement
  • Organize knowledge sharing and continuous improvement activities, including SharePoint enhancements, engagement events (e.g., lunch and learns, recognition), and organizational highlights.
• Stakeholder Alignment & Business Acumen
  • Communicate and align initiatives to broader enterprise goals with discretion and strong business acumen.

Duties:

• Lead project planning, execution, and delivery across multiple functional areas, ensuring alignment with program goals and business strategy
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned initiatives, engaging directly with senior executives, external customers, and suppliers – effectively communicating to maintain momentum
• Capable of supporting chief of staff duties as necessary for executive leaders such as but not limited to the following: managing strategic initiatives, coordinating cross-functional projects, and enhancing operational efficiency, while ensuring effective communication and alignment across the organization.
• Support broader business unit initiatives, contributing to the development and execution of high-impact strategies that require trust, discretion, and cross-functional collaboration

Basic Qualifications(Principal):

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree with 5 years, Master's Degree with 3 years, PhD with 1 year, OR High School Diploma/Equivalent with 9 years of experience
• Experience must be in the following: Project Management, Business Strategy, Finance, Proposals and/or Capture Efforts, Resource Planning, Accounting, Program Management, Program Scheduling, Program Cost Analysis, Subcontracts Administration, Procurement, Business Management, or Contracts
• Experience in Microsoft Office

Basic Qualifications(Sr Principal):

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree with 8 years, Master's Degree with 6 years, PhD with 4 years, OR High School Diploma/Equivalent with 12 years of experience
• Experience must be in the following: Project Management, Business Strategy, Finance, Proposals and/or Capture Efforts, Resource Planning, Accounting, Program Management, Program Scheduling, Program Cost Analysis, Subcontracts Administration, Procurement, Business Management, or Contracts
• Experience in Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications:

• Aerospace/defense experience
• Supply chain, financial management, business strategy and/or contracts experience in aerospace/defense
• Familiarity with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, lookups, conditional formatting, and dashboards)
• Control Account Management (CAM) experience