Northrop Grumman

Principal / Senior Principal Project Management

Northrop Grumman$94K — $176K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or higher degree with relevant experience (minimum 5-12 years)
  • Proven project management experience in aerospace, defense, or similar fields
  • Strong business strategy capabilities and financial acumen
  • Demonstrated experience with cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
  • Ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret Clearance

Responsibilities

  • Lead project planning and execution across multiple functions
  • Engage directly with senior executives and stakeholders
  • Support chief of staff duties for executive leaders
  • Manage risks, issues, and opportunities in projects
  • Analyze and communicate data for decision-making
  • Foster knowledge sharing and continuous improvement activities

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Company-paid holidays
  • Paid time off for vacation and personal business
  • Potential eligibility for overtime and bonuses
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Long-term incentives for senior roles
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: NoDescription

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a highly capable F-35 Principal Project Management/ Sr Principal Project Management to lead and support cross-functional initiatives within the F-35 Program Operations & Integration team.

This role is 100% on-site in Redondo Beach, CA or Palmdale, CA.

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:

The individual will dedicate a significant portion of their time to supporting enterprise-level strategic initiatives across the broader F-35 business unit. These initiatives will vary in scope and may span areas such as operational efficiency and improvement plans, customer engagements, and executive-level priorities. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain high visibility and build trusted relationships across the business. This aspect of the role is ideal for a driven individual looking to demonstrate leadership and create impact beyond immediate project scope.

The ideal candidate for this Program Integration role supporting the F-35 Program Office will play a pivotal role through strong program leadership abilities, strategic initiative management, and cross-functional collaboration. This highly visible position requires exceptional organizational skills, business acumen, 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 Operating Unit (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.


Key Responsibilities:
  • 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
  • Ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret Clearance in reasonable time frame deemed by business needs


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
  • Ability to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret Clearance in reasonable time frame deemed by business needs


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Aerospace/defense experience
  • Consulting background
  • 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


Salary Range

Principal Level: 94,200-141,200

Sr Principal Level: 117,500-176,300

Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00

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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