Program Director 1 - Autonomy (Research & Advanced Design)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact lives worldwide. We seek people with bold ideas, courage, and a pioneering spirit to invent the future and enjoy the journey. Position Overview This Program Director 1 will lead the Autonomy directorate within the Research and Advanced Design (R&AD) division, based in Redondo Beach, CA or El Segundo, CA. The candidate will manage a team of 50+ across contracts for Flight Autonomy, Mission Autonomy, and Science & Technology innovation, oversee government reference architecture alignment, and drive non‑contract technical activity to grow the directorate’s annual operating plan. The role serves as an Autonomy subject‑matter expert, representing the sector in high‑level pursuits and delivering briefings to stakeholders. It requires influence across the enterprise, engagement with senior government and corporate leaders, and a strategic vision that supports dynamic acquisition environments. Key Responsibilities Positively lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team across multiple contracts Execute a growing P&L portfolio with expectations to capture workshare aligned with government expenditures in Autonomy Identify and respond to RFIs, RFPs, and FOPRs related to Autonomy Brief customers at the flag officer level and NG executive leadership Drive horizontal integration of Autonomy technologies and architectures across the sector into Future Franchise Programs and Priority Captures Collaborate across NG Sectors to drive integrated solutions Communicate and collaborate with customers to achieve mutual goals and shared success Lead a matrixed team, defining goals, composition, and ensuring continuous performance into expanded roles Actively manage risk, issues & opportunities to ensure program execution success Set a vision and articulate resource, personnel, and facility requirements to achieve financial and technological commitments Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree and 10 years of related experience, or Master’s degree and 8 years of related experience Experience in project management, program management, engineering, capture efforts, and/or business management functions At least 3 years of program/project management experience Previous leadership or management experience Current, active U.S. government Secret (or higher) security clearance Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) Preferred Qualifications Current U.S. government Top Secret security clearance Degree in STEM discipline Experience with profit & loss responsibility, contract execution, and business growth Exposure to uncrewed air vehicles, crewed/uncrewed teaming, or mission‑critical autonomy architectures for aeronautics concepts International business capture and execution experience Leading a matrixed team to achieve program goals Engaging, briefing, and influencing customer executive leaders Broad knowledge of NG and U.S. government products, systems, missions, and operations Experience with Government Reference Architecture or Modular Open Systems Approach architecture Proposal capture experience, including basis of estimate, SOW, IMS, and program design Leading software teams to develop roadmaps, protect IP, and commercialize software solutions (e.g., SaaS, XaaS) Salary and Benefits Primary Level Salary Range: $224,300.00 - $336,500.00. This range may be adjusted based on scope, responsibilities, and candidate qualifications. Eligible employees may receive overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and long‑term incentives. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off. EEO Statement Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. #J-18808-Ljbffr Northrop Grumman