Director of Programs 1 - GEM

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
• CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
• TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

About the role

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon.

We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Director of Programs 1 to lead the GEM Motor Program team within the Propulsion Systems business unit to oversee execution of the current production contract and drive increased production capacity to meet growing customer demand. This position will be located in Bacchus (Magna), Utah.

Overview

The Director of Programs 1 will manage two solid rocket motors, GEM63 and GEM63XL, which support United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V and Vulcan launch vehicles. This role is accountable for meeting technical, financial, and schedule objectives on a fixed-price commercial contract generating approximately $400M in annual revenue. The director will work closely with United Launch Alliance and customers including the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and commercial partners.

Role and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop a high‑performance, integrated “team of teams”
• Serve as a key member of the Space Launch Program Leadership team, shaping vision and strategy for commercial programs
• Provide clear direction to functional and operations leaders and drive timely, well‑communicated decisions and recommendations

Program Execution & Risk Management

• Own end‑to‑end program performance (safety, quality, schedule, technology, cost; full P&L responsibility)
• Plan and execute GEM63 production expansion, including capital investments
• Manage risk, issues, and opportunities; proactively address cost, schedule, prioritization, and resource needs
• Lead proposal teams, communicating opportunities, schedules, financial positions, and risks to senior leadership
• Continuously drive for results, challenge the status quo, and effectively influence and manage people issues

Customer & Company Interface

• Represent Northrop Grumman to customers, aligning NG capabilities with customer needs
• Balance the interests of the customer, the company, and employees
• Negotiate and resolve disputes to positive outcomes while preserving strong customer relationships
• Regularly present program reviews to corporate leadership

Team & Performance Management

• Provide overall leadership to program teams, including coaching, conflict resolution, performance reviews, and corrective actions
• Direct core program functions (engineering, contracts, finance, BD, scheduling, manufacturing)
• Set clear role and performance expectations; deliver concise, persuasive verbal and written communication

Schedule & Financial Management

• Develop and manage program plans and critical milestones; meet master schedules and initiate corrective actions as needed
• Demonstrate mastery in program budgeting, earned value management, EAC, and risk/opportunity management
• Forecast and manage sales, cash, operating margin, and fixed‑price contract scope
• Oversee discretionary budgets (IRAD, B&P, Marketing, CAPEX) as required

Contracts & Technical Performance

• Lead contract negotiations, endorse final pricing and terms, and resolve contract issues
• Drive technical excellence by setting standards, partnering with technical teams, balancing risk, and ensuring performance

Business Development

• Leverage existing programs to win new business
• Direct proposal development to align with NG strategy, meet customer needs, and enable successful negotiations and execution
• Plan discretionary budgets to support future opportunities and help develop business cases for new pursuits

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 10 years’ experience supporting U.S. Government programs; OR a Master’s degree with 7 years’ experience
• Experience in defense or aerospace production manufacturing environment
• Experience managing rocket motor programs
• Understanding of the Launch marketplace and customers
• Experience managing Facility and Tooling projects to support future production
• Experience managing fixed‑price commercial contracts
• Demonstrated ability to forecast and manage sales, cash, and operating margin (OM) performance
• Experience with program budget, EAC and risk/opportunity management
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced STEM degree
• Experience running proposals and commitment reviews
• Demonstrated expertise in technical performance baselines, requirements management, planning/scheduling, and earned value management

• #UtahSpace
• #SPProgMgmt

Primary Level Salary Range

$193,800.00 - $290,600.00

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.