Manager Production Operations - Level 3

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

## Description

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’s Space Sector is seeking a Manager Production Operations– Level 3 to join our team in Baltimore, MD. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

The Manager Production Operations 3 will lead manufacturing and operations for the Active RF operating unit in the Surveillance and Targeting business unit, based in Baltimore, MD. This position resides within the eastern region M&O organization. It is a high-visibility leadership role responsible for one of the Space sector’s top 20 programs, with direct accountability for manufacturing performance, cost, and schedule execution. The selected individual will drive operational excellence, ensure safe and compliant production, and partner closely with Program Management and Functional Leadership to meet customer and business objectives.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

In this job, you will:

• Lead end-to-end production execution for assigned Active RF programs, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Own manufacturing and operations cost and schedule performance, including variance analysis, risk identification, and recovery planning.
• Manage production operations resources (including Operations Project Managers), covering manpower planning, hiring, and day-to-day tasking.
• Mentor, develop, and assess direct reports, building a high-performing, engaged, and inclusive team aligned to program and business objectives.
• Ensure Manufacturing has the people, equipment, processes, and facilities needed to meet quality, delivery, and contractual commitments.
• Serve as the manufacturing/operations lead for proposals and strategic initiatives, providing BOEs, execution strategies, and operations expertise to support the business vision.
• Create and lead cross-functional teams to resolve issues impacting manufacturing execution and provide clear, timely status and recommendations to Program Management and executive leadership.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant experience in production operations, manufacturing, or factory leadership; or a Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience.
• No clearance required to start
• Demonstrated experience leading production or operations activities for complex hardware (e.g., aerospace, defense, or RF systems).
• Proven experience managing cost and schedule performance (e.g., earned value, variance analysis, recovery planning, and risk/opportunity management).
• Prior people-leadership experience (direct or indirect), including tasking, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with Program Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and other partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting status and recommendations to leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Advanced degree (Master’s) in STEM.
• Experience leading production or operations for RF, space, or other complex electronic hardware programs.
• Direct experience supporting or leading a major, high-visibility program (e.g., top-20 or flagship programs) in the aerospace or defense sector.
• Familiarity with EVMS, integrated master schedules (IMS), and formal program management reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, PRR).
• Demonstrated success driving manufacturing/operations affordability, throughput, and first-pass yield improvements using lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing or coordinating across geographically dispersed teams or multi-site operations.
• Strong capability in data-driven decision-making, including use of metrics, dashboards, and root cause/corrective action (RCCA) methodologies.
• Proven track record of building engaged, high-performance teams and fostering an inclusive culture that supports employee development, engagement, and retention.

As a leader with integrity, you ensure ethical conduct, balanced results, and partner satisfaction. You respect and nurture growth, fostering a culture of excellence. Skilled in building collaborative teams and customer trust, you communicate well, foster strong teams, and embrace change.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $167,500.00 - $251,300.00

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.

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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.