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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems Sectoris currently seeking a Manager of Programs Level 2, in our growing Fuzing and Warhead business, within our Missile Products Business Unit (BU), at our Allegany ...

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems Sector is currently seeking a Manager of Programs Level 3, in our growing Fuzing and Warhead business, within our Missile Products Business Unit (BU), at our Allegany ...

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems Sectoris currently seeking a Manager of Programs Level 1, in our growing Fuzing and Warhead business, within our Missile Products Business Unit (BU), at our Allegany ...

Project Manager

Hamel, MN · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Project Manager - Defense & Industrial Programs Imagine your project management experience at work with an industry leader! Enjoy a supportive and inclusive atmosphere with a wide-ranging benefits ...

Project Manager

Hamel, MN · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Project Manager - Defense & Industrial Programs Imagine your project management experience at work with an industry leader! Enjoy a supportive and inclusive atmosphere with a wide-ranging benefits ...

Northrop Grumman's Defense Systems sector location located in Rocket Center, WV is currently seeking a Program Manager Level 1 to support our growing business. This position is on site at our Rocket ...

Technical Program Manager II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$91.76K - $114.69K/yr

... defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and ... May manage multiple, simultaneous programs and customers. Will lead design and transition ...

Technical Program Manager I

Rochester, MN · On-site

$79.56K - $99.54K/yr

... defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and ... Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous programs and customers. Individual must be a forward ...

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Program Manager Defense information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Manager in Defense, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Manager in Defense, you need a strong background in project management, defense acquisition processes, and often a relevant degree such as engineering or business, with security clearance frequently required. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), and DoD-specific platforms, as well as certifications like PMP or DAWIA, are typically expected. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills set top performers apart by enabling them to manage diverse teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure effective project execution, compliance with defense regulations, and successful delivery of critical programs within scope, budget, and timeline.

What are some common challenges a Program Manager in the defense sector faces when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Program Managers in the defense industry often encounter challenges such as balancing strict security requirements with timely project delivery, managing cross-functional teams that include engineers, analysts, and government stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with evolving defense regulations. Navigating complex stakeholder expectations and adapting to shifting project scopes are also frequent hurdles. Successful Program Managers proactively foster communication across teams and maintain detailed project documentation to address these challenges.

What is a Program Manager in Defense?

A Program Manager in Defense is responsible for overseeing and coordinating large-scale defense projects, which may involve military equipment, technology systems, or defense-related services. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet all specified requirements and regulations. This role often includes working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and liaising with government agencies or military branches. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential, as is a thorough understanding of defense industry standards and protocols.

What is the difference between Program Manager Defense vs Project Manager Defense?

AspectProgram Manager DefenseProject Manager Defense
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple related projects, strategic planning, and overall program successManages individual projects, ensuring specific objectives are met within scope, time, and budget
CertificationsTypically PMP, PgMP, or similar certificationsUsually PMP or CAPM certifications
Work EnvironmentOften in defense contractors, government agencies, or military settingsSimilar environments, focusing on specific project deliverables
FocusStrategic coordination and long-term goalsTactical execution of individual projects

While both roles require project management skills and certifications like PMP, the Program Manager Defense oversees multiple projects and aligns them with strategic objectives, whereas the Project Manager Defense focuses on managing specific projects to meet immediate goals.

What are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Minnesota? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:
Program Manager II

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 Defense Systems sector is currently seeking a Program Manager Level 2 to support our growing Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) business in our Plymouth, MN location. As UAS presence dramatically increases around the world, so does the demand for C-UAS systems. This Program Manager Level 2 role will support and lead Northrop Grumman's pursuit of C-UAS business opportunities, internal development projects and C-UAS production programs to put capabilities in the hands of those who need it.
The primary objective will be the delivery of all contractual requirements on cost and on schedule, while achieving all technical requirements and creating customer intimacy to support value creation strategies and actions. The individual will lead a cross-functional organization aligned to common program performance goals.
Program Managers are responsible for leading all phases of the program life cycle from inception (proposal development) through startup, execution, and completion (contract closeout). Primary responsibilities are the management of cost, schedule, and technical performance of company programs or subsystems and include, but are not limited to:
  • Cultivating customer relationships and intimacy to develop further opportunities within the customer community
  • Developing new business opportunities through long term strategic planning, capture planning, and development of proposals and business plans
  • Establishing a program organization that effectively addresses customer requirements and incorporates the necessary internal and external sub-organizations
  • Leading and directing cross-functional Integrated Program Teams (IPT) to meet program cost, schedule and technical performance objectives
  • Measuring and reporting program performance
  • Delivering presentations to customers, executive management and other program stakeholders
  • Participating in the negotiation of contracts, contract changes, specifications, operating budgets, schedule milestones, and key terms and conditions
  • Establishing design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, integration and test
  • Creation, review and finalization of the program Statement of Work
  • Identification, distribution, tracking, and completion of program requirements
  • Establishment and management of the program and subordinate baselines
  • Development and adherence to budget baselines utilizing Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar cost & schedule control methodologies and tools
  • Identifying, allocating and managing program resources, including workforce planning
  • Managing Government/customer supplied property or information (GFE, CFE, etc.)
  • Managing suppliers to meet program objectives
  • Adherence to all internal processes, policies, and applicable industry standards
  • Ensuring program team understands and adheres to contract scope, and manages change through control board activities
  • Development and adherence to master plans and schedules
  • Conducting thorough risk & opportunity management practices including identification, mitigation and realization

Desired Attributes:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to manage a project team daily and communicate effectively with segment leadership regarding status, awareness, and escalations
  • Ability to manage projects to specified milestones and established schedules
  • Ability to resolve disputes and negotiate with positive outcome while maintaining good relationships within the organization, specifically between peers and management
  • Ability to manage communications with stakeholders through organized processes to ensure that program information is defined, collected, shared, understood, stored and retrieved in a manner that effectively meets program and stakeholder needs
  • Ability to identify and address program impacts through a systematic, proactive approach to issue and problem resolution that identifies, communicates, monitors, and promptly resolves conflicts across all levels of the program
  • Ability to define proposal strategy, lead proposal teams, analyze and shape RFPs, produce and deliver winning proposals, effectively track and incorporate Review Team comments and findings, and manage post-proposal submittals (orals, finding responses)
  • Ability to address program uncertainty through an organized and analytical forward-looking approach that identifies risks and opportunities, determines appropriate handling plans, and manages, controls, and communicates risks and opportunities throughout the lifecycle of the program

Basic Qualifcations:
  • Bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience OR a Master's degree and 6 years of experience supporting U.S. Government contracts and customers and/or project management in other industries
  • 8 years of experience leading the performance of tasks on schedule, at cost and achieving all requirements as either a project lead, integrated program team lead or cost account manager
  • 6 years of demonstrated success leading teams/and or organizations to achieve a common goal
  • Competency in Project Management skills and toolsets
  • Knowledge of pricing and proposals
  • Competent in standard Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • Able to travel 10% of the time
  • Must be able to obtain a DoD security clearance (US Citizenship is a requirement)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • A degree in a science, engineering, or a business program
  • Experience in the aerospace/defense industry or within the Department of Defense or NASA
  • PMP® certification
  • Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Agile methodologies
  • Ability to define technical strategy to promote capturing business in new areas
  • Active Security Clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $153,800.00 - $230,800.00
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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939