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Programs Director Jobs in Huntsville, AL (NOW HIRING)

Direct experience with government contract finance - cost-plus and IDIQ programs, EAC management ... and FAR/DFARS cost accounting requirements. * Strong command of FP&A processes in a publicly traded ...

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Programs Director information

See Huntsville, AL salary details

$27.5K

$72.9K

$127.6K

How much do programs director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for programs director in Huntsville, AL is $72,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $86,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Programs Director vs Program Coordinator?

AspectPrograms Director
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in a related field; some roles prefer a master's degree or certifications in program management
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs or departments, often in nonprofit, education, or government sectors
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly found in organizations managing large-scale initiatives, overseeing program staff and budgets
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare Programs Director with Program Coordinator to understand differences in responsibilities and seniority

The Programs Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role, overseeing multiple programs and strategic planning, while a Program Coordinator handles day-to-day program operations. The comparison helps job seekers and employers distinguish between strategic oversight and operational roles within organizations.

What is the role of a programs director?

A programs director oversees the planning, development, and implementation of programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure programs meet objectives and compliance standards. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and experience with project management tools are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a programs director?

To thrive as a Programs Director, you need strong leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, and experience managing multiple projects or initiatives, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management software, budgeting tools, and reporting systems is typically required, along with certifications like PMP being advantageous. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and team-building skills help a Programs Director lead diverse teams and engage stakeholders effectively. These skills and qualities are essential for driving organizational goals, ensuring program success, and maintaining alignment between teams and strategic objectives.

What are some common challenges a programs director faces when overseeing multiple projects simultaneously?

Programs Directors often manage several projects at once, which can make balancing competing priorities and resources a major challenge. Coordinating cross-functional teams, ensuring consistent communication, and aligning project goals with organizational strategy require strong leadership and adaptability. It’s important to implement effective project management systems, delegate tasks appropriately, and foster collaboration to keep all programs on track and within budget. Regularly reviewing progress and being proactive in addressing issues can help mitigate these challenges and ensure overall program success.

What does a programs director do?

A programs director oversees the planning, development, and implementation of programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, set goals, and ensure programs meet objectives and compliance standards, often using project management tools and leadership skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Programs jobs in Huntsville, AL? The most popular types of Programs jobs in Huntsville, AL are:
What cities near Huntsville, AL are hiring for Programs Director jobs? Cities near Huntsville, AL with the most Programs Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Programs Director job openings in Huntsville, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,856 per year, or $35 per hour.

SDS Director of Programs 1 -Mission Architecture

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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'sDefense Systems Sector,is seeking aDirector of Programs 1 -Mission Architecturefor a large-scale programlocatedinRoy, UT or Huntsville, AL. The position reports directly to theSr Director of Strategy.This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.

What You Will Get To Do:

  • Leads the development,assessmentand demonstration of integrated mission capabilities from across the Division, and, asappropriate, including capabilities across Business Units, through mission-level modeling, simulation & analysis (MS&A); strategic demonstrations; and Government exercise participation.

  • Work closely withBusinessUnit leadsand technical leadership from Engineering.

  • Collaborate across Division and the functions to provide strategic organizational leadership for thedivisionMissionArchitecture, mission analysis, modelingand related activities.

  • Participate insector-level coordination and review of cross-divisionmodeling simulation and analysisdemonstration activities and participation in Government exercises to ensure necessary synchronization and collaboration. Through this coordination, the reviews ensure alignment and visibility, technical excellence, and drive consistency and efficiency across the sector.

  • Working in close coordinationacrossthe Division, drive the creation of opportunities that are aligned to thedivisionsroadmap andmodeling,simulationand analysispriorities.

  • Help develop campaign strategy and lead the definition of the systems architecture, mission specifications and working parameters that will flow into the technical baseline forICBM mission analysisand adjacencies includingflight systems,payloads, ground architecture, cybersecurity,communications,commandand control.

  • Provideoverall technical leadership and applying engineering knowledge to large and/or complex programs in the design, development, test and integration of complex, specializedproductsand/or technologiesintosystem of system analysisand simulation

  • Integrate planningutilizingthetechnical baseline consistent with win strategy including subcontractor capabilities and technologies

  • Collaboratewith Program Managers and program team members to develop system level requirements and translate those into specific requirements for product development Leading the development of system architecture and system design documentation

  • Providetechnical oversight and review support to development groups during program design and development

  • Preparesupporting documentation beginning with the concept development, proposal writing of the technical volumes, operational concepts, and test methods

  • Work with Program Managers to develop initial program schedules and budgets

Position Benefits:

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

  • Educational Assistance

  • Life Insurance

  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

  • Paid Time Off

  • Health & Wellness Resources

  • Employee Discounts

This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

  • BS degree and10 or more years of relevant experience,Ora master's degree and8years of relevant experience
  • Experienced inAerospace and Defense planning, program creation, and program management processes
  • Experience with campaign-level systems of systems analysis, modeling andevaluationthreatsand capability assessmentsto derive requirements
  • Experience in the design, analysis,integration and/or test of mission critical hardware
  • Experience working with customers, subcontractors and vendorsatvarious levels, technical and business relationship engagements
  • Experienced with project management practices
  • Must be a U.S. citizen withactive DoDTop SecretSecurityClearance last investigated within 6 years or enrolled in continuous evaluation and the ability to obtain andmaintainSpecial Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time asdeterminedby business needs

These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:

  • Master'sSTEMdegree preferred10years related experience working in a technical capacity, includingexperienceassociated with Intelligence or Defense programs
  • Experience with campaign-level systems of systems analysisacross multipletechnicaldomains
  • Experience in systems engineering,modelingand simulation architecture analysis
Primary Level Salary Range: $193,800.00 - $321,100.00The 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