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Project Manager Phd Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$155K - $240K/yr

Science Manager: Chief Scientist Type: Full-Time Location: Pasadena, CA Job Summary Reporting to ... A PHD in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field. * 10 years post-doctoral experience engaged in ...

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Project Manager Phd information

What is a project manager PhD?

A Project Manager PhD is a professional who holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and specializes in managing complex projects, often in research, academia, or highly technical fields. Their advanced education equips them with deep expertise in both their subject area and the methodologies of project management. They are responsible for leading teams, managing budgets and timelines, and ensuring that project goals are achieved efficiently and effectively. Their unique qualifications make them valuable for overseeing projects that require a high level of technical or scientific knowledge.

How does having a PhD influence daily responsibilities and collaboration as a project manager?

As a Project Manager with a PhD, you may often be assigned to projects that require advanced technical expertise or rigorous research oversight. Your background allows you to bridge the gap between highly specialized team members and broader project objectives, facilitating clear communication and informed decision-making. You will likely collaborate closely with researchers, analysts, and senior stakeholders, translating complex concepts into actionable project plans. The role often involves mentoring junior team members and contributing to strategic discussions, making your advanced knowledge a valuable asset to the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project manager PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Manager with a PhD, you need advanced project management expertise, research experience, and a doctoral degree, often complemented by PMP or similar certifications. Familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana), data analysis tools, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you guide teams and manage complex, research-driven projects. These skills ensure effective project execution, innovation, and alignment with organizational or academic goals.

What is the difference between Project Manager Phd vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject Manager PhdProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsPhD in relevant field, project management experienceBachelor's degree, some experience in project support
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, academic or specialized industriesCorporate, non-profit, or construction projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, R&D departmentsBusinesses, government agencies, construction firms

The Project Manager Phd typically handles complex projects requiring advanced research skills and a high level of expertise, often in academic or research environments. In contrast, the Project Coordinator supports project execution, focusing on administrative tasks and coordination. While both roles involve project oversight, the Project Manager Phd's role is more strategic and specialized, reflecting their advanced credentials and industry focus.

What can you do with a PhD in project management?

A PhD in project management prepares individuals for advanced roles such as research, teaching at the university level, or leadership positions in organizations that require expertise in project planning, risk management, and strategic execution. Graduates often work as consultants, project directors, or in academia, utilizing skills in data analysis, methodology, and industry standards like PMI certifications. These roles typically demand strong analytical, communication, and leadership abilities, often within complex or innovative projects.

What job categories do people searching Project Manager Phd jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Manager Phd jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Project Manager Phd jobs?

Cities in California with the most Project Manager Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Manager Phd job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Sr Principal Project Management

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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 Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Senior Principal Project Manager to join our team fully on-site in Palmdale, CA, San Diego, CA, or Oklahoma City, OK.

Travel up to 10% may be required. There is no remote opportunity for this role.

The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) construct.

Roles and Responsibilities will include:

  • Identify, orchestrate, coordinate, and control the program management activities for the IPT.

  • Oversee cost and schedule performance for complex technical projects for a wide range of systems and technologies.

  • Develop and adhere to the budget baseline using the Earn Value Management (EVM) processes, including the development of discrete work packages, providing weekly status of IMS tasks, and providing input to monthly Estimate at Complete (EAC) updates.

  • Initiate, develop, integrate, and execute cost and schedule baselines as well as technical performance baselines that satisfy program contractual requirements.

  • Support the Risk, Issue, and Opportunity process to proactively address potential challenges.

  • Oversee and manage the operational aspects of ongoing projects while serving as the key liaison between project management and planning, the project team, and line management. reviewing project statuses and budgets, managing schedules, and preparing status reports.

  • Craft mechanisms to monitor project progress and facilitating timely and problem solving with project managers, line managers, and clients will be essential

  • Manage Taskable Engineering (TE)/proposal development, which includes overseeing the process, writing proposal responses, and collaborating with contracts and pricing teams.

  • Develop compelling content and manage the operational aspects of ongoing projects with tools such as PowerPoint, SharePoint, JIRA, Confluence and Excel.

  • Drive action item adjudication collaboratively with the operating unit team, Enterprise, and Customer.

  • Lead the execution of Contractual Deliverable (CDRL) commitments and ensure their on-time or early delivery to the customer.

  • Drive innovation in proposal strategy by challenging conventional approaches, aligning proposals with customer needs, and ensuring our responses set benchmarks for excellence.

Palmdale, CA Salary: 117,500-176,300

San Diego, CA Salary:117,500-176,300

Oklahoma City, OK Salary: 96,200-144,200

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience; OR a Master's degree and 6 years of experience, PhD and 4 years of experience. Experience must be in one or more of the following: Engineering, Project/Program Management; Sustainment; Proposals; Resource Planning, Contracts, Subcontracts, Business Management.
  • Control Account Manager (CAM) experience
  • Project Management experience
  • Experience in Microsoft Office
  • ACTIVE U.S. Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Access Program (SAP) access via a Program Access Request (PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
  • SAP/PAR will be upgraded once selected candidate is in role. Therefore, candidate must also be able to obtain and maintain upgraded SAP/PAR.)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience providing project management support or performing technical work on engineering programs

  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance

  • Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification.

  • Control Account Manager (CAM) Certification.

  • Proven leadership abilities to manage, coordinate, and oversee multi-disciplinary teams located in numerous geographical locations.

  • Project integration experience

  • Proposal writing experience

  • Experience and ability to autonomously assess complex problems and decompose them into a plan of action while coordinating across a large, diverse team of program, business, and technical SMEs.

  • Supplier management experience

  • Risk/issue/opportunities (RIO) experience

  • Experience in SCIF/SAPF environments

Primary Level Salary Range: $96,200.00 - $176,300.00The 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