Program Manager 2 - Minotaur

Deputy Program Manager

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.

An organization within Northrop Grumman's Launch and Exploration division, the Targets and Interceptors Operating Unit has been testing Missile Defense Systems for more than 20 years. The Minotaur Program is seeking a Deputy Program Manager (Program Manager 2) to join the Minotaur Program Office in Chandler, AZ for direct support of the Space Force's Assured Access to Space, Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) efforts. The DPM will play a key leadership role in the management and execution of the Minotaur Program, ensuring successful delivery of technical, schedule, and budgetary objectives. This position is 100% on-site.

Reporting to the Minotaur Program Manager 3, the Deputy Program Manager will support the implementation and execution of customer contractual direction, oversee and manage program headcount (including participation in Business Unit headcount meetings), lead proposal activities (including cost estimation), and promote fiscal responsibility across the project team. The DPM will also represent the Minotaur Program Office on behalf of the Program Manager as needed, participating in customer meetings, technical reviews, and business operations activities such as risk and opportunity management, Earned Value Management System (EVMS) reviews, and schedule oversight. This role requires experience managing development efforts, strong familiarity with government contracts, a technical understanding of launch vehicle design and performance, and leadership capabilities to effectively guide cross-functional teams in challenging environments.

Role and Responsibilities :

• Support the Program Manager in overseeing all activities related to the execution of the Minotaur Program to meet customer requirements and contractual obligations.
• Lead and facilitate proposal activities, including generating cost estimates, developing program strategies, and overseeing proposal execution to ensure fiscal responsibility within the team.
• Assist with program headcount management, including staffing plans and collaboration with Business Unit (BU) leadership during headcount reviews.
• Represent the Minotaur Program Office as a primary point of contact for the customer in Program Manager absences, including customer-facing meetings, technical reviews, and negotiations.
• Foster strong customer relationships by ensuring alignment with Space Force priorities and objectives for the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP).
• Participate in technical design and program reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR), ensuring program performance and risk mitigation strategies are on track.
• Provide oversight for Business Operations activities, including Risk / Opportunities management, EVMS reporting, and schedule tracking.
• Evaluate and implement contractual direction from the customer, ensuring all program stakeholders align with contractual requirements.
• Support the management of development efforts, with a preference for candidates with experience participating in launch campaigns.
• Provide technical insight and leadership related to launch vehicle design and performance, working collaboratively with engineering teams.
• Assist in pre-launch preparations and mission execution as required.
• Serve as a trusted deputy to the Program Manager, assisting in the preparation of management summaries and reviews, and acting as the delegated representative during Program Manager absences.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with program goals; provide mentorship to team members; challenge the team to maintain fiscal discipline and innovation.

Basic Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Primary Level Salary Range : $135,100.00 - $202,700.00 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.