Innovation Engineering Project Manager 3

Role Description

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking an Innovation Engineering Project Manager to support the Senior Director of Innovation Engineering (NGINE) in driving strategic execution, transformation initiatives, and high visibility, sensitive programs across the sector. This position is 100% virtual and can be performed anywhere within the continental United States.

This role operates at the intersection of strategy, operations, and execution, ensuring that critical initiatives – often cross functional and executive facing – are delivered with speed, rigor, and discretion. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable driving structure into ambiguity, managing complex stakeholders, and executing against mission-critical priorities.

What you will get to do:

• Strategic Execution & Transformation:
  • Partner directly with NGINE leadership to translate strategic vision into executable plans, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes.
  • Drive execution of sector-level transformation initiatives, including efforts focused on speed, software capability, and mission delivery modernization.
  • Establish and manage operating rhythms (reviews, metrics, reporting) to ensure progress, accountability, and alignment.
• Program & Project Leadership:
  • Lead high priority, cross functional initiatives spanning engineering, program management, business development, and operations.
  • Develop and maintain integrated project plans, including schedules, risks, dependencies, and resource alignment.
  • Identify and remove execution barriers, proactively mitigating risks in complex environments.
• Sensitive & Special Projects:
  • Execute confidential or high sensitivity efforts on behalf of leadership, requiring sound judgement, discretion, and trust.
  • Support development of executive level communications, including briefings, decision frameworks, and strategic recommendations.
  • Operate as a trusted extension of the Director, capable of independently leading initiatives with minimal oversight.
• Stakeholder Management & Influence:
  • Engage effectively across all levels of the organization, including VP, GM, and executive leadership.
  • Align diverse stakeholders with competing priorities toward common objectives.
  • Build strong partnerships across engineering, product, and business teams.
• Operational Excellence:
  • Implement scalable processes that improve speed, transparency, and execution quality.
  • Drive adoption of best practices in program management, Agile/DevSecOps environments, and transformation execution.
  • Track and report on key performance indicators tied to mission outcomes and organizational impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 8 years of relevant experience in program/project management, strategy, or operations or 6 years with a Master’s Degree.
• Minimum 3 years experience working on Defense projects.
• Minimum 3 years experience working in Commercial software technology leading complex initiatives.
• Minimum 3 years experience optimizing project processes to accelerate outcomes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance.

Requirements

• Experience supporting senior executives (Director/VP level) in a strategic or Chief of Staff type capacity.
• Experience working on software, DevSecOps, or digital transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisitions processes, OTAs, and rapid prototyping environments.
• Active US Government Secret Clearance.
• Experience driving organizational change or transformation efforts.
• Ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-paced environments with limited guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive level briefing experience.
• Proven track record leading high impact, enterprise level programs or transformation initiatives with measurable outcomes.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts