Director 1: Advanced Manufacturing Systems

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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Director 1, Manufacturing Systems Engineering to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Advanced Manufacturing organization. This leadership role will be located in Palmdale, CA.The Advanced Manufacturing Systems Director will report to the senior Director and be a core leader of the Advanced Manufacturing organization. This role will be creating and developing systems aimed at manufacturing more efficiently to meet customer demands and identify areas of next generation technology to continue pioneering the future of advanced manufacturing. This role will cross collaborate across multiple functional areas including supply chain, engineering, production, and other groups across the sector and corporation to implement and design technologies that impact multiple areas of business operations. This role will oversee a team responsible for planning, implementing, testing, troubleshooting and improving the manufacturing processes required for Northrop Grumman to produce affordable high quality products for its customers. This integral role on the leadership team will also be leading a variety of programs within a portfolio that furthers our positioning in the market and be a leader in advanced manufacturing.Key Responsibilities:Manages and oversees development, implementation, sustainment and improvement of advanced systems used in the manufacture of complex weapons systems.Plans, develops, and implements advanced equipment to optimize systems applications (i.e., Digital Ecosystems, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Additive Manufacturing).Analyzes current program manufacturing and development processes, identifying opportunities for automation, modifications, and improvements.Conducts research and analysis to determine the feasibility, costs, and performance benefits of advanced manufacturing technologies or enhancements (for example Augmented Reality or automation).Recommends, implements, and verifies strategic solutions for advanced manufacturing technology projects through solutions like Machine Learning or other potential avenues. Works with thrust area teams to maintain long term technology roadmaps aligned with program needs.Provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring within their function at one or more sites.Provides multisite-level factory support, partnering with the site and program leadership teams to implement manufacturing technologies that support business needs.Oversees the execution of cost and schedule to ensure timely completion of projects, while identifying potential roadblocks or proactively monitoring for issues to meet milestones.Participate in annual Long Range Strategic Plan process by developing Non-Contractual Technical Activity (NCTA) and capital budget plans, receiving annual budgets and executing to annual values. Work to capture direct program funding for cost reduction and other projects. Plan, propose, capture and execute Contract Research and Development (CRAD) opportunities that align with long term strategy.Conduct meetings, consolidate, and present plans and progress reports relating to business aspects of the project(s).Monitors performance metrics of projects and develops corrective action plans to address gaps.Provides leadership to manufacturing systems managers and engineers through all manufacturing readiness level phases: concept development, design, fabrication/assembly/test at lab level, production environment demo, full production operations implementation, sustainment/maintenance/ continuous improvement.We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.As a leader, you always act with integrity, and the highest ethical standards characterize everything you do. You enable your team to achieve predictable and balanced results, while satisfying the needs of internal and external partners. You treat all people with respect, and you model personal growth and continuous development. You know how to build an inclusive environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. You develop trusted and valued customer relationships and communicate effectively, so that people throughout the organization feel engaged and connected to their work. You deliver excellence, strive for continuous improvement and respond vigorously to change.Basic Qualifications:Bachelors degree and 10 years of related experience as defined below, OR a Master's degree and 8 years related experience as defined below.Related experience includes professional and/or military experience to include a background in automation engineering, engineering, manufacturing technology, business management, or other related engineering degree or technical areas.Advanced knowledge of manufacturing technologies.Minimum of 5 years leading manufacturing, production development, or systems engineering teams.Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.Preferred Qualifications:Degree in a technical or engineering field such as mechanical, manufacturing or related areas.Additional Certifications: Continuous improvement, Lean tool expert and/or Six Sigma Green Belt.Experience with digital manufacturing, cyber security and cloud based systems.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to apply engineering theories, practices, and procedures to products and processes.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Experience with proposals, contracts, earned value management, integrated master schedule processes.Additional expertise and/or working knowledge in any of the following core areas also a plus: aircraft assembly/testing, additive manufacturing, composites, bonded composites, bonded assembly, digital manufacturing and/or tooling fabrication/assembly.Knowledge/Execution of Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) and Manufacturing Readiness Assessments with relation to Department of Defense (DoD) programs.Working knowledge with aerospace industry product and process development and validation DoD Acquisition Lifecycle, Research and Acquisition Agencies (AFRL, Navy ManTech, etc.), university technology development and technical societies.Employees may be eligible for 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 committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA 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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