Northrop Grumman is currently seeking a Director of General Manufacturing I who will report directly to the Operations Sr. Director within Weapons Systems Division and will be responsible for the direction, strategy, planning and execution of Northrop Grumman’s Propulsion Systems and Controls (PS&C) Operating Unit which includes Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Engineering, and Testing Engineering, Testing Operations, Facilities, Operations Program Management, Operations Planning & Scheduling, Inventory and Logistics, and Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) organizations. This position will be located in Elkton, Maryland.
Discover careers that change the world and further advancements in defense, technology, and engineering today at Northrop Grumman. Use your experience to grow your career and support our global customers with the technology, systems, and solutions they need to enable their missions on the front lines and secure our world every day. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll discover a culture built on diversity, respect, and above all teamwork. Together with our group of experts across the technical spectrum, you’ll discover opportunities to make a difference in our world and start solving some of the world’s most critical problems in the most innovative ways.
Northrop Grumman’s Propulsion Systems and Controls facility in Elkton, Maryland began solid-propellant rocket operations in 1948. Today, the Elkton PS&C facility designs, develops, and produces solid-propellant propulsion and ordnance systems in programs professionally managed for a wide variety of Government and commercial customers. The facility also serves as the hub for offsite engineering and test facilities in Ronkonkoma, NY, and Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
The PS&C's product lines include propulsion systems for space applications, ballistic missile defense systems, hypersonic weapons systems and platforms, tactical motor applications, gas generator applications, and specialty applications. Current products include rocket motors and stages for satellite orbit insertion and launch vehicle operations, boosters for missiles and projectiles, solid propellant divert and attitude control systems, gas generators, ordnance products, liquid propellants, and energetic ingredients. These products are supported by a wide range of engineering and test capabilities that cover basic environmental assessment to very complex modeling, simulation and flight representative static testing. They are also supported by a research laboratory that can formulate and produce new propellants and energetic ingredients and a controls laboratory that architects, prototypes and produces motion control systems for rocket nozzles, valves and aero surfaces.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will set the standards for highly engineered, complex rocket motors and their manufacturing processes, including Lean Manufacturing, Delivery Performance and Talent Management. Responsibilities include fostering and maintaining a safety-focused operating environment of continuous improvement, on-time delivery and superb quality. This position will also be responsible for ensuring facility compliance to federal, state and local mandates with respect to environmental regulations, employee safety and labor law and will foster an environment that promotes teamwork and cohesive action.
This position develops, communicates and implements vision, strategy, goals and metrics that align with and drive business objectives for safety, quality, cost, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement in alignment with the broader organization. The individual will utilize effective talent management strategies to attract, retain, develop and engage the right people for the operations organization. He/She will be responsible for establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with work teams, customers, program management, and their support organizations.
The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in manufacturing leadership, facility management, and environmental health and safety, with an ability to drive operational efficiency and maintain a safe, compliant, and effective workplace.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide leadership to the Elkton teams includes Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Tool Engineering, and Testing Engineering, Testing Operations, Facilities, Operations Program Management, Operations Planning & Scheduling, Inventory and Logistics, and Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) personnel
Oversee all manufacturing processes to ensure they meet production, quality, and cost-efficiency goals.
Develop strategies for optimizing manufacturing workflows, implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to improve product quality, production timelines, and overall operational effectiveness.
Ensure strict adherence to industry regulations, including DOD4145, ITAR, DFARS, etc. in all manufacturing activities.
Develop long-term facility and infrastructure plans to support organizational growth, including budgeting, resource allocation, and capital project management.
Ensure facilities are secure, compliant with defense industry standards, and optimized for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Lead EHS programs to foster a safe and compliant working environment in accordance with OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements.
Develop and implement policies, training, and procedures to promote a proactive safety culture focused on risk prevention and employee well-being.
Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, and emergency response drills to identify and address potential hazards.
Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and drive initiatives for waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
Collaborate with executive leadership to develop strategic plans that align manufacturing, facilities, infrastructure, and EHS initiatives with business goals.
Monitor and report on key performance indicators across all areas, driving continuous improvement initiatives and cost-saving opportunities.
Stay informed of industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes to maintain compliance and keep the company competitive.
Prepare and manage budgets for manufacturing, facilities, infrastructure, and EHS, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost management.
Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team across manufacturing, engineering, EHS, facilities, and operations planning and execution.
Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.
Develop and implement training programs to enhance technical skills, safety awareness, and compliance knowledge within the team.
Ensures all production and operational aspects of the department are conducted efficiently and in accordance with the Company’s Quality Management System
Basic Qualifications
Bachelors’ Degree in a Technical Discipline
Five or more years in leadership as well as 10 years related experience in manufacturing operations, engineering, and/or program management
Experience in leading engineering, manufacturing or program teams
Prior work experience supporting Department of Defense contracts and/or manufacturing organization
The ideal candidate must have proven skills and experience building a high performing team
Sound understanding of manufacturing technologies and lean processes
Strategy development and implementation experience
Strong financial and budgeting skills, including EAC process familiarity.
Technical and business acumen in the Aerospace industry to include knowledge of future trends, policies, practices, and technology
Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect
Understands the culture of large organizations and knows how to get things done through formal and informal channels
Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance which requires US Citizenship as a pre-requisite
Able to travel up to 10% of the time
Preferred Skills:
Demonstrated ability to lead a large and diverse workforce, establish clear expectations and inspire commitment, build amazing teams, value diversity and put people first
Experience and knowledge of the manufacturing processes and safety requirements for energetic materials and components
Ability to demonstrate in depth knowledge of Operations leadership skills that lead to safe and high-quality manufacturing of complex and technically demanding products
Ability to further continuous yet controlled improvements in organizations and processes and strengthening of workforce skills through application of lean thinking principles and tools
In depth knowledge and demonstrated experience in implementing a Lean Manufacturing system.
Ability to formulate, communicate and execute complex project plans and initiatives.
Desired knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001, Six Sigma and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing, presentation and critical thinking skills. Demonstrated business acumen. Clearly demonstrated commitment to open communication and internal and external customer satisfaction
This position falls under a Federal Explosives License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for this location. Candidates hired into this role will be required to complete and submit an Employee Possessor Questionnaire to ATF for approval to be a possessor
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 www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.
Salary Range: $171,400.00 - $257,200.00The 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.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.