Program Manager 3 - VMS Hardware Manager
Northrop Grumman · United States-Florida-Melbourne · Posted 2026-08-27
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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. Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation. Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible. Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong. R&AD is currently seeking a Program Manager 3 to serve as the Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) Hardware Manager with oversight over multiple VMS suppliers. This leadership opportunity is in Melbourne, Florida. Due to the nature of the role, an on-site presence is required and cannot be performed remotely. The position will follow our 9/80 schedule and allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. Primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to: Managing suppliers to meet program objectives Enforcement of subcontractor execution of a Statement of Work (SOW) and support of contract modifications as necessary Maintaining close collaborative relationships with the customer, suppliers, engineering, operations, and all relevant stakeholders Ensuring program team, including suppliers, understands and adheres to contract scope, and manages change through control board activities Measuring and reporting supplier performance as it relates to program performance Delivering presentations to customers, executive management and other program stakeholders Participating in the negotiation of contracts, contract changes, specifications, operating budgets, schedule milestones, and key terms and conditions Identification, distribution, tracking, and completion of program requirements Establishment and management of the program and subordinate baselines Development and adherence to budget baselines utilizing Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar cost & schedule control methodologies and tools Adherence to all internal processes, policies, and applicable industry standards Development and adherence to master plans and schedules Resolves issues in accordance with business objectives, strategies, legal requirements, regulations, contract terms, and company policies Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, we pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 10 years (or Bachelor of Science in STEM and 9 years) of related experience as defined below, OR a Master’s degree and 8 years (or Master of Science in STEM and 7 years) of related experience as defined below Demonstrated experience serving in a formal leadership role such as a Project Lead, Integrated Team Lead, Supplier Management Team Lead, or Cost Account Manager Demonstrated experience working with Program Management principles: managing projects, scheduling, budget management, etc. Demonstrated experience managing or interfacing with suppliers The ability to travel domestically 10% of the time Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs Preferred Qualifications: Experience with vehicle management systems, guidance and control systems, flight & safety critical software, and/or systems engineering and architecture design Experience managing multiple suppliers through contract award, design, and execution phases Experience managing program/projects of > $50 Million / year with P&L responsibilities Experience leading cross-functional teams of 5 or more individuals to achieve defined project or organizational objectives, including responsibility for task coordination, performance tracking, and issue resolution. Experience using program management tools such as Earned Value Manage