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.
Learn more about the Minotaur Programs at: https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/space/launch-vehicles/minotaur
Overview
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:
Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years’ experience supporting US Government contracts and/or customers in a project/technical lead role; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years’ relevant experience
Minimum 5+ years of experience in program or Project management, or as an IPT Lead with programs or portfolios of $25M or more in value
Proven experience managing development efforts, ideally in the context of launch vehicle or government space programs
Proven analytical, technical, strategic and problem-solving skills
Strong organization skills in both independent and team environments
Demonstrated leadership skills in cross-functional team management with an emphasis on technical, financial, and risk management
Gated design development experience (PDR, CDR) for system level upgrades
Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and schedule development tools
Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage with customers and senior leadership
Ability to adjust communication to audience (from manufacturing technician up through customer and executive management)
Active Secret, or Interim Secret Clearance
US Citizenship is required
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
Hands-on experience participating in launch campaigns for space or suborbital vehicles
Knowledge of launch vehicle design, integration, and operational performance
Familiarity with DoD and Space Force acquisition processes, risk and opportunity management, and budgeting processes