Program Manager 3 - Mission Operations and Training

Posted:
9/25/2025, 12:45:07 AM

Location(s):
Chantilly, Virginia, United States ⋅ Colorado, United States ⋅ Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States ⋅ Virginia, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Product

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Tactical Space Systems Division (TSSD) is looking for a Manager, Programs Level 3 Mission Operations and Training Lead to manage and support execution of high-tempo on-orbit spacecraft activities, including Launch and Early Orbit Operations, specialized test activities, long-term sustainment operations, and end user training for a geographically distributed operations team. This individual will be responsible for providing technical and operational leadership to the cross-functional organization across every aspect of day-to-day execution. This position requires a combination of project management, process optimization, technical proficiency and execution skills.

The Mission Operations and Training Lead serves an integral role in cultivating the Customer relationship, driving affordability and efficiency to enhance mission effectiveness, actively managing team requirements, and fostering program and team culture. The position requires a high degree of collaboration skills with the ability to provide insight into the status of multiple efforts at various levels of leadership. This role will be a trusted leader and thought partner in crafting the strategy, vision and operational experience for future war fighting capabilities.

The Role:

  • Drive collaboration between the operations and software development teams that enable automation in fleet operations. (i.e. lights out contact execution and state of health)

  • Implement and maintain an operations tempo that enables concurrent distributed support from government and factory operations sites across the United States

  • Own and be accountable for the processes, procedures, and culture of the distributed operations crews

  • Lead engineers and operators to accelerate their growth by providing thoughtful feedback, technical mentorship, and effectively manage performance

  • Drive execution within the training team to support rapid operator onboarding and certification to support distributed operations

  • Collaborate across operations and satellite vehicle teams to prioritize, build and align strategies that enhance operations efficiency and provide scalable processes in a multi-vehicle environment

  • Measure and report program performance through development and adherence to budget baselines utilizing Earned Value Management (EVM)

  • Manage risk, issue and opportunity processes. Identify potential risks and opportunities that could impact program performance and take proactive action to resolve issues regarding cost and schedule

  • Represent NG as the first point of contact for operations with USG stakeholders

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customer counterparts

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have an active TS/SCI

  • Must be a U.S Citizen

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) field from an accredited university with 12+ years experience OR a Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline with 10+ years experience

  • 5+ years’ experience of leadership experience with a history of people management and operational excellence. Demonstrated track record of successful mentorship and accelerating reports growth, being an effective multiplier for the team

  • Prior experience executing on-orbit mission operations, performing vehicle system engineering tasks and/or resolving satellite/ground system anomalies

  • Familiarity with aspects of the satellite system life cycle, including development,  launch, commissioning and sustainment operations

  • Ability to work within a team of diverse, geographically dispersed individuals to achieve mission success

  • 3+ years of experience leading the performance of tasks on schedule, at cost and achieving all requirements as either project lead, integrated program team or cost account manager, risk and opportunity management

  • Excellent judgment and composure in high-pressure situations

  • Meticulous attention to detail, including holding tightly to your team’s vision and maintaining a high product quality bar

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Satellite Mission planning and Rendezvous Proximity Operations

  • Experience with lights-out operations or spacecraft/ground system automation

  • Experience with building and running training programs for operators

  • Willingness and enthusiasm to do what it takes to get things done, leading by example and getting involved with the team’s day-to-day work

  • Experience building and fostering a robust, collaborative, inclusive team environment 

  • High emotional intelligence and the ability to adapt your communication and operational style situationally

  • Experience working directly with product and engineering on ambiguous problems and crafting big picture strategies

  • Ability to establish credibility and rapport with senior leadership

Primary Level Salary Range: $170,000.00 - $280,600.00

The 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.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and 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 an Equal Opportunity 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 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.