Director Manufacturing 1

Job Description

Relocation assistance may be available. Clearance type: None. Travel: Yes, 25% of the time.

Northrop Grumman provides employees with incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people’s lives around the world today and for generations to come. Our pioneering 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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics System Sector is seeking a Director General Manufacturing 1 to lead the Manufacturing Operations for the F-35 Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) on 2nd Shift. This position is located in Palmdale, CA.

The primary role will be to build and lead common processes and tools, and to provide leadership and technical expertise in the Manufacturing Disciplines across the F-35 IAL.

Key Responsibilities

• Directs 400+ employees on 2nd Shift, overseeing all aspects of manufacturing and assembly operations for the F-35 Center Fuselage.
• Drive team performance across safety, quality, cost, schedule, 5S and Factory Accountability.
• Works closely with cross‑functional partners such as Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling, Quality, Quality Engineering and Global Supply Chain, and the customer.
• Provides guidance and input to program IPTs defining appropriate performance, risks, issues and opportunities affecting program unique requirements.
• Supports program initiatives and proposals with the most affordable solutions, including labor hours, direct dollars, capital dollars and indirect impact.
• Develops and coordinates new manufacturing concepts to ensure NGC is competitive and continuously improving performance.
• Is responsible for the manufacturing team’s process adherence, corrective actions and Foreign Object Elimination.
• Communicates and supports the development and attainment of unique skills based on the wide variety of engineering, project management, liaison, subcontract administration and touch labor personnel to execute the statement of work.
• Leads employee engagement, inclusion, accountability, development and retention within the organization.

This position will offer a 2nd Shift – 9/80 with the ability to come in on weekends and work off hours as required by the business. It provides phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years’ experience in a Manufacturing Operations / high-rate assembly line production, tooling, or Manufacturing Engineering, OR a master’s degree and 8+ years’ experience in a manufacturing operations environment, tooling, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years of management or leadership experience.
• Ability to create and present professional PowerPoint presentations to executive leadership.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Clearance and special program access.
• Proven record of driving performance of a high‑rate manufacturing team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communicator with the ability to drive accountability and resolve complex issues.
• Prior experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS).
• Expert‑level proficiency with oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate and integrate different viewpoints.
• Ability to prioritize and adjust tasks to accomplish project results.
• Proven, high‑impact leader across large‑scale manufacturing operations.

Primary Level Salary Range: $210,700.00 – $252,800.00. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and Long Term Incentives for Vice President or Director positions. Additional benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO).

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 U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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