Description

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (DS) is seeking a Weapons Aircraft Integration Program Manager 3 for the Advanced Weapons Business Unit located in Northridge, CA. Our Advanced Weapons team designs, develops, manufactures and integrates missile systems that support U.S. national and allied security objectives.

This position is required to be full-time, on-site in the Northridge, CA location. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must have a current U.S. Government DoW Secret clearance with ability to get a Sensitive Access Program (SAP) clearance.

DESCRIPTION:

The Weapons Integration Program Manager 3 will own end‑to‑end delivery of missile integration programs for 4th and advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft. This role drives cross‑functional teams-including systems engineering, software, test & evaluation, logistics, and contracting-to ensure timely, cost‑effective, and compliant fielding of our missile solutions. The incumbent will serve as the primary interface with the Air Force, Joint Program Offices, and key industry partners while maintaining rigorous adherence to schedule, budget, and performance baselines. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the full program lifecycle from integration planning through flight testing, platform certification, and Initial Operational Capability (IOC).
• Plan and execute integration of tactical missiles across multiple aircraft platforms via multiple simultaneous contracts.
• Develop program scope, objectives, and success criteria; establish and maintain the integrated master schedule (IMS), risk/opportunity register, and cost baselines.
• Execute a comprehensive risk and opportunity management process to identify, assess, and mitigate technical, schedule, and cost risks.
• Serve as the primary liaison between DoD acquisition offices, aircraft OEMs, subsystem suppliers, and test ranges to plan and execute safe store separation, telemetry verification, and live‑fire flight tests.
• Lead major programmatic reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure timely closure of action items.
• Own the program budget-authorizing expenditures, tracking forecasts, and achieving cost‑to‑complete and EVMS performance targets.
• Develop new business opportunities through long‑range strategic planning, capture planning, and development of proposals and business plans.
• Build and mentor a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team of program managers, engineers, logistics, and acquisition specialists.
• Prepare and present program status reports, risk assessments, and decision briefs to senior leadership and customers.

The selected candidate will also oversee technical and operational execution of missile‑to‑aircraft integration, including:

• Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for physical, electrical, and logical interfaces (internal and external carriage)
• Missile virtual model development and test
• Ground and flight test planning and execution
• Verification of system‑level integration requirements
• F‑35 Software‑in‑the‑Loop (SIL) missile simulator development and testing in the SIL lab
• Mission Planning integration and analysis support (e.g., wind tunnel, CFD, structural) for weapon carriage and safe separation
• Hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and flight‑test campaigns; approve test plans, data reviews, and deviation waivers.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 8+ years of aerospace/defense program management experience OR a Master’s (MS/MBA) with 6+ years of mentioned experience
• Proven expertise and experience with weapon‑to‑aircraft interfaces, store‑separation criteria, test‑and‑evaluation planning, and fighter‑aircraft avionics architectures.
• Experience leading programs to completion on schedule using program‑management tools such as Earned Value Management System (EVMS), Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and Risk & Opportunity Management processes.
• Strategic thinker experienced in developing multi‑year aircraft integration roadmaps and long‑range program plans.
• Skilled decision‑maker in uncertain, high‑stakes environments.
• Strong communicator adept at negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution.
• Current U.S. Government DoW Secret clearance with ability to get a Sensitive Access Program (SAP) clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in tactical missile integration on aircraft
• Experience with store separation testing, wind tunnel data, or avionics flight software
• Direct experience working with F-16 Configured Systems or F-35 Mission Systems
• Strong track record of executing Fixed price (FFP) contracts
• Strong knowledge of aircraft systems (structures, power‑distribution, flight controls, data buses)
• Familiarity with multi‑mode tactical missile subsystems (guidance, propulsion, warhead, launch hardware)

• Familiarity with Agile/DevOps practices for software‑intensive missile guidance or flight‑control code