Director Manufacturing 1

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Palmdale
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None 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. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics System Sector is seeking a Director General Manufacturing 1 to join our team of qualified, diverse, individuals to lead the Manufacturing Operations for the F-35 Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) on 2nd Shift . T his position is located in Palmdale, CA. This position’s primary role will be to build and lead the common processes and tools in addition to providing the leadership and technical expertise in the Manufacturing Disciplines across the F-35 IAL. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of design, program management skills, proven strategic planning, and business execution capabilities, as well as ability to work collaboratively. The position will be a key leadership role, interfacing with all IPTs, IWO partners, Supplier Management leads, and Customers in establishing the baseline program plans, validating the updates, follow-up, and reporting. The selected individual must have experience leading a high-rate production program encompassing all aspects of rate readiness planning activities. In addition, the candidate should be able to interact and influence executive level management and communicate effectively with both oral and written presentations, which will include the following responsibilities: 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, Global Supply Chain, as well as the customer Provides guidance and input to program IPT’s defining appropriate performance, risks, issues and opportunities affecting program unique requirements Support program initiatives and proposal with most affordable solutions and including labor hours, direct $'s, capital $'s and Indirect impact Team is also responsible for developing and coordinating new manufacturing concepts to ensure NGC is competitive and continuously improving performance. Responsible for the manufacturing team’s process adherence, corrective actions, and Foreign Object Elimination Director communicates and supports development and attainment of unique skills based on the wide variety of engineering, project management, liaison, sub-contract administration and touch labor personnel to execute statement of work. Lead employee engagement, inclusion, accountability, development and retention within organization This position will offer 2nd Shift – 9/80 with the ability to come in on weekends and work off hours as required by the business, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do. 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: Must have a 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 Must have 5 years of management or leadership experience. Ability to create and present professional PowerPoint presentations to executive leadership Must have the ability to obtain a DoD Clearance as well as 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 Able to prioritize and adjust tasks to accomplish the project result Proven, high-impact leader across large-scale manufacturing operations Primary Level Salary Range: $168,600.00 - $252,800.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Cypress , Director Manufacturing 1, Manufacturing , Palmdale, California