Project Manager/Principal Project Management

A Project Manager/Principal Project Management at Northrop Grumman plays a vital role in supporting the System Test Technical Team by facilitating project integration, managing operational tasks, tracking financial metrics, and aiding in risk management processes. You'll serve as a liaison between various teams and ensure smooth project execution, all while focusing on operational excellence.

To qualify for the Project Manager position at Northrop Grumman, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree and have at least 2 years of experience in Project Management or related fields. For those applying for the Principal Project Management role, a Bachelor’s degree complemented by 5 years of experience or a Master’s degree with 3 years of experience is required. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products and a current DoD Top Secret clearance are also essential.

Yes, the role requires some travel, typically up to 10% of the time, between our Rancho Bernardo and Palmdale sites. Being prepared to engage with team members at multiple locations is part of supporting the System Test Technical Team effectively.

Unfortunately, teleworking is not an option for the Project Manager position at Northrop Grumman. This role requires in-person collaboration at either the Rancho Bernardo or Palmdale sites to facilitate the hands-on involvement necessary for project success.

Northrop Grumman fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and provides numerous opportunities for growth within Project Management. Employees can pursue training, certifications like PMP, and take on new responsibilities that help advance their careers while contributing to groundbreaking projects in the aerospace and defense sectors.

As a candidate, you should highlight your experience with various methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid approaches. Providing examples of how you've applied these methodologies in past projects will illustrate your adaptability and project management expertise.

Focus on a specific project where you faced significant challenges, detailing the strategies you implemented to overcome those issues. This showcases your problem-solving skills and resilience under pressure, both of which are crucial for a Project Manager role.

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and mediation skills. Providing an example where you successfully resolved a disagreement will demonstrate your leadership capabilities and ability to maintain team cohesion.

Outline your risk management process, from identifying potential risks to developing mitigation strategies. Providing details on how you actively monitor these risks throughout the project highlights your proactive management style.

Effective communication is key in project management. Describe your methods for stakeholder engagement, such as regular updates, meetings, and using collaboration tools to keep everyone informed and involved throughout the project lifecycle.

Mention specific project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello that you are proficient in. Highlight how these tools have helped you manage timelines, track progress, and enhance team communication in previous roles.

Discuss your approach to task prioritization, like using the Eisenhower Matrix or defining tasks based on deadlines and impact. Provide an example that illustrates your thought process and the effectiveness of your approach.

Highlight any experiences related to financial aspects of project management, including how you've tracked budgets, made forecasts, and addressed budgetary issues to keep projects on track financially.

Choose a project that met or exceeded its goals, discussing how you achieved that success—from planning stages through execution. Focus on your contributions that helped achieve the desired outcomes.

Discuss strategies for keeping your team motivated, such as setting clear goals, recognizing achievements, and facilitating opportunities for team bonding and development. This will demonstrate your leadership style and commitment to team dynamics.