R&D Manager – Optics and Photonics

Adaptive Optics Associates – Xinetics (AOA Xinetics), a wholly-owned Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Payload and Ground Systems Division Business Venture, has an exciting opportunity for a R&D Manager in Optics and Photonics to support the Special Programs business activities in East Hartford, CT.  AOA Xinetics (AOX) designs and manufactures mission critical optical and photonic solutions. We serve markets worldwide including defense (ISR, directed energy, laser communications), industrial (freight logistics, semiconductor) and scientific (astronomy). Since its inception, AOX has been ‘working light’ for the betterment of our customers, the protection of our nation and the advancement of humankind.  Overview
Reporting to the Special Programs Business Area Manager, the Research and Development Manager will lead a team of scientists and engineers who execute cutting edge optics and photonics that leverage the development of new and innovative technical solutions, products and intellectual property. You will be an effective communicator and problem solver who is able to develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will demonstrate a commitment to ethics and integrity, the capability to innovate, ability to build teams with high levels of engagement, including mentoring and coaching. You will demonstrate a broad skill set that is balanced between technical, business and interpersonal skills. This position is a dual role for both personnel management (~ 20% of time) and existing technical/program responsibilities (~80% of time). Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will always work and lead with safety in mind and demonstrate strong leadership skills to achieve sustainable top performance. You will have a track record as an effective communicator and problem solver who is able to develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will clearly demonstrate strong leadership skills to achieve sustainable top performance. You will demonstrate a commitment to ethics and integrity, and the capability to innovate while challenging traditional ways of doing business. Demonstrated abilities in mentoring and coaching, are a must. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required and the ideal candidate will have demonstrated success collaborating and leading technically advanced teams. 
•    Provide and contribute optical/photonic product research, design and development technical subject matter expertise
•    Partner and collaborate with Business Area and Program Managers to ensure program technical goals and partner with HR/Talent Acquisition to ensure staffing levels are met; mentoring and career development; employee training and identification and training of skills required to execute on programs
•    Develop and implement the Technology Group strategic goals and vision that align with company goals
•    Presentation of technical group team progress, projects, goals, etc.
 

Basic Qualifications:
•    PhD in Optics, Physics or STEM related discipline 
•    10+ years of demonstrated technical expertise in optics, photonics, and optical systems integration
•    Proven demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment 
•    Experience working with Government Programs
•    Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
•    Strong critical thinking and logical reasoning skills and the ability to identify and predict potential programmatic and technical risks
•    Advanced MS Office skills (Power Point, Word, Excel, Outlook, Project)
•    Ability to travel up to 10 – 20% of the time, including supporting Special Program efforts in our Devens, MA location, customer visits, industry events/trade shows, etc.
•    US Citizenship is a requirement for employment
•    Active DoD Top Secret Clearance  Preferred Qualifications:
•    15+ years of demonstrated technical expertise in optics, photonics, and optical systems integration
•    2+ years of technical leadership/management experience including, mentoring, coaching, employee relations, bi-annual and annual performance reviews, etc
•    Experience working in a DoD/Defense, Space/Aerospace manufacturing or related work environment
  Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.