Value Stream Element Team Leader (VSET)

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, Propulsion Systems, is currently seeking an experienced Staff Value Stream Element Team (VSET) Leader for Propulsion Systems manufacturing of stage 1 and stage 2 rocket motors for the Air Force Sentinel Program at our Promontory Utah campus.

VSET Lead Ownership responsibilities include Propellant Raw Material Planning, Propellant Mixing / Requirements Development, with propellant chemistry as a plus.  Strong propellant mix operations experience is desired, experience with sub-scale mixing recommended. Propellant processing, technical understanding as related to problem-solving, propellant chemistry, and mentoring team members.

Role description & Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Promontory North Value Stream Director, leads a specific cross-functional Loaded motor element team for the Sentinel program.  Is responsible for delivering a product family through overall ownership and accountability of that product’s value stream team including acceptance of requirements, material acceptance, product and process design, planning generation, product manufacture, inspection, acceptance and delivery to the downstream customer to meet cost and schedule requirements.

Works closely to lead the functional organization support (e.g. Design, S&MA, Process Engineering, Supply Chain and Production Operations) to effectively and efficiently staff the team as required.  Manages and ensures effective concurrent engineering through the oversight and integration of all engineering and processing disciplines.  Requests, acquires and manages resources within a matrix organization as necessary to accomplish the goals of the value stream.  Closely interfaces with program managers to insure we meet their needs and the needs of their customers.

Responsible Cost/Control Account Manager (CAM) for the Loaded Motor cost accounts in the Sentinel program Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).  Will be responsible for operating in the Earned Value Management System (EVMS) to perform cost and schedule variance analysis; develop monthly estimate to complete assessments; maintenance of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS); risk/opportunity impacts; implement scope changes; and new program baseline activity, in accordance with established monthly business rhythm.  Interface with the Sentinel Execution Program Manager and the Systems Integration Team (SIT) to inform of control account scope/schedule/quality progress, identify potential risks/opportunities and develop, implement and manage corrective actions. Will also be required to interface with the Sentinel customer representing Propulsion Systems as the subject matter expert for the Loaded Case control account during cost/schedule baseline and variance reviews.

The VSET leader is responsible for total team performance and works closely with the program office and plant functional organizations to accomplish program and company goals. 

The VSET leader’s primary focus is the loaded motor / propellant design and manufacture of a defect free, highest value product that satisfies every customer requirement by focusing on and effectively integrating all elements and disciplines of the associated value stream.

Job Duties: 

• All design, reliability, safety, performance, cost and schedule requirements.

• The safety of personnel, facilities and product through the development and manufacturing lifecycle.

• Produced and procured designs, processes, suppliers, materials, facilities, inspection plans, tooling, etc.

• Managing financial performance of the value stream element team and its functional organizations.  This includes EVMS tracking, reviewing and approval of PCR’s as needed for submittal to the Program Office.

• Initiate and lead value enhancement and waste elimination efforts for all aspects of the component value stream utilizing PES principles for continuous improvement.

Job Requirements/Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering desired, Mechanical Engineering accepted with strong propellant and operations background. Master’s in chemical engineering and/or advanced degree in engineering and/or business management a plus

• 14 years of relevant experience with Bachelors degree or 12 years relevant experience with Masters degree.

• Working knowledge / exposure with propellant protocols / procedures, Hazardous Analysis, and Safety Management of Change

• Two or more years’ experience in engineering, program management, production, safety and/or mission assurance roles where the candidate has developed a well-rounded background and understanding of our business and the product lifecycle

• Positive attitude and leadership to innovate

• Currently possess or must be able to obtain Secret security Clearance

• Explosive Possessor required

Salary Range: $139,000 USD - $208,600 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.