Principal Production Operations

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Rolling Meadows
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Production Operations Specialist based in Rolling Meadows, IL. This role is full-time onsite. The Principal Production Operations Specialist supports our Electronic Warfare and Targeting repairs and sustainment. They support production, business, and other processes in a team-based manufacturing environment. Performs activities in a variety of cross-functional areas including production planning and control, total quality management, systems, manufacturing, equipment and facilities engineering, material management, and process reengineering. The incumbent may facilitate self-directed work teams, provide training in core skill areas to teams and peers, and interact with internal and external customers with respect to product planning, problem resolution, and process improvement. Incumbents are generally experienced in one or more areas of manufacturing operations. This highly motivated individual will be responsible for providing objective-oriented direction to multifunctional teams, including Operations functional support organizations, to ensure all program and manufacturing goals and objectives are met. What you will get to do: Serve as the primary Manufacturing Operations interface with the Program Office, Coordinate/collaborate with engineering, Supply Chain Management, and Mission Assurance on all aspects of manufacturing programs. Responsible for managing proposals, production planning, and execution of manufacturing programs, while monitoring and addressing all cost, schedule, performance, and quality issues. Represent the Operations Manufacturing organization as a prime contact on contracts or programs. Interact with senior internal and external personnel on significant matters often requiring coordination between organizations. Oversee the generation of proposals, including basis of estimates, resource codes, estimate rational, bid codes, and overhead and labor rates. Ability to develop and maintain Production tools/metrics regarding Microsoft Excel Macro functions. Responsible for the overall performance of the Operations Team's activities to assure compliance with company objectives and obligations. Monthly reconciliation of Sales Order WBS to MRP WBS for accuracy and consistency. Basic Qualifications for the Principal Production Operations Specialist: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of related work experience; OR a Master’s degree and 3 or more years of relevant work experience; OR 9 or more years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree. Experience leading teams or projects. Experience with Material Requirements Planning (MRP). Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word). Ability to obtain a DOD Secret Security Clearance. US Citizenship required. Preferred Qualifications for the Principal Production Operations Specialist : Engineering degree or process/industrial engineering experience Experience with taking a prototype to full rate production Experience in the defense/aerospace industry Experience performing in a fast-paced manufacturing and development environment. Manufacturing programs management experience In-depth experience with Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP), production planning, and material management Experience with Earned Value reporting and analysis. Experience with all aspects of proposal generation What We Can Offer You: Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more! MPR Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00 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, Evanston , Principal Production Operations, Engineering , Rolling Meadows, Illinois