Manager of Strategic Innovation and Technology Partnerships 2

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

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 is seeking a Manager of Strategic Innovation and Technology Partnerships 2 to join our Corporate Strategy and Technology (CTO) organization. In this high-impact role, you will lead the identification, vetting, and integration of external emerging technologies from the global commercial and defense ecosystem (startups, non-traditionals) into Northrop Grumman’s core mission systems. You will act as a primary bridge between external "disruptors" and internal R&D, ensuring that the next generation of key technologies are transitioned from the lab to the warfighter.

This position will be located in Falls Church, VA. This is not a remote position.

Key Responsibilities:

• External Ecosystem Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for the venture capital community, tech accelerators, and nontraditional defense contractors to identify, drive, and manage "dual-use" technologies and associated partnerships.

• Technology Scouting & Vetting: Lead cross-functional technical and business due diligence on emerging tech startups to assess their readiness, scalability, and strategic fit for Sector IRAD (Internal Research & Development) roadmaps.

• Partnership Frameworks: Enable complex partnership agreements, including Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), licensing, and pilot "sandboxing" initiatives ; Develop multi‑year partnership strategies.

• Strategic Alignment: Partner with Sector CTOs to ensure external innovation initiatives align with our long-term technology roadmaps.

• Formalize Engagement: Support the development and execution of a cohesive technology partnership program.

• Portfolio Management: Manage a portfolio of pilot projects, tracking technical milestones and transition success rates into Programs of Record or equivalent maturation success metrics.

• Executive Briefing: Develop and deliver high-level briefings to senior leadership on market intelligence, competitive landscapes, and disruptive technology trends.

• Drive pipeline creation and revenue growth through collaborative partner strategies.

• Identify co‑sell opportunities, joint pursuits, and technology integrations that enhance mission outcomes.

• Program Management: Manage operations of CTO Technology Partnership Subcommittee.

Basic Qualifications:

• Education and Years of Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree with at least 8 years of relevant experience OR a Master’s Degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience.

• Experience: Experience in technology scouting, corporate venture capital, or strategic partnerships within the Aerospace, Defense, or High-Tech sectors required.

• Technical Literacy: Proven ability to translate complex emerging technologies(e.g., AI/ML, Quantum Computing, etc. ) into defense-specific mission applications and business terms.

• Security: Candidates must have a current U.S. Government Secret level security clearance (or higher) in order to be considered and must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a U.S. Government Top Secret level security clearance as a condition of continued employment.

• Communication: Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to influence executive-level stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Network: Existing relationships within the Silicon Valley/tech hub ecosystems or with government innovation units like DIU, AFWERX, or DARPA.

• M&A/Venture: Experience in technical due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or corporate venture investments.

• Program Management: PMP certification or experience managing government CRAD (Contractual R&D) programs.

• Advanced Degree: