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Operations Support Manager 2 - Job Opportunity at Northrop Grumman

Alice Springs, Australia
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 14, 2025
On-site
USD 142,200 - 213,400 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive annual leave package providing enhanced work-life balance in a remote international location
Disability insurance coverage ensuring financial security during potential health challenges
Premium health insurance with comprehensive coverage suitable for OCONUS assignments
Full relocation assistance package facilitating international deployment and eventual repatriation

Key Responsibilities

Drive operational excellence for critical space systems programs impacting national security objectives across multiple international partners
Lead high-performance teams of 10-12 specialized engineers while maintaining 80% direct technical contribution to mission-critical Rushmore program deliverables
Execute strategic resource allocation and workforce optimization to ensure program deliverables meet stringent defense contractor standards
Develop and mentor top-tier engineering talent while implementing performance management systems that drive both individual excellence and organizational capability growth
Orchestrate complex OCONUS deployment operations including recruiting, onboarding, and repatriation processes for personnel supporting sensitive government programs

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline plus 8 years of engineering experience OR Master's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline plus 6 years of engineering experience

Experience

8 years of engineering experience with Bachelor's OR 6 years with Master's degree

Required Skills

Proven leadership experience on a project and/or team Experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry Proactive leadership skills Demonstrated communication and teamwork skills Ability to effectively interface with other Engineering and Production disciplines across the Sector, as well as Programs, Business Development, HR, Mission Assurance

Certifications

Active SCI (Sensitive Compartmented Information) access CI Poly Examination clearance
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The aerospace and defense sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in space-based systems and satellite technologies, driven by increasing national security concerns and the commercialization of space. This trend is creating high demand for experienced operations managers who can bridge technical expertise with program management capabilities. International defense cooperation programs are expanding rapidly, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, creating opportunities for professionals willing to work in OCONUS assignments. The strategic importance of facilities like Pine Gap near Alice Springs continues to grow as geopolitical tensions increase. The integration of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics into traditional aerospace operations is transforming how defense contractors approach program management, requiring leaders who can adapt to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.

Salary Evaluation

The provided salary range of USD 142,200 - 213,400 is highly competitive for the Australian market, representing approximately 15-25% premium over similar domestic roles due to the international assignment nature, security clearance requirements, and the specialized skill set demanded. This compensation package likely positions in the top 10% of engineering management roles in the region.

Role Significance

The role involves direct management of 10-12 specialized engineers, which represents a substantial team size for technical operations. This suggests the position carries significant organizational weight and budgetary responsibility, likely managing annual program budgets in the tens of millions of dollars.
This is a senior management position requiring significant strategic oversight capabilities while maintaining hands-on technical involvement. The dual-hat responsibility structure indicates this role operates at a level where both tactical execution and strategic program guidance are essential, suggesting placement at the senior manager to director level within the organizational hierarchy.

Key Projects

Management of advanced satellite communication systems and ground-based tracking infrastructure Oversight of international defense cooperation programs involving multiple allied nations Implementation of next-generation space surveillance and missile defense technologies Coordination of complex multi-year defense contracts with stringent performance and security requirements

Success Factors

Exceptional ability to balance hands-on technical contribution with strategic program management, as the role requires 80% technical involvement while maintaining comprehensive team leadership responsibilities Strong cultural adaptability and international communication skills essential for success in the remote Australian location while coordinating with US-based stakeholders and international partners Deep understanding of defense contractor operations including compliance requirements, security protocols, and the complex stakeholder management inherent in government contracting Proven track record in developing and retaining top engineering talent in challenging international assignments, including the ability to maintain team cohesion and performance in isolated locations

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for this role profile, as the intersection of senior engineering management experience, active security clearances, and willingness to work international assignments creates a very limited candidate pool. The specialized nature of space systems operations further constrains the available talent market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Active security clearance capabilities are absolutely essential as they represent a multi-year investment that cannot be expedited, making cleared professionals extremely valuable in the current market environment where security threats are escalating rapidly Aerospace and defense industry experience provides the foundational understanding of complex regulatory environments, quality standards, and program management methodologies that are impossible to learn outside of the industry context Proven leadership experience becomes critical when managing high-performing technical teams in isolated international locations where traditional support structures are limited and team cohesion directly impacts mission success

Beneficial Skills

Advanced degrees in systems engineering or technical management provide the theoretical framework necessary for understanding complex space systems integration and program optimization strategies Previous experience with polygraph examinations demonstrates familiarity with the security clearance process and reduces onboarding timeline and risk International work experience or cultural adaptability skills become increasingly valuable as defense contractors expand global operations and international cooperation agreements

Unique Aspects

The combination of international assignment in a strategically critical location with direct involvement in some of the world's most advanced space systems technology creates an exceptionally rare career opportunity
The dual-hat management structure requiring both technical contribution and team leadership provides accelerated development of both technical depth and management breadth
Direct involvement in the Rushmore program suggests access to classified advanced space systems technology that few professionals globally have opportunity to work with
The OCONUS assignment nature combined with security clearance requirements creates a highly selective and elite professional community

Career Growth

Career progression to senior director level typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing individuals in this role, given the specialized experience gained in international operations and the scarcity of qualified candidates at this level.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Operations Manager or Site Director positions overseeing multiple program areas and larger teams Program Director roles managing entire defense contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars Business Development leadership positions focusing on international defense cooperation and space systems sales Vice President or Director positions within Northrop Grumman's Strategic Space Systems Division

Company Overview

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman stands as one of the world's largest aerospace and defense contractors, with over 90,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding $35 billion. The company's Strategic Space Systems Division represents a crown jewel of the organization, focusing on the most advanced and sensitive space-based defense technologies including satellite systems, missile defense, and space surveillance capabilities.

Northrop Grumman maintains a dominant position in the global defense market, consistently ranking among the top 5 defense contractors worldwide. The company's expertise in space systems and advanced technologies positions it as an indispensable partner to the US government and allied nations, with a backlog of contracts extending decades into the future.
The Alice Springs location represents a critical strategic asset for Northrop Grumman's international operations, supporting the joint US-Australia Pine Gap facility and other regional defense cooperation initiatives. This placement demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining a substantial presence in the Asia-Pacific region as geopolitical importance continues to grow.
Northrop Grumman fosters a culture of innovation and technical excellence, with significant investment in employee development and cutting-edge technology. The company's emphasis on pioneering spirit and intellectual curiosity creates an environment where high-performing engineers can engage with some of the world's most advanced technological challenges.
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