Professional Development Program FAQ

1. What makes a position on the PDP different from the other jobs I've been interviewing for?
2. How is the PDP structured?
3. How are my assignments determined?
4. What training classes are available?
5. What happens after my rotational assignments are completed?
6. Where are PDP opportunities located?
7. In what types of products and markets is Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems involved?
8. What is my status while I'm a PDP?
9. What are the eligibility and academic standards for the PDP?
10. What other qualities do successful PDP candidates exhibit?

What makes a position on the PDP different from the other jobs I've been interviewing for?

The PDP is designed to make your transition to industry smooth, more meaningful and rewarding. Our goal is to develop well-rounded employees who understand the various steps needed to bring a product to market. PDP participants may be exposed to a variety of areas, including design and development, manufacturing, systems engineering, business development, and various other functional staff specialties, among others. Because of the rotational aspect of the program, you obtain experience, a network of contacts, and exposure that might take you years to get in more traditional assignments.

How is the PDP structured?

Usually, a PDP participant will take up to four assignments while on the program. Engineering & Manufacturing and Procurement & Material Management assignments typically last 4-8 months. Business Management positions typically include 2 rotations that last 3-6 month each.

How are my assignments determined?

The PDP management team will find your first assignment based on your career goals and immediate interests. Every effort is made to provide a good match. The PDP is expected to be an active participant in the selection of subsequent assignments.

What training classes are available?

Northrop Grumman understands that new graduates will have the need to learn our design, analysis and development tools. The company embraces that need by providing additional training budgets for new graduates. An on-line Introduction to Radar course is available, along with business and departmental tools such as MATLAB, Mentor, Unigraphics, HFSS, ANSYS, and many more. PDPs are also encouraged to attend technical brown-bag lunch sessions led by senior technical engineers.

What happens after my rotational assignments are completed?

After completing their assignments, PDP participants are permanently assigned to a group or department to begin the next step in their careers with Northrop Grumman. Permanent placement may be in a group you've had an assignment with before, or with a different group. In either case, you have considerable influence on where your permanent placement occurs.

Where are PDP opportunities located?

Most of the openings for the PDP are in the greater Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area. On occasion, however, positions may also be available at some of our other locations across the country. Some assignments may involve travel.

In what types of products and markets is Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems involved?

We are a world leader in advanced electronic systems, including airborne and ground-based radar and avionics, as well as systems for electronic warfare, anti-submarine warfare, space sensors, information services, logistics and support, and other applications. You can find out more by checking out the rest of our Electronic Systems web site.

What is my status while I'm a PDP?

You're a full-time, regular employee of Northrop Grumman at full, competitive salary. You'll be covered by the our standard employee benefit plan, including health and life insurance; optional disability, personal accident and dependent coverages; pension plan; and savings program, including Company matching contribution and a 401(k) plan feature. Relocation and temporary housing assistance are available.

What are the eligibility and academic standards for the PDP?

Engineering & Manufacturing PDPs must have completed requirements for, or been awarded, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in from an ABET-accredited college or university.

Business Management PDPs must have completed requirements for, or been awarded, a Bachelor's degree or MBA in accounting, finance, industrial engineering, business law or a related field to be considered for assignments in business management.

Procurement & Material Management PDPs must have completed requirements for, or been awarded, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business (Administration, Management, Accounting or Finance), Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering or Business Law from an accredited college or university.

We strongly prefer graduates with at least a 3.2/4.0 overall cumulative grade point average or one year or less of permanent, full-time career work experience (not including summer internship employment and/or co-op experience).

Engineering & Manufacturing Program applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation, and must meet eligibility requirements for access to U.S. Government classified information (for which U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite).  Participants on other program variations may also be required to obtain a security clearance.

What other qualities do successful PDP candidates exhibit?

We look for people who: