Earlier this year, Northrop Grumman announced it was submitting a bid as the prime contractor for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) pursuit. Partnering with Raytheon Technologies, the team looks to ensure a smooth transition from the current interceptor program on an accelerated schedule, supporting the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) critical mission of protecting our nation and our warfighters.

Recently, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Technologies teamed up to host two events in Huntsville, Alabama, to highlight the importance of the MDA’s critical missions, and why people should consider joining the industry.

“Through these events, we wanted to share why missile defense is important to the United States, along with candid career advice on how to get into the industry,” said Terry Feehan, vice president and NGI program director, Northrop Grumman. “From my decades of military service to working on developing the Next Generation Interceptor for the MDA, I am proud of my career in missile defense and I want to inspire others to pursue similar opportunities in this incredible industry.”

The Empowering Women in Missile Defense virtual panel, hosted by the Huntsville Madison Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 30, featured Melissa Morrison-Ellis, from Raytheon Technologies, NGI deputy program director. Morrison-Ellis shared advice for women looking to be a part of this vital industry. 

“I was looking for an industry where my engineering and management skills would be utilized and appreciated. The Department of Defense had the right level of structure and I could make a real difference,” said Morrison-Ellis. “Not only am I extremely passionate about the programs we work on and the impact they have in defending our nation and the warfighter, I am dedicated to encouraging others, especially women, to believe in themselves and what they can contribute to this industry.”

Along with Morrison-Ellis, more than 150 attendees heard from other panelists including Dr. Patti Dare, Raytheon Huntsville site executive, Raytheon Technologies; Debra Murray, senior targets program operations manager, Northrop Grumman; and Lynn Troy, co-founder and CEO, Troy 7, Inc. The event was moderated by award-winning broadcaster Liz Hurley.

“We were thrilled to see so many people participate in this virtual panel -- one of our largest to date,” said Claire Aiello, vice president of Marketing and Communications, Huntsville Madison Chamber. “It featured a powerhouse group, presenting helpful information on how women can continue to advance in missile defense, an area that is very prominent in our Huntsville companies."

The team also held a Next Generation Interceptor Leadership Roundtable, targeted to a virtual audience of potential job candidates. The 90-minute discussion provided an overview of missile defense and included a question and answer session where executives responded with career advice on resume writing, interviewing tips, essential skills and types of jobs available in the field. 

The NGI Leadership Roundtable panel members included Feehan and JoAnna Cangianelli, director of Business Development from Northrop Grumman and Morrison-Ellis and Roya Montakhab, customer requirements and capabilities director, of Raytheon Technologies.

The roundtable event was broadcast from Huntsville where Northrop Grumman is standing up its NGI program office. Both Northrop Grumman and Raytheon will be located in the same building to maximize efficiency and collaboration while providing MDA with direct access and transparency.

For more information about upcoming job opportunities with Northrop Grumman, please visit our Careers site.

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