Christopher McGrath

About Christopher McGrath

PROGRAM EXECUTION | STRATEGIC PROGRAM MANAGEMENT | DEFENSE ACQUISITION | TEAM ENABLEMENTI am an execution and mission-driven Program Manager with a proven record of delivering results on high-priority, technically complex defense development programs. Currently leading cross-functional execution for the U.S. Air Force’s $750M+ Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) effort. Ensures engineering, supply chain, and test teams have the resources, clarity, and momentum needed to deliver warfighter capability at speed.With a technical background as a U.S. Army Warrant Officer and Aviator, having over a decade of experience in aerospace, I bring a disciplined, decisive, and team-first approach to program leadership. I specialize in removing roadblocks, driving milestone execution, aligning site-level resources, and enabling IPTs to stay focused on delivering critical outcomes. I bridge strategy and operations—connecting cost, schedule, and technical performance to deliverables that matter.Strengths include: • Agile & EVMS-based program execution • Complex stakeholder communication (internal & government) • Integrated schedule and risk management • Supplier readiness and system integration • Milestone reviews (CDR, TRR, FRR) & configuration controlI thrive in challenging, fast-paced environments where collaboration, mission focus, and accountability are key to success.Active Secret Clearance | Eligible for TS/SCI & SAP

Experience

1. Program Manager, Advanced Programs Stand-in Attack Weapon (Siaw)

   Northrop Grumman

   Oct 2024 — Present · Northridge, CA, US

   Execution Program Manager on the U.S. Air Force’s $750M+ Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) program. Driving a critical rapid prototyping effort to deliver a next-gen, air-launched missile. I lead integrated execution across IPTs, ensuring teams are equipped, aligned, and empowered to drive toward Milestone C and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP).Tools & Frameworks:Agile | Jira | EVMS | MS Project | Confluence | SharePoint | Integrated Digital Environment (IDE)

Education

• US Army Warrant Officer Academy

  Warrant Officer Candidate School

  2006 — 2006

• Shipley Associates

  Completion, Writing and Managing Federal Proposals

  2018 — 2018

• USC Viterbi School of Engineering

  Master's of Science, Systems Architecture & Engineering (SAE)

• US Army Aviation Center of Excellence

  Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course

  2006 — 2007

• Dale Carnegie Training

  Completion, Skills for Success

  2018 — 2018

• The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

  Completion, Executive Strategic Market Positioning

  2019 — 2019

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

  2017 — 2019

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Bachelor's degree, Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General

  2006 — 2013

• Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

  Foundational Program Manager Development Program

  2025 — 2025

• Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF

  EBV – Entrepreneurial Leadership, Business Operations & Venture Development

Skills

• Command
• Combat
• Team Building
• Military Operations
• Risk Assessment
• Piloting
• Helicopters
• Dod
• National Security
• Flights
• Military
• Army
• Military Aviation
• Diversity
• Communication
• Security Clearance
• Aviation
• Operational Planning
• Military Experience