Richard S. Stapp Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Northrop Grumman Corporation

Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard S. Stapp is Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leader in global security. 

In his role as CTO, Stapp works with the executive leadership team to further the company’s technology strategy and ensures that Northrop Grumman leverages current technology and identifies new solutions to create new business opportunities and strengthen its position on existing programs. In this role, he also drives the development of the company’s technical talent. 

Stapp has been with Northrop Grumman for more than six years. Most recently, Stapp served in the Space Sector as the vice president for resiliency and rapid prototyping, leading the development of new prototype systems and resiliency programs across critical space missions. Prior to that, Stapp was vice president of applied research & technology development for Aeronautics Systems. 

Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, Stapp was director, special programs, for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His core responsibilities included the governance, acquisition and oversight of Department of Defense (DoD) Special Access Programs (SAP). Additionally, he served as the principal staff assistant to the undersecretary of defense, acquisition, technology and logistics and was the primary DoD liaison to agencies of the executive branch and Congress regarding all SAP matters. 

Previously, Stapp served as chairman of the Tri-Service Committee, overseeing the national disclosure policy and transfer/export of technologies crucial to the international community. He established and administered governance of the DoD’s SAP information technology policy, strategy, requirements and execution in coordination with the DoD’s chief information officer. 

Stapp holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico. He also holds a master’s degree in national resource management from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and completed the Advanced Program Managers Course at Defense Acquisition University. 

Distinguished honors he received during his esteemed Air Force career include the CIA’s Agency Seal Medal, the Director of National Intelligence Award for Collaboration Leadership; the National Reconnaissance Office’s Silver Medal for Superior Service; and the Air Force Weapons Laboratory’s Outstanding Technical Achiever of the Year Award. Stapp is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and began his Air Force career in research and development and flight test engineering. 

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 97,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.