Richard R. Raiford
Director
Global Strategy and Relations
Global Logistics and Modernization Division
Northrop Grumman Technology Services
BSAAE 1980
"I consider the engineering education and degree I received from Purdue foundational in my career accomplishments and enabling in both my personal and professional growth.”
Rich R. Raiford graduated from Purdue with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 1980, and he received a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California in 1983. He also completed an executive development program at The Wharton School. Raiford is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He was past chairman of the AIAA Technical Management Committee.
Raiford is currently the Global Strategy and Relations Director at the Northrop Grumman Technology Services sector in Herndon, Virginia. He is responsible for the leadership of strategic development including integration and delivery of long-range strategic plan, acting as the division focal point for legislative affairs and supporting global growth initiatives. For the past four years, he has been integral to the development and implementation of the Northrop Grumman global sustainment strategy for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Raiford served for five years as the Market Development Director beginning in 2007.
Until 2007, he previously was the Strategic Development Director for Integrated Systems Western Region in El Segundo. From 1992 through 1999, he was the Business Area Director responsible for development and maturation of technology-based new product business portfolios with emerging customers. He also was the company technology lead for the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) program from 1993-1996. Raiford was the lead engineer for the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) YF-23 weapon integration aerodynamics team from 1985-1991. He has been with Northrop Grumman for 38 years.