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Principal Quality Engineer

Northrop Grumman Space Systems
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Maryland, USA
Jul 29, 2026
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We are looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we ’II support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you ’II have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is currently seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to join our team in Elkridge, MD at our Troy Hill facility.

What You'll Get To Do:

  • Develop, modify, apply and maintain quality evaluation and control systems and protocols for processing materials into partially finished or finished materials product.

  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place.

  • Devise and implement methods and procedures for inspecting, testing and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment.

  • Has primary cell but able to float to other cells to assist in problem solving

  • Compiles matrices for State-Of-Cell.

  • Implements and audits Principles and Operating Practices to fit quality objectives and quality scope.

  • Leads the resolution of quality requirements nonconformances or repairs.

  • Present Program Risks and Opportunities within the Cell.

  • Leads Cell Audits.

  • PCAB Coordinator.

  • In depth level understanding of workflow/processes.

  • Design and analyze inspection and testing processes, mechanisms and equipment; conducting quality assurance tests; and performing statistical analysis to assess the cost of and determine the responsibility for, products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications.

  • Audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction.

  • Initiate Corrective Action Plans and work with suppliers, manufacturing, and engineering personnel to identify the root cause and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented.

  • Ensure that corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards, and that documentation is compliant with requirements.

  • Work from engineering drawings, diagrams, customer specifications, inspection instructions, documentation (manufacturing procedures) and checklists to ensure items meet required specifications and quality standards

  • Lead and implement Continuous Improvements to reduce nonconformances.

  • May specialize in the areas of design, mechanical engineering, incoming material, production control, product evaluation and reliability, inventory control and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality.

  • May be certified in lean and six-sigma quality engineering methodologies.

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Quality Engineer:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field with a minimum of 5 years experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions; OR a minimum of 3 years experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a Masters Degree in a STEM field OR a minimum of 1 year experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a PhD Degree in a STEM field

  • Experience with Data Analytics and Statistical Analysis methods and techniques

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance

  • US Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Space hardware experience

  • Experience in at least one of the following standards (IPC, J-Std, MIL-STD)

  • Experience with ISO9001 or AS9100 Quality Management System and AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI).

  • Green/Black Belt Certified in Lean Six-sigma.

  • Certified in Lean and Six-Sigma methodologies

  • Certified auditor

  • Experience Facilitating RCCAs with technical groups

  • SAP Experience

  • Tableau Experience

  • Experience leading cross-functional teams to resolve problems or issues.

  • Experience using Microsoft Excel, Minitab or equivalent tools for statistical analysis.

  • Knowledge of modern skillsets such as Artificial Intelligence, SQL, Power Bi to aid in data analysis and data visualization

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Job ID

R10241376

Security Clearance

Top Secret
About Northrop Grumman Space Systems
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