Northrop Grumman Advanced Weapons is seeking aProduction Quality Engineering Manager 2,to join our team. TheProduction Quality Engineering Managerwillberesponsible fortheproduct and process compliance,through integration and delivery,to internal and external customers.This role assumes responsibility for the Quality Engineering (QE), Calibration and Quality Control Technician (QCT) functions at theNorthridge and Ridgecrest, CAsites.
This position is required to be full-time, on sitebetweentheNorthridgeandRidgecrest, CA locations.No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must havethe ability to obtainaUS Government DoD SecretClearance.
TheProduction Quality Engineering Managerleads the quality engineering function within the manufacturing organization, ensuring that allmissile systemsare produced in compliance with contractual, regulatory, and safety requirements. This role partners with program managers,globalsupply chain, manufacturing, and senior leadership to drive continuous improvement, maintain audit readiness, and uphold the integrity of our defense grade production processes.
KEYRESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Team Development
Direct and mentor a team of8+quality engineers,quality control technicians,calibration specialists, and related staff across multiple sites (e.g., Northridge&Ridgecrest).
Conduct performance reviews, create professional development plans, and foster a culture of zero defect manufacturing, proactive risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
Implement training programs for inspection, QE/QCT, and calibration personnel on ESD, FOD/FOE, contamination, and environmental controlsand RCCA/CAPA.
Quality Management System Oversight
Own implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of ISO 9001 / AS9100procedures/policies, and other defense specific quality systems (Mil-specs,ITAR, DFARS).
Ensure audit readiness for DoD, DCMA, NAVAIR, customer, and third party assessments; lead internal and external audits and drive corrective preventive action (CAPA) to closure.
Process & Product Assurance
Define, validate, and monitor production quality plans, inspection strategies, and test procedures.
Oversee root cause analysis (RCA) of nonconformances, field failures, warranty data, and failure investigations; implement CAPA andquality/reliability focused actions (PFMEA,DFMEA).
Collaborate with Design Engineering to translate design requirements into manufacturable,inspectable andtestable specifications.
Manage/lead adjudicationand expeditious closure of non-conformancesthrough thePMRB and MRBwith internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure MRB Cage backlog is maintained within levelsestablishedmy management.
Supplier Quality & Procurement Collaboration
CollaboratewiththeSupplierQualityorganizationto address supplierescapesinto the factory.
Work withGlobal Supply Chain and Supplier Qualityto drive supplier corrective action plans and track their effectiveness.
Metrics, Reporting & Data Driven Decision Making
Track key quality indicators (PPM, DPMO, First Pass Yield, cost of poor quality) and present trend analysesand improvements to eliminate trendsto senior leadership.
Provide data driven recommendations for process redesign, automation, lean initiatives, and cost saving opportunities while maintaining compliance.
Calibration, Inspection & Environmental Controls
OverseeM&TEcalibration activities, ensuring measurementand testequipment is maintained and aligned with production schedules.
Digital Transformation & Work In Process (WIP) Management
Support digital quality system rolloutsand other technology enabled initiatives.
Reconcile WIP, drive digital transformation projects, and ensure alignment with program objectives.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Six Sigma
Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies; certify GreenBelt/BlackBelt team members as needed.
Lead APQP, SPC, 5S, and digital quality system implementations across product development and production.
Identify risks, implement root causeactions, track effectiveness, and disseminate lessons learned.
Cross Functional RCCA/CAPA Leadership
Lead cross functional RCCA/CAPA activities for nonconformities internally and at key customer sites (e.g., NAWS China Lake, Edwards AFB).
Drive workplan approvals, MRB/PMRB adjudication, and coordinate with external customers on corrective actions.
Strategic Influence & Corporate Quality Initiatives
Shape corporatewide quality strategy, emerging technology adoption, and innovative risk mitigation approaches.
Influence QMA initiatives, support Returnto Green plans, and ensure lessons learned are captured and shared organization wide.
Results Orientation
Meet or exceed quality, safety, delivery, employee, and cos tgoal expectations for both external and internal customers.
Demonstrated ability to develop, grow, and inspire high performing teams while delivering mission critical outcomes.
BASICQUALIFICATIONS:
BS degreewith 8+yearsofQuality orMissionAssuranceor a MS with 6+years of the same experience. 12 years of experience are required in lieu of a formal degree.
5+ years of management and/orleadership experience leading teams of 5or morepersonnel.
ExperiencewithAS9102 First Article Inspection Reports Standard.
Experience withISO9001/AS9100 Quality Management System implementation & certification.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Root Cause Analysis tools such as Ishikawa, FMEA, DOE, 8D, & 5 Why Analysis.
Past or currentCertifications inIPC 7711/7721, IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620.(Will certify those that haveheldpastcertifications).
Ability to obtain and maintain aUS Government SecretClearance.
PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS:
Current US Government SecretClearance
Human Factors Training
Certified AS9100auditor orlead auditor
TipQA, Costpoint and MES experience
Lean / Six Sigma Green or Black-Belt Certified
ASQ Certifications such as CQE, CQI, CQT, CQM, etc.
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Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines.