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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Sector is seeking a Principal Quality Engineer /Sr. Principal Quality Engineer - Level 3 or Level 4 to join our VMDA (Vendor Material Disposition Area) team in Baltimore, MD.  This position will support programs for BWI site.

This position is 100% onsite.

What You'll Be Doing

• Review and process nonconforming material reports and vendor quality notifications related to supplier defects. 
• Lead material review and disposition (use-as-is, repair, rework, scrap, return to vendor), ensuring decisions comply with internal requirements and specifications. 
• Lead investigations, organizing data, and presenting corrective action board investigations
• Reporting status updates and technical data to directors and managers
• Reviewing and verifying requirements to flow downs on contracts and other documentation
• Interpreting technical drawings
• Coordinate segregation, identification, and control of nonconforming material to prevent unintended use. 
• Partner with the Supply Performance Management (SPM) team to communicate nonconformance trends, systemic issues, and risk. 
• Engage directly with vendors to manage the return and resolution of nonconforming material. 
• Maintain clear, accurate records of nonconformances and dispositions within the appropriate quality systems. 
• Develop and present reports and metrics (e.g., quality notification trends, processing turnaround time, defect categorization by program). 
• Work closely with Engineering to understand technical requirements and assess the impact of vendor defects on form, fit, and function. 
• Collaborate with production floor personnel on rework activities associated with vendor-related defects. 
• Support VMDA compliance and audit activities to ensure adherence to all applicable requirements and standards. 
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing nonconformances and enhancing material quality. 
• Contribute to the development and refinement of quality procedures and work instructions related to nonconforming material and supplier defects. 
• Support incoming inspection activities and the processing of rejected material. 
• Provide on-the-job training and guidance for new team members. 

Basic Qualifications - Level 3

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM and 5 years of Manufacturing experience or relevant experience, or a Master’s degree in STEM and 3 years of Manufacturing experience or relevant experience
• Experience and Knowledge with quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
• Experience with root cause and corrective action methodologies such as 8D or 5 Why
• Experience with conducting audits to verify internal procedures are being followed
• Experience working with suppliers to support supplier corrective actions
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance
• US Citizenship required

Basic Qualifications - Level 4

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM and 8 years of Manufacturing experience or relevant experience, or a Master's degree in STEM and 6 years of Manufacturing experience or relevant experience
• Experience and Knowledge with quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
• Experience with root cause and corrective action methodologies such as 8D or 5 Why
• Experience with conducting audits to verify internal procedures are being followed
• Experience working with suppliers to support supplier corrective actions
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance
• US Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in at least one of the following standards (IPC, J-Std, MIL-STD)
• Experience with ISO9001, AS9100, and AS9145 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
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff
• 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”