Associate Engineer Supplier Quality

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Field Supplier Quality Engineer to join our Supplier Performance Management team in Elkridge, MD. The Field Supplier Quality Engineer will support multiple programs by conducting Source Inspections and Audits and performing First Article Inspections.

The ideal candidate will be well versed in manufacturing processes specifically mechanical assemblies (machined, welded, and brazed aluminum assemblies). The candidate must have the ability to work through quality issues collaboratively, and manage suppliers to determine root causes and implement robust corrective actions.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Assures supplier process and product quality, including contractual, regulatory, and technical compliance.
• Perform Specification Compliance Reviews.
• Perform First Article Inspections per (AS9100).
• Perform Source inspections at various Suppliers either local and nationally (Travel is required)..
• Perform Supplier manufacturing process audits on regular basis.
• Participates in Suppliers selections, Pre-FAI reviews, and in internal customer meetings as the Field Supplier Quality (SQ) representative.
• Initiate Corrective Action Plans and work with suppliers, manufacturing and engineering personnel to identify root causes and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented.
• Review Drawing requirements and related specifications, and understand what will be needed to successfully perform First Article Inspections at Suppliers.
• Conduct Root cause analysis using concepts such as 8D, 5 Whys, and Fish-bone diagram, etc.
• Proactive reduction and prevention of supplied material defect occurrences and verification of supplied material defect claims.
• Be able to analyze and present data to collaborate and foster positive working relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
• Responsible for Supplier Quality risk management and return to “green” plans.
• Actively engages in supplier evaluation, qualification and selection as part of the Business Acquisition Process.
• Keeps management apprised of supplier performance, quality status, and risks.
• Be able to analyze and present data to collaborate and foster positive working relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
• Analyze quality metrics to understand current trends with Supplier quality and respond accordingly.
• Be able to use existing data extracted from SAP to perform trend analysis on Suppliers.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related STEM Field.

• 1 - 2 Years of relevant experience (0 years with related Masters Degree).
• Experience reviewing, analyzing and reporting on quality discrepancies related to assembly, process, mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical systems.
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance. (US Citizenship required.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• ASQ Certified.
• Familiar with NADCAP.
• May be certified in lean and six-sigma quality engineering methodologies.
• Deep Experience in Aluminum welding, brazing, coating, and machining preferably in the aerospace industry.
• Working knowledge of SAP.
• Superb communication, people and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Excel/pivot tables and data analysis.
• Ability to analyze supplier’s quality trends and respond accordingly via SCARS or Audits.
• Strong communication and leadership skills. The Candidate must be able to work with multiple teams and be able to accommodate various styles in communications. Must be very customer oriented with great sense of urgency.
• Independent and able to work with no or little supervision.
• Ability to review drawings and 3D models to understand the parts and how they are made.

MAQEA