Sr Principal Quality Engineer

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.

Develops, modifies, applies and maintains quality evaluation and control systems and protocols for processing materials into partially finished or finished materials product. Collaborates with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place. Devises and implements methods and procedures for inspecting, testing and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment. Designs and analyzes inspection and testing processes, mechanisms and equipment; conducts quality assurance tests; and performs statistical analysis to assess the cost of and determine the responsibility for, products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications. Audits quality systems for deficiency identification and correction. Ensures that corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards and that documentation is compliant with requirements. May specialize in the areas of design, 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.

Will perform Quality Assurance functions at Northrop Grumman Programs in Palmdale, CA.  Successful candidate will be self-starter looking to utilize their technical knowledge and interpersonal skills to drive first-time quality.  The position will include managing and performing Root Cause and Corrective Actions to avoid recurring issues, reviewing and approving Program documentation for Northrop Grumman standards and industry specifications, and performing process audits to ensure compliance with customer requirements. 

Tasks included for this role include:

• Develops, modifies, applies, and maintains quality evaluation and control systems and protocols for processing materials into partially finished or finished materials product
• Collaborates with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place
• Devises and implements methods and procedures for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment
• Designs and analyzes inspection and testing processes, mechanisms, and equipment; conducts quality assurance tests; and performs statistical analysis to assess the cost of and determine the responsibility for products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications
• Audits quality systems for deficiency identification and correction
• Ensures that corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards and that documentation is compliant with requirements
• May specialize in the areas of design, 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.
• Document, review, and analyze results of tests and test reports.
• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation and equipment.
• Review documentation to ensure compliance with product specifications.
• Ensure established sampling and process control procedures are followed.
• Establish and maintain effective laboratory test procedures.
• Review material specifications to ensure compliance with configuration management policies.
• Maintain inspection and approval system, investigates and recommend solutions to production and quality problems and deviations from established standards
• Effectively communicate, engage and interact with other departments in a professional manner in high-stress situations.
• Strong organizational skills are needed to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong computer skills needed (Microsoft: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, experience in Business Objects and Tableau is preferred.)

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 9 years of Quality Engineering/Manufacturing/Aerospace experience
• OR Master's degree (STEM) with 7 years of related experience
• Experience should include inspection, understanding of manufacturing processes and control, ensuring specifications are met, and laboratory experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• American Society Quality (ASQ) Certifications
• Six Sigma Training, Green or Black Belt status a plus
• Familiarity with SAP, MES, CPLM
• Experienced in Solid Modeling software such as CATIA
• Business Objects and Tableau experience
• Pivot Table experience
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) and team player.
• Certified Quality Engineer
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Previous experience as a Quality Engineer in the Aerospace Industry

Salary Range: $114,300 USD - $171,500 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.