Principal Supplier 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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Supplier Quality to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position is located in Redondo Beach, California.

Collaborates with program management, engineering, subcontracts/procurement functional management and supplier management teams to ensure that all supplier products meet or exceed the requirements of external and internal customers. Defines the Supplier MA program within the scope of contract requirements and NGMS policies and processes. Manages implementation of Supplier Mission Assurance processes, including, supplier quality requirements development, supplier classification designation (Critical, Key and Standard), supplier pre-award capability assessments, source selection evaluations, supplier quality audits and supplier performance assessments. Supports the maintenance of the approved supplier list and periodically reviews supplier performance to determine whether suppliers should remain on the approved list.

Manages supplier requests for waivers, deviations and discrepancy reporting process (Material Review Board). Evaluates supplier-non-conformances, negative performance trends and failures and determines root cause and implements corrective and preventive actions. Manages source inspection processes.

Utilizes supplier performance data bases and supplier quality management system assessment tools to provide objective evidence of supplier’s capability to perform. Keeps management apprised of supplier performance, quality status and risks. Supports program Mission Assurance in development and maintenance of SAP Vendor and Part Master databases.

Essential Functions:

• Leads supplier quality portion for managing non-conforming product issues using established systems and processes.
• Support F-35 Production/Ground support/Spares equipment by investigating supplier caused issues and provide solutions on resultant actions to mitigate escape and impact on the production line, customer. Work with other NGC sites, Palmdale, Redondo, El Segundo etc. for impact and reach across
• Works effectively with suppliers for problem resolution using RCCA tools
• Issues, monitors and maintains corrective actions for supplier related product/process issues.
• Proactively analyze supplier performance data to determine continuous improvement opportunities to improve supplier performance.
• Lead risk mitigation efforts/improvement plans using Zero Defect plan (ZDP), FMEAs, Process/product audits & reviews, monitoring key characteristics & reporting, SPC, scorecard reviews etc.
• Review and report on First articles per AS9102 for compliance and robustness.
• Interface with program, MRB and customer on supplier reported issues, impact and resolutions strategies.
• Consult and advise the Sourcing team to select and manage assigned suppliers.
• Review and have solid understanding of the relevant product, Engineering drawing / specifications, flow down documents, procedures, and regulating agent body requirements that apply to the products and suppliers assigned.
• Mentors less experienced SQE's. as required.
• Leads, directs and manages multiple projects effectively

Basic Qualifications for Principal Supplier Quality

• Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing or Engineering within aerospace industry OR a master's degree with 3 years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing or Engineering within aerospace industry.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience with AS9100 and AS9102 standards.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of Root Cause Corrective Actions (RCCA) investigation tools (Fishbone, 5Y etc.), improvement plans
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance per business requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in SAP and MES data management systems.
• Knowledge of Supply Chain Management processes.
• Quality auditing experience
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer

Salary Range: $95,000 USD - $142,400 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.