Quality Assurance/ Mission Assurance 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.

Role

The primary purpose of this job is to deliver Mission Assurance support across assigned bids and projects/programmes, with a focus on software development, deployment and support services. This role has the authority to prevent the release of deliverables until accepted standards are achieved.  

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct MA/QA activities during business acquisition and programme execution in accordance with company processes and procedures
• Provide independent oversight on assigned bids/programme to ensure compliance with all required external standards, internal command media and contractual requirements
• Provide MA/QA input into proposals including MA/QA Plans and associated cost forecasts for MA activities
• Co-ordinate and participate in bid and programme Gate Reviews to assist the teams in achieving mission success
• Work with project teams, Supply Chain staff and the ES Compliance Team to assure Supplier Quality, including supplier on-boarding activities and ongoing supplier performance management, and ensuring projects complete quarterly assessments of critical suppliers
• Establish relationships with supplier Quality personnel
• Assist with the flow down of MA/QA requirements to suppliers
• Assess adequacy of and support Risk and Opportunity Management activities on bids and programmes
• Support sub-contract management activities during programme execution

• Develop and document any programme-specific processes required
• Provide MA/QA reports as required to support NSS internal activities, escalating significant issues or risks to the Programme Manager and the NSS Mission Assurance Manager
• Ensure customer deliverables are of acceptable quality and meet all required standards and contractual requirements
• Liaise with customers and other third parties including suppliers regarding all aspects of Mission and Quality Assurance for assigned projects
• Collect, interpret and present MA/QA metrics to the Programme Manager, NSS Mission Assurance Manager and the Technical Director to support the development of process improvement initiatives

• Follow up audits to validate the resolution of non-conformities and findings raised
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks as requested

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications/Experience

• Quality Assurance experience, ideally in a software engineering environment
• Experience across the bid and project execution life cycle
• Experience in developing and implementing ISO compliant processes
• Track record of delivering to identified Quality requirements
• Experience of leading continuous improvement activities
• Practical experience of bid, programme and supply chain management
• Demonstrable experience of Risk Management

Preferred Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge

• UK Government working practices
• Experience of conducting internal ISO 9001 audits

Competency/Skill requirements

• A good understanding of software development lifecycles (waterfall/agile)
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, 27001:2013 and 20000-1:2011
• Sound working knowledge of Defence engineering standards and working practices including AQAP, DefStan
• Self-motivated and able to work both autonomously and as part of a wider team
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and customers
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient IT skills, specifically in MS Office tools
• Flexible and responsive attitude
• Proficient at multi-tasking, working under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Very good customer orientation
• Excellent attention to detail

Other requirements

• Travel requirements: Some UK travel is required to attend team, preferred supplier or customer meetings, and to attend training events. A valid UK driving license is required.
• Clearance requirements: The post-holder must hold and maintain UK Government clearance at DV level.
• Other: Must be a UK national

How to Apply:

Interested in our opportunity?

Yes – then simply submit your application online. Your application will be reviewed by one of our expert recruiters who’ll then respond advising you of the outcome and next steps for successful candidates.

Possibly, I’d like to find out more – then connect direct to TalentEnquiries@uk.ngc.com, and we will be happy to support you with any enquires.

Background checks and potentially security clearance form part of the recruitment process, our team will inform you of the procedures when required.

Northrop Grumman is committed to equality and diversity in our workplace. Northrop Grumman provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual's protected status, including race/ethnic origin, color, nationality, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, gender identity/expression, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, religion or belief, creed, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status or characteristic.