Principal Quality Engineer

Posted Yesterday
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Baltimore, MD, USA
In-Office
99K-148K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Leads quality engineering activities for manufacturing cells, including inspections, testing, audits, statistical analysis, corrective actions, nonconformance resolution, risk reporting, and continuous improvement. Collaborates with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and technical teams to maintain quality standards and resolve root causes. Mentors staff, leads cell audits, supports quality systems, and ensures compliance with engineering, customer, and manufacturing requirements.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: NoDescription

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.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We are looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we ’II support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you ’II have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.


Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is currently seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to join our team at the BWI site in Baltimore, MD.

What You'll Get To Do:

  • Develop, modify, apply and maintain quality evaluation and control systems and protocols for processing materials into partially finished or finished materials product.
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place.
  • Devise and implement methods and procedures for inspecting, testing and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment.
  • Has primary cell but able to float to other cells to assist in problem solving
  • Compiles matrices for State-Of-Cell.
  • Implements and audits Principles and Operating Practices to fit quality objectives and quality scope.
  • Leads the resolution of quality requirements nonconformances or repairs.
  • Present Program Risks and Opportunities within the Cell.
  • Leads Cell Audits.
  • PCAB Coordinator.
  • In depth level understanding of workflow/processes.
  • Design and analyze inspection and testing processes, mechanisms and equipment; conducting quality assurance tests; and performing statistical analysis to assess the cost of and determine the responsibility for, products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications.
  • Audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction.
  • Initiate Corrective Action Plans and work with suppliers, manufacturing, and engineering personnel to identify the root cause and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented.
  • Ensure that corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards, and that documentation is compliant with requirements.
  • Work from engineering drawings, diagrams, customer specifications, inspection instructions, documentation (manufacturing procedures) and checklists to ensure items meet required specifications and quality standards
  • Lead and implement Continuous Improvements to reduce nonconformances.
  • May specialize in the areas of design, mechanical engineering, 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.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field with a minimum of 5 years experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions; OR a minimum of 3 years experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a Masters Degree in a STEM field; OR a minimum of 1 year experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a PhD Degree in a STEM field
  • Experience with Data Analytics and Statistical Analysis methods and techniques
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff
  • 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 or AS9100 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
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance
  • 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

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and 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 application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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 and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of experience in quality assurance, failure investigation, manufacturing, process engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering
  • Alternatively, a master's degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant experience
  • Alternatively, a PhD in a STEM field and at least 1 year of relevant experience
  • Experience with data analytics and statistical analysis methods and techniques
  • Ability to mentor and develop staff
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Experience with IPC, J-STD, or MIL-STD standards
  • Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality management systems and AS9102 First Article Inspections
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
  • Certified auditor experience or certification
  • Experience facilitating root cause corrective actions with technical groups
  • SAP experience
  • Active Department of Defense Secret Clearance
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams to resolve problems or issues
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel, Minitab, or equivalent statistical analysis tools
  • Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, SQL, or Power BI for data analysis and visualization

Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.

  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
  • Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.

Northrop Grumman Insights

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

What We Do

We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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