Quality Engineer /Principal Quality Engineer

Posted 9 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Baltimore, MD, USA
In-Office
80K-148K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Support Safety & Mission Assurance during integration, test, and launch to ensure flight hardware integrity and compliance. Perform inspections, audits, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement. Maintain quality records and KPIs, run data analytics and trending, prepare presentations, and apply AS9100/ISO9001 and statistical process controls to drive product and process quality.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

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’s Space Sector is seeking a Quality Engineer /Principal Quality Engineer – Level 2 or Level 3 to join our team in Baltimore, MD.      

In this role you will support Safety & Mission Assurance activities during integration, test, and launch operations. This role helps ensure flight hardware integrity, payload readiness, full pedigree traceability, and compliance with customers and regulatory requirements. The position requires technical judgement, real-time risk management, and direct engagement with test and launch operations to ensure mission success. Responsible for performing or assuring quality, drawing interpretations, data trending analysis, and maintainability of program requirements.  This position is in Baltimore, MD and reports to the Eastern Region Senior Manager, Integration, Test & Launch Quality.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

In this job, you will:

QE Related Tasks 50%

  • Support process control, in-process and final inspections, audits, and quality reviews.
  • Analyze non-conformances and lead root cause investigations, documenting preventive and corrective actions.
  • Collaborate closely with engineers, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve processes.
  • Prepare and maintain quality records, reports, and metrics in accordance with industry standards.
  • Interpret and apply AS9100/ISO 9001 standards and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
  • Utilize statistical process controls and quality tools to ensure consistent product quality.
  • Collaborate with engineering/cross-functional teams including manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place
  • Interpretation of drawings and MIL-STDs
  • Dispositioning and handling of HW defects and non-conformances
  • Participate in the resolution of any quality requirements non-conformance, Standard Repairs or exceptions (MRB, DTO, etc.)
  • Lead and implement Continuous Improvements to reduce defect count on manufacturing floor
  • Implement and enforce adherence to PrOp, CADSTAR drawings, Work Instructions to fit program quality objectives
  • Support implementation methods and procedures for inspecting, testing and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment

50% - Data mining/Quality Metrics

  • Maintain Key Performance Metrics ( CoPQ, test data, etc.) and Charts used to identify trends and track performance process and quality performance
  • Run weekly/monthly data/adhoc data requests
  • Must have PPT/Presentation Skills
  • Monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process, and/or other control procedures.
  • Audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction
  • Ensure that corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards, and that documentation is compliant with requirements. Work from engineering drawings, diagrams, customer specifications, inspection instructions, and checklists to ensure items meet required specifications and quality standards
  • May specialize in the areas of data analytics, process control, incoming material, production control, product evaluation and reliability, inventory control and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality
  • Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

This position can be filled at either a Level 2 or Level 3.

Basic Qualifications for Level 2:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field with a minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in Quality Assurance, which can include investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering field of work, performing technical job functions; OR a minimum of 0 year of engineering experience in Quality Assurance, which can include investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a Masters Degree in a STEM 
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance
  • Experience with Data Analytics and Statistical Analysis methods and techniques
  • US Citizenship required

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field with a minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in Quality Assurance, which can include investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering field of work, performing technical job functions; OR a minimum of 3 year of engineering experience in Quality Assurance, which can include investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a Masters Degree in a STEM​
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance
  • Experience with Data Analytics and Statistical Analysis methods and techniques
  • US Citizenship required

 Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Experience with ISO9001 or AS9100 Quality Management System and AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI)
  • Experience in Quality Analysis tools, such as Ishikawa, FMEA, DOE, 8D, 5 Why
  • Green/Black Belt Certified in Lean Six-sigma
  • Certified in Lean and Six-Sigma methodologies
  • Certified auditor
  • PPAP/APQP Experience
  • TS/SCI
  • SAP Experience
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel, Minitab or equivalent tools for statistical analysis
  • Experience in modern skillsets such as Artificial Intelligence, SQL, Power BI to aid in data analysis and data visualization

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards 

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00Secondary 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 (Master's may alter experience requirements)
  • Minimum engineering experience: Level 2 typically 2 years (or 0 with MS); Level 3 typically 5 years (or 3 with MS)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Experience with data analytics and statistical analysis methods and techniques
  • Presentation skills (PowerPoint) and ability to run weekly/monthly/adhoc data requests
  • Interpretation of engineering drawings and MIL‑STDs; dispositioning hardware defects and non-conformances
  • Experience with ISO 9001 / AS9100 Quality Management Systems and AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI)
  • Experience with quality analysis tools (Ishikawa, FMEA, DOE, 8D, 5 Whys)
  • Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or certified in Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
  • Certified auditor and PPAP/APQP experience
  • Experience using SAP and statistical tools such as Minitab or equivalent; familiarity with Power BI, SQL, or AI for data analysis

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.

  • Retirement Support 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
  • Parental & Family Support Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.

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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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