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 Sr Principal Quality Engineer to join our team in Linthicum, MD.
What You'll Get To Do:
The successful candidate will develop and maintain quality control systems while partnering with engineering and manufacturing to ensure standards are met. The role designs and executes inspection and testing methods, conducts QA testing and statistical analysis to evaluate product/equipment performance and nonconformance impacts, and audits quality systems to drive corrective actions and maintain compliant documentation. As part of the Quality Systems Engineering team, this candidate will also support enterprise quality tools and shop-floor transactions, manages quality data access/changes, and supports requirements, testing, and continuous improvements for new tools and infrastructure.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field with a minimum of 8 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 6 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 with a Masters Degree in a STEM field; OR a minimum of 4 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 with a PhD Degree in a STEM field
Experience with Program Quality Engineering and/or Factory Floor Quality in a Defense Industry
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance
US citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Material Review Board (MRB) process and AS9102 First Article Inspection(FAI)
Experience with continuous improvement techniques and/or performing Quality Management System(QMS) audits
Experience performing root cause and corrective action analysis
Knowledge and experience with SAP
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in a STEM field with a minimum of 8 years engineering experience in Quality Assurance, or 6 years with a Masters, or 4 years with a PhD.
- Experience with Program Quality Engineering and/or Factory Floor Quality in the defense industry.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance.
- US citizenship required.
- Experience with Material Review Board (MRB) process and AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI).
- Experience with continuous improvement techniques and performing Quality Management System (QMS) audits.
- Experience performing root cause and corrective action analysis.
- Knowledge and experience with SAP.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Northrop Grumman Insights
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.





