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 seeks a seasoned Sr Staff Mission Assurance Engineer - Program Quality to serve as the sector-wide authority for program quality. This program quality engineering subject matter expert will serve as the sector authority on program-level quality practices, providing guidance, governance, and technical expertise across multiple programs without direct ownership. This role ensures consistent application of quality standards, risk-based thinking, and best practices to improve program execution, reduce escapes, and strengthen customer confidence.
This position will be based full-time on-site in Linthicum, MD near the Baltimore area.
What You'll Get To Do:
Define and standardize program quality frameworks and best practices
Ensure consistent interpretation and application of quality management system and customer requirements
Act as the go-to authority for Program Quality across the Sector
Provides consulting and advising support to Program quality engineers and program managers
Advise on quality planning, risk identification, mitigation and compliance strategies
Support critical program milestones in proposal phase, PDR, CDR, and PRR
Identify systemic risk across programs for escalation
Support resolution of high visibility escapes, customer issues, and audit findings
Provide independent assessment and challenge assumptions when needed
Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, effectively influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 14 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 12 years of relevant experience; or a PhD and 10 years of relevant experience
Program quality experience through all life-cycle phases
Demonstrated expertise in program level quality systems (gate reviews, APQP, etc).
Strong knowledge of relevant quality standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, etc.).
Demonstrated experience supporting multiple programs and sites
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance
U.S Citizenship Required
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience leading large programs as a Quality lead
Professional certifications: CQA, CQE, CQM, Six Sigma certification
Background in regulated industries (aerospace, automotive, medical devices, energy).
Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary improvement projects with measurable results.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree and 14 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree and 12 years; or PhD and 10 years
- Program quality experience through all life-cycle phases
- Demonstrated expertise in program-level quality systems (gate reviews, APQP, etc.)
- Strong knowledge of relevant quality standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949)
- Demonstrated experience supporting multiple programs and sites
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Experience leading large programs as a Quality lead
- Professional certifications: CQA, CQE, CQM, Six Sigma certification
- Background in regulated industries (aerospace, automotive, medical devices, energy)
- Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary improvement projects with measurable results
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.








