Manager Mission Assurance 2

Northrop Grumman; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) is seeking a Mission Assurance Manager 2 for its Palmdale, CA location. You will support the Mission Assurance Program Manager and Director, leading quality process improvements and resource management.

The role requires a DoD Secret clearance, 9+ years in a STEM quality environment (or 7+ with a Master’s), and leadership experience in fast-paced programs with schedule volatility. Occasional travel and on-site collaboration are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 9+ years in aircraft/aerospace/manufacturing quality.
• Master’s degree in STEM with 7+ years in related quality environments.

Responsibilities

• Functional manager of quality engineering professionals and analyst for the program.
• Defines and monitors Mission Assurance program specifications and processes to ensure mission success of programs.
• Performs or assures quality, risk management, safety, reliability, and maintainability of program achievements, subcontractors, and suppliers in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Assesses program performance and risks and determines resources to ensure mission assurance.
• Demonstrates comprehensive metrics, customer and employee feedback to assess program quality, performance and risks.
• Supervises the proper implementation and execution of Continuous Improvement programs.
• Sets the strategy to meet customers’ expectations, regularly communicates program status.
• Frequently collaborates with executives and customer representatives, including on-site DCMA representatives, concerning projects, operational decisions, scheduling requirements, and contractual clarifications.
• Promotes the professional development of the quality inspection workforce and fosters a collaborative culture that sustains the momentum around employee engagement and inclusion, affordability, innovation, value growth, and continuous improvement.
• Manages program budgets, schedules, and program EACs for the Quality scope on programs.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and at least 9 years of related experience in Aircraft, Aerospace, or Manufacturing industries in a Quality environment

Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 7 years of related experience in Aircraft, Aerospace, or Manufacturing industries in a Quality environment

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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 Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) is seeking a Mission Assurance Manager 2 for its Palmdale, CA location. Supporting the Mission Assurance Program Manager and Director, the functional manager will support the quality requirements for the program and provide leadership and management to assigned personnel.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Functional manager of quality engineering professionals and analyst for the program.
• Defines and monitors Mission Assurance program specifications and processes to ensure mission success of programs.
• Performs or assures quality, risk management, safety, reliability, and maintainability of program achievements, subcontractors, and suppliers in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Assesses program performance and risks and determines resources to ensure mission assurance.
• Demonstrates comprehensive metrics, customer and employee feedback to assess program quality, performance and risks.
• Supervises the proper implementation and execution of Continuous Improvement programs.
• Sets the strategy to meet customers’ expectations, regularly communicates program status.
• Frequently collaborates with executives and customer representatives, including on-site DCMA representatives, concerning projects, operational decisions, scheduling requirements, and contractual clarifications.
• Promotes the professional development of the quality inspection workforce and fosters a collaborative culture that sustains the momentum around employee engagement and inclusion, affordability, innovation, value growth, and continuous improvement.
• Manages program budgets, schedules, and program EACs for the Quality scope on programs.

Basic Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and at least 9 years of related experience in Aircraft, Aerospace, or Manufacturing industries in a Quality environment, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 7 years of related experience in Aircraft, Aerospace, or Manufacturing industries in a Quality environment.
• Clearance – Must have an active DoD Secret security clearance (US Citizenship required) and ability to obtain Special Program Access.
• Experience with fast‑paced program environments – Must have at least 5 years of prior management/leadership experience in industries where schedule volatility is common.
• Dynamic work‑hour flexibility – Proven ability to adjust schedule on short notice, including rotating shifts, evening/weekend coverage, and overtime, to meet critical program milestones and production demands.
• Excellent communication skills – Clear, concise reporting to senior leadership and stakeholders, especially when conveying schedule changes, risk impacts, and overtime requirements.
• Physical and mental stamina – Capacity to sustain focus and decision‑making quality during extended work periods, night shifts, or high‑pressure overtime bursts.
• Regulatory and standards knowledge – Working understanding of relevant quality standards (AS9100, AS9102, ISO 9001, etc.) and the capacity to implement them within shifting schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Quality/Mission Assurance and/or process knowledge and understanding.
• Quality/Mission Assurance and/or Process experience.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Proven experience conducting First Article Inspections and completing DD 250 (Department of Defense material inspection and receipt) documentation for aerospace or defense hardware.
• Sophisticated level of understanding risk/reward implications for program or area of influence of complex quality policies, procedures, governmental regulations, and workflow.

Compensation and Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $146,600.00 - $219,800.00. 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.

Equal Opportunity

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.