Mission Assurance Manager: Aerospace Quality Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Holidays & PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Sunnyvale, CA, is seeking a Manager Mission Assurance 2 to lead a team of quality and mission assurance professionals in a fast-paced aerospace environment. This on-site role focuses on building robust quality practices across manufacturing, design, and supplier interactions.

You will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Global Supply Chain to embed quality into requirements, designs, and delivered systems, while coaching RCCA and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 8 years of related experience in Quality, Mission Assurance, and Manufacturing; Master’s degree and at least 6 years of related experience.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment managing or leading teams that support engineered hardware or complex systems.
• Prior leadership experience managing technical teams through growth, change, or program transitions.
• Experience with data analysis and problem‑solving skills in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience applying quality principles and practices (e.g., quality engineering, inspection, material review) to engineering and production activities.
• Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100‑based Quality Management Systems, including audit preparation, execution, and corrective action closure.
• Experience conducting and/or managing internal audits and quality surveillances.
• Experience planning and managing projects and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Experience applying advanced product quality planning and mission assurance practices (e.g., risk reduction, systems engineering principles, full life‑cycle product support).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and performance-manage a team of quality engineers, quality analysts, and mission assurance personnel in a manufacturing environment.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supplier Performance Management/Supplier Quality, and Global Supply Chain to ensure quality is built into requirements, designs, work products, and delivered systems.
• Maintain a visible presence on the shop floor to provide direct support, resolve issues, and coach personnel in quality methods and procedures.
• Establish, monitor, and report performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure processes and procedures are in place and followed to meet standards, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Drive root cause and corrective action (RCCA) and failure investigations for high-impact issues; train and mentor team members in RCCA for routine issues.
• Identify and mitigate quality and performance risks using APQP, FMEAs, and early engagement with design teams and suppliers.
• Ensure adherence to the Quality Management System through internal surveillances and audits.
• Set clear goals and expectations for direct reports; provide regular feedback, coaching, and formal performance reviews.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets for indirect costs and overhead.
• Manage the quality scope on assigned programs, including cost, schedule, Estimate at Complete (EACs), and performance, using Earned Value Management.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Job description

Northrop Grumman in Sunnyvale, CA, is seeking a Manager Mission Assurance 2 to lead a team of quality and mission assurance professionals in a fast-paced aerospace environment. This on-site role focuses on building robust quality practices across manufacturing, design, and supplier interactions.

You will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supplier Quality, and Global Supply Chain to embed quality into requirements, designs, and delivered systems, while coaching RCCA and continuous