Principal Quality Engineer / Sr Principal Quality Engineer

Northrop Grumman; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 99,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Sector is seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to join our team in Baltimore, MD. This role supports the AMC Restricted Operating Unit and emphasizes mission‑assurance, supplier quality, and regulatory compliance.

The Senior QAE position requires active U.S. Government Secret clearance, a STEM degree, and strong root‑cause analysis skills. Onsite work, with opportunities for growth in a high‑stakes environment within a renowned defense contractor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM required with 5 years manufacturing experience or Master’s with 3 years; active US Secret clearance.
• Experience leading investigations and presenting corrective actions to leadership.
• Familiarity with AS9100/ISO 9001 quality systems; audits experience.

Responsibilities

• Define and monitor mission‑assurance specs to ensure program success.
• Ensure quality, risk, safety, reliability, and maintainability of deliverables per contract.
• Lead investigations and coordinate corrective actions; perform reviews (PDR/CDR); ensure flow‑downs to suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Audits

Communication

Education

B.S./B.E. in STEM

M.S. in STEM

Tools

AS9100

ISO 9001

Minitab

Excel

Tableau/Power BI

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.
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 Mission Systems Sector is seeking a Principal Quality Engineer / Sr. Principal Quality Engineer – Level 3 or Level 4 to join our team in Baltimore, MD. This position will support the AMC Restricted Operating Unit within the Advanced Mission Capabilities Business Unit.
This position is 100% onsite.
What You'll Be Doing

• Define and monitor mission‑assurance specifications and processes to ensure program success
• Ensure quality, risk, safety, reliability, and maintainability of deliverables, subcontractors, and suppliers in accordance with contractual requirements
• Leads comprehensive performance reviews on program performance and risks and advises on resource re‑allocation
• Clarify internal and contract requirements and establish clear compliance paths
• Participate in technical reviews (PDR, CDR) to verify system designs against project requirements
• Conduct comprehensive contract reviews to confirm adherence to regulatory and compliance standards
• Apply quantitative, predictive analysis to evaluate risks and opportunities
• Manage configuration management, (First Article Inspections and Physical Control Audits)
• Utilize common engineering/manufacturing tools, methodologies, and standards
• Identify product nonconformances, analyze root‑cause/corrective‑action trends, and drive preventive actions
• Apply AS9100 principles to resolve quality‑system questions and concerns
• Verify compliance with program requirements and support flow‑down to supplier quality
• Generate Basis of Estimate documentation for proposals
  

Basic Qualifications – Level 3

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM and 5 years of Manufacturing experience or relevant experience, or a Master’sdegree in STEM and 3 years of Manufacturing experience or relevant experience
• Ability to lead investigations, organize data, and present corrective action board investigations
• Ability to report status updates and technical data to directors and managers
• Ability to review and verify requirements to flow downs on contracts or other documentation
• Familiarity with quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
• Strong interpretation skills with technical drawings
• Experience with root cause and corrective action methodologies such as 8D or 5 Why
• Experience with conducting audits to verify internal procedures are being followed
• Experience working with suppliers to support supplier corrective actions
• Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
• US Citizenship required
  

Basic Qualifications – Level 4

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM and 8 years of Manufacturing experience or relevant experience, or a Master'sdegree in STEM and 6 years of Manufacturing experience or relevant experience
• Ability to lead investigations, organize data, and present corrective action board investigations
• Ability to report status updates and technical data to directors and managers
• Ability to review and verify requirements to flow downs on contracts or other documentation
• Familiarity with quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001
• Strong interpretation skills with technical drawings
• Experience with root cause and corrective action methodologies such as 8D or 5 Why
• Experience with conducting audits to verify internal procedures are being followed
• Experience working with suppliers to support supplier corrective actions
• Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
• US Citizenship required
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in at least one of the following standards (IPC, J-Std, MIL-STD)
• Experience with ISO9001, AS9100, and AS9145 Quality Management System and AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI)
• Green/Black Belt Certified in Lean Six-sigma
• Certified in Lean and Six-Sigma methodologies
• Certified auditor
• Experience Facilitating RCCAs with technical groups
• SAP Experience
• Tableau Experience
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff
• Experience leading cross-functional teams to resolve problems or issues
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Minitab or equivalent tools for statistical analysis
• Knowledge of modern skillsets such as Artificial Intelligence, SQL, Power Bi to aid in data analysis and data visualization
  

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00

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.
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.