Sr Prncpl Eng Supplier Quality

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · MD · Mission/Quality Assurance

This role is for a Senior Principal Engineer focused on Supplier Quality at Northrop Grumman. The responsibilities include leading supplier quality risk management, ensuring supplier compliance with requirements, conducting product/process verification, managing deviations, overseeing supplier quality plans, participating in supplier evaluation and qualification, implementing quality tools (PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, etc.), partnering with procurement for supplier technical capability, and owning supplier quality performance. The role requires a BS degree in STEM with 8+ years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or engineering, or an MS degree with 6+ years of experience. Experience with ISO9001/AS9100, AS9102 FAI, interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and leading audits is necessary. Preferred qualifications include formal auditor training, experience with NADCAP/PRI special processes, precision machining, APQP/PPAP, and complex problem-solving.

What you'd actually do

  1. Leads supplier quality risk management by developing evaluation and control systems
  2. Ensure supplier processes/products meet contractual, regulatory, and technical requirements. Interface with suppliers to assess quality and manufacturing processes.
  3. Conduct product/process verification; monitor performance; lead root cause and corrective actions.
  4. Manages waivers, deviations, and discrepancies; keeps management informed
  5. Oversees Supplier Quality plans across program phases

Skills

Required

  • BS degree in STEM and 8+ years of experience in quality, manufacturing and/or engineering or MS degree with 6+ years of experience in quality, manufacturing, and/or engineering.
  • Experience with ISO9001 or AS9100 Quality Management System and AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI) or equivalent
  • Experience in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and special process requirements; comfortable defining risk-based inspection and control strategies
  • Experience leading audits, New Product Introduction (NPI), and/or Production Readiness Reviews.
  • US citizenship required

Nice to have

  • Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or related engineering.
  • Formal auditor training/certification (AS9100 internal/lead auditor) and demonstrated audit execution experience.
  • Experience conducting product reviews/inspections using appropriate methods, including visual inspection and the use of measuring tools, to verify conformance to drawings/specifications
  • Experience working with/around NADCAP/PRI special process environments (heat treat, NDT, coatings/plating, welding as applicable) and supplier oversight of sub-tier special processors.
  • Experience with precision machining and knowledge of metal forming (stamping, casting, turning, etc.) and related finishing (heat treatment, plating, etc.).
  • Experience in implementing APQP and PPAP processes.
  • Experience leading complex problem solving and corrective action (SCAR/CAPA/8D) with measurable, sustained results
  • Experience in planning and organizing activities across multiple manufacturing locations.
  • Extensive experience with leading process improvement projects
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Government Security Clearance

What the JD emphasized

  • US citizenship required