Staff Mission Assurance Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Linthicum Heights, MD +1 · Mission/Quality Assurance

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Staff Mission Assurance Engineer focused on Continuous Improvement. This role involves leading end-to-end improvement projects using Lean, Six-Sigma, and Agile methodologies, conducting process analysis, developing KPIs, facilitating workshops, and partnering with IT and Operations for automation solutions. The ideal candidate is a cross-industry subject-matter expert who thrives in ambiguous environments and delivers quantifiable results.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead end‑to‑end improvement projects using Lean, Six‑Sigma, and Agile methodologies.
  2. Conduct value‑stream mapping, root‑cause analysis (5 Why, Fishbone), and process‑performance audits.
  3. Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and ROI calculations for each initiative.
  4. Facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, and training sessions to up‑skill staff in continuous‑improvement tools.
  5. Create and maintain a central improvement backlog, ensuring transparent prioritization against strategic goals.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 10 years of relevant experience, or a PhD and 8 years of relevant experience
  • Experience with statistical and process capability analysis
  • Proficient in industry standard methodologies and tools for Continuous Improvement (5S, kanban, value stream mapping, DMAIC, 8D, Shainin Red X)
  • Experience in a design and manufacturing, or technology environment
  • Lean Six Sigma certified
  • Experience managing multiple concurrent projects
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance
  • U.S Citizenship Required

Nice to have

  • Lean Six Sigma certified, Green Belt preferred
  • Program Management Professional (PMP) certified
  • Experience with multiple industry quality standards (AS9100, AS9145, APQP, PPAP)
  • ERP or MES familiarity (SAP, Oracle, etc.)
  • Secret clearance

What the JD emphasized

  • Lean Six Sigma certified
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance