Mission Assurance Director 1 - Inspection

Relocation assistance may be available. Requires an active DoD Secret or higher clearance (background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled in Continuous Evaluation). Ability to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within 3 months is required. Travel is expected at 10% of the time.

About the Role

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. 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 Palmdale, CA site is seeking a Mission Assurance Director 1. This position is responsible for driving consistency in inspection standards, competencies, training, tools, and workforce development while enabling each business unit to execute inspection activities that meet customer, regulatory, and company requirements. The Inspection Homeroom Director will establish a unified inspection community that shares best practices, develops technical excellence, leverages digital technologies, and ensures consistent application of inspection requirements across manufacturing sites. This role focuses on functional leadership rather than day-to-day production execution, partnering with site and program leaders to strengthen inspection capability across the enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the functional leader for all inspection personnel across the sector.
• Develop and communicate the strategic vision for the Inspection Functional Homeroom.
• Establish common inspection standards, work instructions, and governance.
• Drive consistency in inspection processes across all manufacturing locations.
• Standardize inspection methods while allowing for program-specific requirements.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among inspection organizations.
• Manage the Program Quality Management System and ensure adherence to corporate/sector policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.
• Maintain program quality plans.
• Develop and maintain relationships with end customers and their quality representatives to ensure Northrop Grumman delivers a quality product.
• Ensure timely support and flow down of sector/division goals and key operating factors.
• Staff and manage daily operations of Mission Assurance personnel assigned to each program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of related experience, OR a Master’s degree and 8 years of related experience, OR an A.A. and 12 years of related experience.
• Related experience includes professional and/or military experience in aircraft, aerospace, manufacturing, quality, program management, engineering, and/or business management functions.
• 3 years of experience as a leader, manager, or other team lead roles.
• Active DoD Secret or higher clearance (background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled in Continuous Evaluation).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within 3 months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
• Experience in root cause and corrective action processes.
• Strong orientation to change in a dynamic and logistically challenging environment.
• Advanced understanding of complex quality policies, procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to analyze alternative courses of action where decisions have risk/reward implications for the program or area of influence.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization.
• Strong people leadership skills in developing others.
• Ability to build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• DCMA and AS9100 Quality Management System compliance knowledge.

Pay

Primary level salary range: $203,900.00 - $305,900.00. The above salary range represents a general guideline; Northrop Grumman considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions when determining base salary offers. 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.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.