Principal Engineer Supplier Quality

About the role

Northrop Grumman seeks a skilled Principal Supplier Quality to join the Supplier Performance Management team and support suppliers across multiple locations in the Northeast and Midwest. This position will be working from either Ohio or Pennsylvania with up to 75–95% travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier quality risks
• Develop and implement systems for evaluating and controlling supplier quality
• Ensure supplier processes and products meet contractual, regulatory, and technical requirements
• Interface directly with supplier personnel to assess quality and manufacturing processes
• Conduct product and process verification, monitor supplier quality performance, and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier quality issues
• Manage supplier requests for waivers, deviations, and oversee the discrepancy reporting process
• Keep management informed of supplier performance, quality status, and associated risks
• Coordinate and oversee the implementation of Supplier Quality plans throughout all program phases
• Actively participate in supplier evaluation, qualification, and selection during the Business Acquisition Process and for new procurements on existing programs
• Manage the implementation of Supplier Quality processes, including supplier approval, source selection, supplier classification (Critical, Key, Standard), development and execution of supplier quality risk assessments and mitigation plans, and flow-down of supplier quality requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years relevant engineering/manufacturing experience; MS degree with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience in engineering or manufacturing; or a minimum of 9 years relevant engineering/manufacturing experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree
• Experienced weld inspector with active AWS Certified Weld Inspector certification
• Experience conducting product/process validation in accordance with AS9102 (First Article Inspection) or similar processes in other industries
• Experience with evaluation and implementation of quality management systems such as ISO 9001/AS 9100 or equivalent
• Experience with root cause analysis using tools such as 5-Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
• Experience working with mechanical design requirements and specifications
• U.S. citizenship required, with ability to obtain DoD Security Clearance
• Requires extensive travel (75–95%), often on short notice

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering
• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, welding engineering technology, or industrial technology
• Experience with APQP and PPAP processes
• Experience with various manufacturing processes, including machining, forging, heat treating, and brazing
• Experience with additive manufacturing
• Experience with root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques like FMEA and SIPOC
• Experience leading process improvement projects
• Experience in leading audits, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Production Readiness Reviews

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 – $141,200.00. 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. 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

Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

Schedule

Extensive travel required (75–95% of the time), often on short notice. Position based in Ohio or Pennsylvania. No relocation assistance available. Clearance required: Secret.