Sr Principal Engineer Supplier Quality

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 100% of the TimeDescription

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 is seeking a Sr. Prin. Supplier Quality Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The qualified applicant will become part of Marine Systems headquartered in Sunnyvale, California supporting our Launcher Systems/Propulsion and Power Generation (PPG) programs. The Sr. Prin. Supplier Quality Engineer will lead the strategic execution of supplier quality processes, ensuring that all purchased components, materials, and services meet or exceed our internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This role partners closely with supply chain, engineering, programs, and external suppliers to drive continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and cost‑effective quality solutions.

This position requires 95% to 100% weekly travel within the United States to supplier sites for source inspections and audits and will be remote.

What you get to do:

• Proactively manage Supplier Quality risks, driving down supplier escapes. Partner with supply chain to evaluate supplier risk, capacity, and strategic fit.

• Assure supplier process and product quality, including contractual, regulatory, and technical compliance.

• Interface directly with supplier personnel and must be knowledgeable in and capable of assessing both supplier quality and manufacturing processes and procedures.

• Mentor suppliers on advanced quality tools (FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D) to elevate their processes and capabilities.

• Conduct product and process verification activities, monitor supplier quality performance, and drive root cause corrective action analysis for supplier quality issues.

• Support the maintenance of the approved supplier list and periodically reviews supplier performance to determine whether suppliers should remain on the approved list.

• Manage supplier requests for waivers, deviations, and the discrepancy reporting process. Drive root‑cause investigations for field failures and non‑conformances, leading cross‑functional 8D teams to resolution.

• Keep management informed of supplier performance, quality status, and risks. Evaluate quality trends and present findings to senior leadership.

• Travel to the supplier for source inspections, quality audits, special process audits, and oversight as needed.

#MPR

Basic Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and minimum of 8 years of experience in quality and/or engineering
• Willing to travel up to 100%
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience inspecting hardware and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Experience in auditing special processes and conducting source inspections.
• Experience facilitating Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Continuous Improvement (CI) activities.
• Defense industry experience, including interfacing with suppliers and program management.
• Experience in a supplier quality role and using SAP.
• Experience with ISO 9001 / AS9100 Quality Management System certification process.

Primary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00

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. In addition, 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.

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.