Sr Principal Quality Engineer

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Elkridge
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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. At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We are looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we ’II support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you ’II have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a dedicated Sr. Principal Quality Engineer to join our team at our Troy Hill location in Linthicum, MD . This position is 100% onsite. What You’ll Get To Do: Develops, modifies, applies and maintains quality evaluation and control systems and protocols for processing materials into partially finished or finished products. Collaborates with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place. Devises and implements methods and procedures for inspecting, testing and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment. Works in a primary cell but is able to float to other cells to assist in problem solving. Compiles matrices for executive management meetings (State-Of-Cell). Implements Principles and Operating Practices to fit quality objectives and quality scope. Leads the resolution of quality nonconformances or repairs. Presents program Risks and Opportunities within the Cell. Facilitates, leads and performs Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) and Continuous Improvement activities and meetings. Ensures products conform to established company and regulatory standards. Monitors Key Performance Indicators (e.g. SRR, FTTTY, FTTIY) and Charts used to identify negative trends and track performance improvements. Identifies and reviews product non-conformances. Creates and presents executive-level presentations and/or reports. Leads functional, process and area audits and oversees process assessments. Leads the review and evaluation of hardware and services for adherence to contract and program requirements. Trains and mentors peers. Works with program engineering and program quality in cell and approves Process Readiness Reviews (PRRs) and Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRRs). Fulfills the role of PCAB Coordinator. Designs and analyzes inspection and testing processes, mechanisms and equipment; conducting quality assurance tests; and performing statistical analysis to assess the cost of and determine the responsibility for products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications. Audits quality systems for deficiency identification and correction. Initiates Corrective Action Requests and works with suppliers, manufacturing, and engineering personnel to identify the root cause and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented. Ensures that corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards, and that documentation is compliant with requirements. Works from engineering drawings, diagrams, customer specifications, inspection instructions, other documentation (manufacturing procedures) and checklists to ensure items meet required specifications and quality standards May specialize in the areas of design, mechanical engineering, incoming material, production control, product evaluation and reliability, inventory control and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality. May be certified in lean and six-sigma quality engineering methodologies. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field with a minimum of 8 years of engineering experience in Quality Assurance, which can include investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions; OR a minimum of 6 years of engineering experience in Quality Assurance, which can include investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a Master’s Degree in a STEM field OR a minimum of 4 years of engineering experience in Quality Assurance, which can include investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions with a PhD. in a STEM field Experience with Data Analytics and Statistical Analysis methods and techniques Experience with at least one of the following Standards (IPC, J-Std, MIL-STD) Experience in PFMEA (or any other risk analysis methodology) Experience Facilitating RCCAs with technical groups Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance US Citizenship required Preferred Qualifications: Experience with ISO9001 or AS9100 Quality Management System and AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI) Green/Black Belt Certified in Lean Six-sigma Certified in Lean and Six-Sigma methodologies Certified auditor SAP Experience Active DoD Secret Clearance Experience leading cross-functional teams to resolve problems or issues. Experience using Microsoft Excel, Minitab Tableau or equivalent tools for statistical analysis. Knowledge of modern skillsets such as Artificial Intelligence, SQL, Power BI to aid in data analysis and data visualization Primary Level Salary Range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Catonsville , Sr Principal Quality Engineer, Engineering , Elkridge, Maryland