Principal Quality Engineer

Principal Quality EngineerAt 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 who we are, Northrop Grumman is a leading American manufacturing company delivering advanced technologies in support of national security. Our manufacturing operations in Waynesboro, Virginia support production of advanced electronics, radar, and communication systems within our broader portfolio of defense capabilities. Our teams work collaboratively to ensure manufacturing excellence, production readiness, and continuous improvement across programs.We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal Quality Engineer to support manufacturing operations at our Waynesboro, VA facility.What You'll Get To Do:Establish and apply strong technical knowledge in quality engineering, specification/standards, drawing interpretation, measurement and analysis methods, processes and products, and relevant technologies.Identify and resolve complex technical and quality problems, issues, and defects on the production floor through problem-solving methodology, root cause investigations and root cause investigation and corrective action implementations.Monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process, and/or other control procedures.Interface directly with subcontractor personnel and assess both supplier quality and manufacturing processes and procedures.Manage subcontractor requests for waivers, deviations and discrepancy reporting process.Coordinate/collaborate with external quality teams in data gathering, problem-solving, and risk mitigation to ensure quality standards are in place and maintained.Communicate program execution status and quality metrics to a wide audience of professionals and leadership.Review and evaluate non-conforming material for compliance to drawings, specifications, and standards.Provide engineering and manufacturing support for the inspection and quality engineering organization, while assisting in the corrective action board (CAB) and data-gathering and analysis.Facilitate Root Cause and Corrective Action activities, and drive to closure.Perform manufacturing assessments and audits while collaborating with the compliance team.Conduct evaluation and reliability, inventory control and/or research and development as they apply to product or process quality.This position is contingent upon proposal/task award.Basic Qualifications for a Principal Quality Engineer:Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM major plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in quality or mission assurance. Candidates with a Master's degree and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in quality or mission assurance or a STEM PhD and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in quality or mission assurance will also be considered.Experience reading engineering documentation and inspect drawings and parts lists, inspection plans, and supplemental instructionsExperience in Root Cause Analysis tools, such as Ishikawa, FMEA, DOE, 8D, 5 WhyAbility to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance and higher level program clearance(s)US citizenship is required.Preferred Qualifications:Proficient in MS Office SuiteActive Secret clearanceMES, SAP S/4 AND HQMSProficient with AS9102 and AS9100D Aerospace standardsWorking knowledge or certification(s) in IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620 and J-STD-001 standardsWorking knowledge and experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) IAW ASME Y14.5What We Can Offer You:Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00The 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.