Principal/Sr Principal Mission Assurance Engineer

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal Mission Assurance Engineer to support the SLCM-N Program Quality & Mission Assurance Team in Huntsville, Alabama. The role emphasizes mission assurance through a robust Quality Management System (QMS), supplier quality oversight, and disciplined execution of audits, risk management, and corrective actions.

Location and Work Model

• Location: Huntsville, AL (onsite)
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the time
• Standard schedule: 9/80 (nine-hour days Monday through Thursday with every other Friday off)

Compensation

• Salary range (Primary): USD 108,800 - 163,200 per year
• Salary range (Secondary): USD 135,800 - 203,600 per year

Role Summary

The selected candidate will establish and tailor QMS processes, integrate mission assurance requirements into program execution, and perform audits and oversight across in-house and supplier-provided items. Responsibilities include supplier evaluation and control, risk management, discrepancy and failure investigation oversight, and delivery of metrics and reporting to management and customers.

Core Responsibilities

• Review and extract quality and mission assurance requirements from contracts, statements of work, specifications, test plans/procedures, and reports.
• Establish, implement, and maintain program mission assurance plans and practices for both in-house and supplier-provided items.
• Tailor and implement QMS procedures (AS9100/ISO 9001); conduct internal audits and drive closure of nonconformances.
• Integrate mission assurance requirements into program plans, product documents, and supplier contracts/purchase orders.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and company quality requirements.
• Develop and implement supplier quality evaluation and control systems aligned with contract and Northrop Grumman requirements.
• Assess supplier processes and product quality against contractual, regulatory, and technical standards.
• Lead supplier risk management, including classification, pre-award capability assessments, and source selection evaluations.
• Conduct supplier audits, performance assessments, and product/process verification; monitor performance trends and report risks.
• Manage supplier nonconformances, waivers, deviations, and MRB activities; lead root cause and corrective/preventive actions.
• Oversee source inspections and coordinate with customers; verify End Item Data Packages and travelers prior to shipment.
• Maintain the approved supplier list and SAP Vendor/Part Master data; use performance data to evaluate supplier capability.
• Interface with program management, engineering, procurement, and supplier management to align procurements with mission assurance objectives.
• Communicate supplier performance, quality status, and risks to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Provide oversight of discrepancy reviews, failure investigations, and trend analysis; implement improvements to key quality metrics.
• Represent Mission Assurance as required at MRB, CCB, FRB, PMR, software peer reviews, TRB, and SRR.
• Conduct CDRL reviews, supplier audits, and inspections.
• Witness software testing, qualification, and integration/test; provide lab support for software test readiness.
• Develop and deliver metrics, reports, and presentations for management and customers.

Required Qualifications

• Citizenship and clearance: U.S. Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance, current and within scope (investigation within the last 6 years)
• Ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a company-defined timeframe
• Experience developing, planning, and implementing quality methods and strategies for procured items (design, procurement, acceptance, and use)
• Experience with AS9100/ISO 9001 requirements and QMS implementation
• Experience performing internal and/or supplier quality audits
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action tools
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Willingness and ability to travel 25–50% of the time
• Principal level: Bachelor’s in Science from an accredited university and 5 years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience, OR a PhD and 1 year of relevant experience
• Sr. Principal level: Bachelor’s in Science from an accredited university and 8 years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s degree and 6 years of relevant experience, OR a PhD and 4 years of relevant experience

Technology and Tools

• AS9100
• ISO 9001
• SAP
• Jira
• Confluence

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts

Relocation Assistance

• No relocation assistance available

Clearance Required for Start

• Yes
• Clearance type: Secret

Additional Information

• Application period: estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university
• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance
• Lead auditor experience and/or formal training for AS9100/ISO 9001
• Experience in implementing AS9145 in a program and its supply chain
• Extensive on-site experience with aerospace/defense industry suppliers
• Six Sigma or Lean certification
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar professional certification
• Experience with enterprise tools (e.g., SAP, Jira, Confluence)
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining positive supplier relationships and resolving supplier quality issues