Principal or Sr Principal Engineer Supplier Quality

About the position

The Principal or Senior Principal Engineer Supplier Quality at Northrop Grumman is responsible for managing supplier quality risk and ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and technical standards. This role involves developing and implementing supplier quality evaluation systems, conducting product and process verification, and driving corrective actions for supplier quality issues. The position requires direct interaction with suppliers and oversight of supplier performance, including maintaining the approved supplier list and managing waiver requests. The engineer will also mentor junior engineers and lead cross-functional teams to ensure product quality and timely delivery.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier quality risk and develop evaluation and control systems.
• Ensure supplier process and product quality compliance with contractual, regulatory, and technical standards.
• Conduct product and process verification activities and monitor supplier quality performance.
• Drive root cause corrective action analysis for supplier quality issues.
• Maintain the approved supplier list and review supplier performance periodically.
• Manage supplier requests for waivers, deviations, and discrepancy reporting processes.
• Keep management informed of supplier performance, quality status, and risks.
• Coordinate and oversee Supplier Quality plan implementation through all program phases.
• Engage in supplier evaluation, qualification, and selection as part of the Business Acquisition Process.
• Implement Supplier Quality processes, including supplier approval activities and risk assessments.
• Provide support and mentorship for junior supplier quality engineers.
• Lead and drive ownership with cross-functional teams to ensure non-conforming products are addressed on time.
• Develop and execute process risk audits and quality management audits.
• Create proactive supplier management plans and execution with suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree plus 5+ years of experience for Level 3 or 8+ years for Level 4.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001 or AS9100 requirements.
• Experience in root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Experience in leading teams and projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or applicable STEM field.
• CAM/EV Experience.
• Strong manufacturing background in various roles.
• Strong quality background, particularly in supplier quality.
• Experience in performing supplier audits.
• Knowledge of quality tools including PFMEA, PPAP, APQP, FAI.
• Engineering experience in PWB/PCB fabrication.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business