Principal / Sr. Principal Engineer Supplier Quality

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

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and Cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies . Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Engineer Supplier Quality to join team based in Linthicum, Maryland. This position will report directly to the Manager Supplier Quality 3, Land and Maritime Sensors (LMS) business unit, and the qualified candidate will lead a high-performing team of Supplier Quality Engineers supporting all programs at the site. Responsibilities: Responsible for managing all Supplier Quality related activities and Supplier Quality risk management by developing and implementing supplier quality evaluation and control systems. Analyze supplier quality data/metrics and report KPIs to the supplier and internal customers Responsible for performing RCCA and containment actions Leading reviews for suspect non-conforming parts with functional teams Interfacing with leadership on report outs for supplier defects. Assures supplier process and product quality, including contractual, regulatory, and technical compliance Interfaces directly with supplier personnel and must be knowledgeable in and capable of assessing both supplier quality and manufacturing processes and procedures. Conducts product and process verification activities, monitors supplier quality performance, and drives root cause corrective action analysis for supplier quality issues. Manages supplier requests for waivers, deviations, and discrepancy reporting process. Keeps management and programs apprised of supplier performance, quality status, and risks. Coordinates and oversees Supplier Quality plan implementation through all program phases Actively engages in supplier evaluation, qualification, and selection as part of the Business Acquisition Process (BAP) and as new procurements are required on existing programs. Manages implementation of Supplier Quality processes, including supplier approval activities, source selection evaluations, supplier classification designation (Critical, Key and Standard), development and execution of supplier quality risk assessments and mitigation plans, and supplier quality requirements development and flow-downs. Ability to apply problem solving/critical thinking skills to support and resolve issues with supplied items that impact the production line. Ability to apply problem solving/critical thinking skills to support and resolve issues with supplied items that impact the production line. Experience working with mechanical design requirements and specifications. Ability to effectively lead supplier problem solving activities utilizing tools such as FMEA, SIPOC, fishbone diagram, etc. to evaluate the manufacturing processes. Ability to develop, plan, and implement quality methods and strategies for procured items to assure the design, procurement, acceptance, and use of procured items. Ability to interface effectively with suppliers, customers, work associates/teams, and management. Able to work autonomously at suppliers as a representative of the company. Capabilities to study, understand, and apply stringent procedures to assigned duties. Responsible for Supplier Quality risk management. Develops and implements supplier quality evaluation and control systems. Coordinates and oversees Supplier Quality plan implementation through all program phases. Basic Qualifications for Principal Supplier Quality Engineer: Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 5 years of relevant engineering and/or manufacturing experience or closely related OR Masters degree and minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. Experience with process improvement projects US citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Government Security Clearance. Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Supplier Quality Engineer: Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 8 years of relevant engineering and/or manufacturing experience or closely related OR Masters degree and minimum of 6 years of relevant experience. Experience with process improvement projects US citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Government Security Clearance. Preferred Qualifications for Principal Supplier Quality Engineer: Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related engineering Experience with conducting product/ process validation in accordance with AS9102/FAI/Equivalent (First Article Inspection). Experience with AS9100/Equivalent (standardized quality management system for the aerospace industry). Experience in applying six sigma practices or similar Certified in Six Sigma Green Belt Experience in implementing APQP and PPAP processes. Experience with special processes such as heat treat, brazing, welding, plating, etc. Experience leading process improvement projects. Experience developing inspection criteria and plans for procured items. Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00 Secondary 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, Sterling , Principal / Sr. Principal Engineer Supplier Quality, Engineering , Baltimore, Virginia