Mission Assurance Engineer - Continuous Improvement

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START:
No

CLEARANCE TYPE:
None

TRAVEL:
Yes, 25% of the Time

The Continuous Improvement Mission Assurance Engineer will serve as a subject matter expert and leader in driving systematic, data‑driven enhancements across our processes, products, and services. Working with cross‑functional teams, you will identify waste, streamline workflows, and embed a culture of Kaizen that delivers measurable gains in cost, quality, and speed. The ideal candidate for this role will be a cross‑industry subject‑matter expert who proactively surfaces and eliminates early‑stage process weaknesses.

They thrive in ambiguous environments, work across silos, persist through setbacks, and deliver quantifiable results quickly.

This position will be based full‑time on‑site in Linthicum, MD near the Baltimore area.

• Lead end‑to‑end improvement projects using Lean, Six‑Sigma, and Agile methodologies.
• Conduct value‑stream mapping, root‑cause analysis (5
  
  Why, Fishbone), and process‑performance audits.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and ROI calculations for each initiative.
• Facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, and training sessions to up‑skill staff in continuous‑improvement tools.
• Create and maintain a central improvement backlog, ensuring transparent prioritization against strategic goals.
• Partner with IT, Finance, and Operations to design or configure automation solutions (RPA, workflow engines).
• Produce concise executive dashboards and progress reports for senior leadership.
• Mentor junior team members and act as a change‑management champion throughout the organization.
• Serves as the organization’s subject‑matter expert on Continuous Improvement and provides training and development activities for cross‑functional team members.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, effectively influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.

• Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience, or a PhD and 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with statistical and process capability analysis.
• Proficient in industry standard methodologies and tools for Continuous Improvement (5S, kanban, value stream mapping, DMAIC, 8D, Shainin Red X).
• Experience in a design and manufacturing, or technology environment.
• Lean Six Sigma certified.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

• Lean Six Sigma certified, Green Belt preferred.
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certified.
• Experience with multiple industry quality standards (AS9100, AS9145, APQP, PPAP).
• ERP or MES familiarity (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Secret clearance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $ - $

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and long‑term incentives. Northrop Grumman provides health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off.

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  U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Job Category:
Engineering