Principal Engineer Supplier Quality

Job Summary

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems – NIC division in Salt Lake City, Utah is seeking a Principal Engineer, Supplier Quality to lead supply base quality activities and ensure high‑quality parts for customers. The full‑time on‑site position reports to the SPM Manager and involves engagement with supplier performance management, audits, and program reviews.

• Represent Northrop Grumman to the supply chain with credibility, confidence, and professionalism; support the maintenance of the approved supplier list.
• Engage in program activities to identify and quantify supplier performance as a proactive risk mitigation.
• Represent SPM at various program reviews and review boards (e.g., Configuration Control Board, Material Review Board, Program Management Reviews, Design/Peer Reviews, Manufacturing/Test Readiness Reviews, Corrective Action Board, Supplier Product Readiness Review). Provide input to critical supplier scorecards.
• Perform specification/drawing compliance reviews (FAIRs) and First Article Inspection approvals per AS9102 to ensure suppliers ship conforming and timely products; support Receiving Inspection for multiple hardware categories.
• Conduct process and product audits along with capacity assessments to ensure supplier processes are robust, capable, and compliant with Military and Space requirements.
• Review supplier quality history and drive improvement activities through Return‑to‑Green plans, SCAR management, and root‑cause analysis using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone diagram.
• Assist with program cost estimate development related to supplier quality activities.
• Liaise with field supplier quality engineers for program‑related actions and information.
• Travel to suppliers as required to oversee quality investigations and complete design reviews.

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 5 years of work experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supply Chain environments, or Master’s Degree with a minimum of 3 years of such experience.
• Experienced with root‑cause analysis tools.
• Knowledgeable in AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 requirements.
• Experienced with Quality Management Systems.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Active U.S. Government Secret level security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship.

• Master’s Degree in a related discipline and certification in lean.
• Experience with SAP.
• Proficiency with Excel, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings per ASME standards.
• Knowledge of J‑STD‑001, IPC‑A‑600, 610, 620, or MIL‑STD‑883.
• Experience with Earned Value Management and CAM.
• Auditor experience for ISO 9001, AS9100, and AS9102.
• Experience with Six‑sigma quality engineering methodologies.
• Current active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance or higher.

Travel up to 25% of the time domestically.

Clearance required:

Secret (initial). U.S. citizenship required.

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health plans, retirement savings options, paid time off, education assistance, training and development, and a flexible 9/80 work schedule where available.

Primary level salary range: $89,400.00 – $. Final salary determined by scope of responsibilities, experience, education, and market conditions.

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. U.S. citizenship is required for all positions requiring a government clearance.