Sr Principal Engineer Supplier Quality

Northrop Grumman•New York, NY

3d•$117,500 - $176,300•Remote

About The Position

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 seeking a Sr. Prin. Supplier Quality Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The qualified applicant will become part of Marine Systems headquartered in Sunnyvale, California supporting our Launcher Systems/Propulsion and Power Generation (PPG) programs. The Sr. Prin. Supplier Quality Engineer will lead the strategic execution of supplier quality processes, ensuring that all purchased components, materials, and services meet or exceed our internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. This role partners closely with supply chain, engineering, programs, and external suppliers to drive continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and cost‑effective quality solutions. This position requires 95% to 100% weekly travel within the United States to supplier sites for source inspections and audits and will be remote.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and minimum of 8 years of experience in quality and/or engineering
Willing to travel up to 100%
Must be a U.S. Citizen

Nice To Haves

Experience inspecting hardware and interpreting engineering drawings.
Experience in auditing special processes and conducting source inspections.
Experience facilitating Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Continuous Improvement (CI) activities.
Defense industry experience, including interfacing with suppliers and program management.
Experience in a supplier quality role and using SAP.
Experience with ISO 9001 / AS9100 Quality Management System certification process.

Responsibilities

Proactively manage Supplier Quality risks, driving down supplier escapes. Partner with supply chain to evaluate supplier risk, capacity, and strategic fit.
Assure supplier process and product quality, including contractual, regulatory, and technical compliance.
Interface directly with supplier personnel and must be knowledgeable in and capable of assessing both supplier quality and manufacturing processes and procedures.
Mentor suppliers on advanced quality tools (FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D) to elevate their processes and capabilities.
Conduct product and process verification activities, monitor supplier quality performance, and drive root cause corrective action analysis for supplier quality issues.
Support the maintenance of the approved supplier list and periodically reviews supplier performance to determine whether suppliers should remain on the approved list.
Manage supplier requests for waivers, deviations, and the discrepancy reporting process. Drive root‑cause investigations for field failures and non‑conformances, leading cross‑functional 8D teams to resolution.
Keep management informed of supplier performance, quality status, and risks. Evaluate quality trends and present findings to senior leadership.
Travel to the supplier for source inspections, quality audits, special process audits, and oversight as needed.