
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeAt 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 Advanced Weapons is seeking a Production Quality Engineering Manager 1,to join our team. The Production Quality Engineering Managerwillberesponsible fortheproduct and process compliance,through integration and delivery,to internal and external customers.This role assumes responsibility for the Quality Engineering (QE), Calibration and Quality Control Technician (QCT) functions at the Northridge and Ridgecrest, CAsites.
This position is required to be full-time, on sitebetweentheNorthridgeandRidgecrest, CA locationsNo remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must havethe ability to obtainaUS Government DoD SecretClearance
The Production Quality Engineering Managerleads the quality engineering function within the manufacturing organization, ensuring that allmissile systemsare produced in compliance with contractual, regulatory, and safety requirements. This role partners with program managers,globalsupply chain, manufacturing, and senior leadership to drive continuous improvement, maintain audit readiness, and uphold the integrity of our defense grade production processes.
KEYRESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Team Development
Direct and mentor a team of8+quality engineers,quality control technicians,calibration specialists, and related staff across multiple sites (e.g., Northridge&Ridgecrest).
Conduct performance reviews, create professional development plans, and foster a culture of zero defect manufacturing, proactive risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
Implement training programs for inspection, QE/QCT, and calibration personnel on ESD, FOD/FOE, contamination, and environmental controlsand RCCA/CAPA
Quality Management System Oversight
Own implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of ISO 9001 / AS9100procedures/policies, and other defense specific quality systems (Mil-specs,ITAR, DFARS).
Ensure audit readiness for DoD, DCMA, NAVAIR, customer, and third party assessments; lead internal and external audits and drive corrective preventive action (CAPA) to closure.
Process & Product Assurance
Define, validate, and monitor production quality plans, inspection strategies, and test procedures.
Oversee root cause analysis (RCA) of nonconformances, field failures, warranty data, and failure investigations; implement CAPA andquality/reliability focused actions (PFMEA,DFMEA).
Collaborate with Design Engineering to translate design requirements into manufacturable,inspectable andtestable specifications.
Manage/lead adjudicationand expeditious closure of non-conformancesthrough thePMRB and MRBwith internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure MRB Cage backlog is maintained within levelsestablishedmy management.
Supplier Quality & Procurement Collaboration
CollaboratewiththeSupplierQualityorganizationto address supplierescapesinto the factory.
Work withGlobal Supply Chain and Supplier Qualityto drive supplier corrective action plans and track their effectiveness.
Metrics, Reporting & Data Driven Decision Making
Track key quality indicators (PPM, DPMO, First Pass Yield, cost of poor quality) and present trend analysesand improvements to eliminate trendsto senior leadership.
Provide data driven recommendations for process redesign, automation, lean initiatives, and cost saving opportunities while maintaining compliance.
Calibration, Inspection & Environmental Controls
OverseeM&TEcalibration activities, ensuring measurementand testequipment is maintained and aligned with production schedules.
Digital Transformation & Work In Process (WIP) Management
Support digital quality system rolloutsand other technology enabled initiatives.
Reconcile WIP, drive digital transformation projects, and ensure alignment with program objectives.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Six Sigma
Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies; certify GreenBelt/BlackBelt team members as needed.
Lead APQP, SPC, 5S, and digital quality system implementations across product development and production.
Identify risks, implement root causeactions, track effectiveness, and disseminate lessons learned.
Cross Functional RCCA/CAPA Leadership
Lead cross functional RCCA/CAPA activities for nonconformities internally and at key customer sites (e.g., NAWS China Lake, Edwards AFB).
Drive workplan approvals, MRB/PMRB adjudication, and coordinate with external customers on corrective actions.
Strategic Influence & Corporate Quality Initiatives
Shape corporatewide quality strategy, emergingtechnology adoption, and innovative riskmitigation approaches.
Influence QMA initiatives, support ReturntoGreen plans, and ensure lessons learned are captured and shared organizationwide.
Results Orientation
Meet or exceed quality, safety, delivery, employee, and costgoal expectations for both external and internal customers.
Demonstrated ability to develop, grow, and inspire highperforming teams while delivering missioncritical outcomes.
BASICQUALIFICATIONS:
BS degreewith5+yearsofQuality orMissionAssuranceor a MS with 3+years of the same experience
4+ years of management andorleadership experience leading teams of 5or morepersonnel
ExperiencewithAS9102 First Article Inspection Reports Standard.
Experience withISO9001/AS9100 Quality Management System implementation & certification.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Root Cause Analysis tools such as Ishikawa, FMEA, DOE, 8D, & 5 Why Analysis.
Past or currentCertifications inIPC 7711/7721, IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620(Will certify those that haveheldpastcertifications)
Ability to obtain and maintain aUS Government SecretClearance.
PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS:
Current US Government SecretClearance
Human Factors Training
Certified AS9100auditor orlead auditor
TipQA, Costpoint and MES experience
Lean / Six Sigma Green or Black-Belt Certified
ASQ Certifications such as CQE, CQI, CQT, CQM, etc.
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Primary Level Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $165,000.00The 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.

We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe.
On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family.
Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference.
Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more at jobs.northropgrumman.com/careers.
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.
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