Senior Principal Engineer – Supplier Quality

Northrop Grumman

. Collaborate in a team environment and integrate different viewpoints to accomplish project results .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $117,500 - $176,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Quality Engineering, including Specification Compliance Reviews, Root Cause Analysis, and Continuous Improvement initiatives. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage supplier performance in compliance with ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Quality EngineeringRoot Cause AnalysisContinuous ImprovementISO 9001 ComplianceSupplier Performance Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Specification Compliance ReviewsFirst Article InspectionsProcess AuditsData AnalysisCorrective Action PlansGeometric Dimensioning and TolerancingManufacturing EngineeringElectro-Mechanical SystemsMicroelectronicsPerformance Improvement Initiatives

Soft Skills

CollaborationProfessionalismMentoringRelationship BuildingCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

J-STD-001 CertificationIPC-A-600 CertificationIPC-A-610 CertificationIPC-A-620 CertificationMil-Std-883 CertificationSix Sigma CertificationLean CertificationASQ Lead Auditor CertificationCQE CertificationCQM Certification

Industry Keywords

Defense IndustryMilitary RequirementsSpace RequirementsSupplier SurveillanceElectro-Mechanical SystemsPower SuppliesPWBsCCAsRF DevicesQuality System Audits

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Collaborate in a team environment and integrate different viewpoints to accomplish project results
Represent the company with credibility, confidence and professionalism
Perform Specification Compliance Reviews, First Article Inspections and Source Inspections on hardware including PWBs, CCAs, cables and connectors, microelectronics, electro-mechanical systems and power supplies
Develop and execute continuous process improvement initiatives
Initiate Corrective Action Plans and identify root causes with suppliers, manufacturing and engineering personnel
Analyze supplier process data and develop solutions
Perform process and product audits and capacity assessments for Military and Space requirements
Conduct supplier surveillance activities to manage and improve supplier performance, productivity and process validation
Apply technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts to analyze and audit supplier processes and capabilities
Lead cross-functional teams pursuing performance improvements
Mitigate supplier quality risk and prevent or minimize business impact from supplied material defects
Reduce and prevent supplied material defects and verify defect claims
Lead on-site supplier engagements, including performance reviews and Quality System audits
Analyze and present data to leadership at all levels
Establish positive working relationships with suppliers and internal teams
Develop and mentor new field engineers
Plan and schedule required activities and accommodate urgent program needs
Travel approximately 75% of the time

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing or Design Engineering and/or Continuous Improvement, OR a Master's degree and a minimum of 6 years of experience in those areas
Experience with ISO 9001 or AS9100 requirements
Ability to travel up to 75% of the time
Experience in root cause analysis and corrective action
Experience with J-STD-001, IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620 or Mil-Std-883
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance
U.S. Citizenship required
Active Secret Clearance preferred
Experience working in the defense industry preferred
Manufacturing engineering experience in PWBs, CCAs, microelectronics, RF devices, electro-mechanical systems, power supplies, and mechanical engineering preferred
Certification in J-STD-001, IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620 or Mil-Std-883 preferred
Experience with Space Requirements preferred
Six Sigma or Lean certifications preferred
Lead auditor experience to ISO 9001, AS9100 and AS9102 requirements preferred
Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ANSI Y14.5M) preferred
ASQ Lead Auditor, CQE or CQM Certification preferred
Ability to plan and schedule required activities and accommodate urgent program needs

Benefits

Comp & perks

9/80 schedule
Overtime eligibility, depending on position
Shift differential, depending on position
Discretionary bonus eligibility
Health insurance coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation or personal business
No relocation assistance available