CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 25 of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact peoples 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 nations 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, theyre making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We are looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we ’II support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you ’II have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems seeks a seasoned Production Quality Engineer 6 to lead sector‑wide inspection guidance and drive continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations. The Production Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring product quality and compliance during manufacturing operations.  This role drives process control, defect prevention, and real-time issue resolution to ensure products meet engineering, regulatory, and customer requirements. This position will act as the technical authority for inspection strategies, develop and maintain inspection standards, and the insertion of technology.  This position will also serve as a mentor to engineering teams, ensuring product compliance, safety, and reliability throughout the product lifecycle. 

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

What Youll Get To Do:

• Define, implement, and continuously improve inspection methodologies, plans, and acceptance criteria for the sector.

• Align inspection guidance with regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, IEC) and internal quality policies

• Serve as the subject matter‑ expert for inspection techniques (visual, non‑destructive testing, automated optical inspection, statistical process control, etc.)

• Lead cross-functional root‑ cause investigations and drive corrective‑ and ‑preventive actions (CAPA)

• Author and maintain sector-specific inspection work instructions, checklists, and documentation.

• Coach junior engineers and inspection technicians on best practices, tool selection, and data analysis.

• Conduct workshops and on-the-job training sessions for internal and supplier teams.

• Collect, analyze, and report inspection data; develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Use statistical methods (SPC, DOE) to optimize inspection processes and reduce variability.

• Identify opportunities for automation, AI‑assisted defect detection, and digital inspection solutions.

• Ensure implementation of PFMEA to develop control plans to ensure capture of defects at the earliest point in manufacture

• Lead projects that reduce inspection lead time, cost, and rework.

• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, effectively influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in a STEM field and 14 years of relevant experience; or a Masters degree and 12 years of relevant experience; or a PhD and 10 years of relevant experience.

• Proven expertise in inspection techniques and statistical quality tools.

• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining inspection standards across a multi‑site operation.

• Experience utilizing PFMEAs to develop control plans to ensure capture of defects at the earliest possible point in manufacture

• Strong knowledge of relevant quality standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, etc.)

• Hands‑on experience with inspection equipment (CMM, AOI, ultrasonic, radiography, etc.) and data analysis software.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance

• U.S Citizenship Required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications: CQA, CQE, Six Sigma certification.

• Experience with digital inspection platforms, machine‑vision, or AI‑based defect detection.

• Background in regulated industries (aerospace, automotive, medical devices, energy).

• Proven track record of leading multi‑disciplinary improvement projects with measurable results.

• Experience in high-mix/low-volume manufacturing environments

Primary Level Salary Range: $167,400.00 - $251,000.00

The 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 candidates experience, education, skills and current spanet 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.