Production Quality Engineering Manager 1 - R10232283

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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 Advanced Weapons is seeking a Production Quality Engineering Manager 1, to join our team. The Production Quality Engineering Manager will be responsible for the product 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, CA sites.

This position is required to be full-time, on site between the Northridge and Ridgecrest, CA locations. No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must have the ability to obtain a US Government DoD Secret Clearance.

The Production Quality Engineering Manager leads the quality engineering function within the manufacturing organization, ensuring that all missile systems are produced in compliance with contractual, regulatory, and safety requirements. This role partners with program managers, global supply chain, manufacturing, and senior leadership to drive continuous improvement, maintain audit readiness, and uphold the integrity of our defense grade production processes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Direct and mentor a team of 8+ 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 controls and RCCA/CAPA.

Quality Management System Oversight

• Own implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of ISO 9001 / AS9100 procedures/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 and quality/reliability focused actions (PFMEA, DFMEA).
• Collaborate with Design Engineering to translate design requirements into manufacturable, inspectable and testable specifications.
• Manage/lead adjudication and expeditious closure of non-conformances through the PMRB and MRB with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure MRB Cage backlog is maintained within levels established my management.

Supplier Quality & Procurement Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Supplier Quality organization to address supplier escapes into the factory.
• Work with Global Supply Chain and Supplier Quality to 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 analyses and improvements to eliminate trends to senior leadership.
• Provide data driven recommendations for process redesign, automation, lean initiatives, and cost saving opportunities while maintaining compliance.

Calibration, Inspection & Environmental Controls

• Oversee M&TE calibration activities, ensuring measurement and test equipment is maintained and aligned with production schedules.

Digital Transformation & Work In Process (WIP) Management

• Support digital quality system rollouts and 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