Northrop Grumman Advanced Weapons is seeking aProduction Quality Engineering Manager 1,to join our team. TheProduction 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 theNorthridge and Ridgecrest, CAsites.
This position is required to be full-time, on sitebetweentheNorthridgeandRidgecrest, CA locations.No remote/telework arrangement is available for this position. Applicants must havethe ability to obtainaUS Government DoD SecretClearance.
TheProduction 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.