Supplier Mission Assurance Manager 2

The selected candidate will be responsible for overseeing supplier quality management processes, ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements, and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain to achieve program quality objectives and customer satisfaction.  This position may require up to 80% of direct work for supported programs. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Development:

  • Lead, manage, and mentor a team of supplier quality engineers to support program and supplier needs.

  • Foster a culture of performance excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team.

  • Develop and monitor individual and team goals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

• Supplier Quality Management:

  • Oversee supplier evaluation, qualification, and performance monitoring, ensuring conformance to specifications, quality standards, and program requirements.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (procurement, engineering, and program management) to assess supplier capabilities and mitigate risks.

  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers to promote quality accountability and improvement initiatives.

• Process Oversight & Compliance:

  • Ensure compliance with supplier-related quality clauses, audits, and AS9100/ISO standards.

  • Implement and oversee robust quality assurance and control systems for supplier-provided materials and components.

  • Coordinate and execute supplier audits and root cause corrective action processes (RCCA).

• Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement:

  • Analyze supplier performance data to identify trends and opportunities for quality improvement.

  • Drive implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve quality challenges within the supply base.

  • Work with suppliers to implement process improvements, including Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies, where applicable.

• Risk Management & Quality Strategy:

  • Lead risk assessments for suppliers, addressing risks related to delivery, quality, and technical compliance.

  • Develop strategies to improve supplier quality performance across programs while meeting cost and schedule objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of relevant experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of relevant experience.

• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance

• Experience in supplier quality, quality management, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a leadership/management role.

• Strong knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001 quality management systems and standards.

• Hands-on experience with supplier audits, vendor qualification, RCCA, and CAPA processes.

• Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, SPC, Six Sigma, Lean principles).

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, with experience leading teams in high-pressure environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field.

• Active U.S. Government security clearance of Secret or above.

• Fluent with TipQA, SAP, and Costpoint business systems

• Knowledge of launch vehicle and satellite components and assemblies

• Experience with supplier engagement and managing complex quality issues

• Advanced degree (MS or MBA) or ASQ Quality Engineer/Manager certification.

• Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or launch vehicle industry standards and requirements.

• Experience in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).

• Proficiency in quality and project management software/tools.

Work Conditions:

• Works in a hybrid environment, combining office and supplier site visits.

• May require up to 25% domestic and/or international travel.

Join Our Mission:
This critical leadership role contributes directly to Northrop Grumman’s mission of delivering high-quality launch vehicle systems. The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative spirit, technical acumen, and a continuous improvement mindset to drive supplier excellence.

We work a 9/80 schedule (9 hours per day Mon-Thurs, 8 hours every other Friday with the alternate Friday off)

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site. Northrop Grumman Total Rewards