Posted:
1/30/2026, 1:05:12 PM
Location(s):
Palmdale, California, United States ⋅ California, United States
Experience Level(s):
Mid Level ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Data & Analytics
Quality Engineer 2/3– Laboratory/ Technical Writing Focus
The laboratory‑based Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and documenting quality‑evaluation and control systems that ensure the accuracy, precision, and reliability of analytical results and laboratory processes. This role works closely with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing staff, designs inspection and testing procedures, performs statistical analyses, conducts audits, and produces clear, compliant technical documentation (e.g., SOPs, method specifications, validation reports). Experience with Lean or Six‑Sigma methodologies is preferred.
Core Responsibilities
Quality‑system development – Draft and revise laboratory test procedures,
Statistical analysis – Apply SPC, DOE, and other statistical tools to evaluate assay performance, method robustness, and the cost of non‑conformances.
Auditing & corrective action – Perform internal lab audits, identify deviations
Technical writing – Produce, review, and maintain LTPs; ensure documentation follows ISO/ASTM style guides.
Collaboration – Partner with GSC, M&P engineers, and manufacturing to embed quality standards throughout the testing lifecycle.
Specialization (optional) – Focus on method development, sample receipt/control, instrument qualification, data integrity, or research‑driven quality improvement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Technical knowledge – Frequent use of analytical standards, validation principles, statistical methods, and laboratory quality‑control techniques.
Analytical ability – Perform moderately complex tasks such as data interpretation, method robustness studies, and variance analysis.
Problem solving – Provide solutions to technical problems through root‑cause analysis, method troubleshooting, and corrective‑action planning.
Technical writing – Create clear, concise, and compliant documents (SOPs, validation protocols, test reports); edit peer‑reviewed manuscripts and regulatory filings.
Discretion & latitude – Operate under general supervision; technical judgments are reviewed for accuracy and compliance.
Impact – Contribute to critical project milestones (method qualification, product release); documentation errors can delay releases and require extra resources.
Communication / liaison – Primary contacts are internal lab staff; occasional routine interaction with external auditors, regulatory agencies, or customers.
Prepare malfunction and corrective action reports while holding manufacturing accountable for root cause and corrective action deliverables. Review all necessary product and system documentation to ensure process compliance and requirement needs are met. Work closely with program partners to validate flow of requirements. Plan and develop the required processes to identify potential product performance impacts as early as possible. Deliver product development engagement through oversight of processes, procedures and standard adherence to ensure that product design continuously meets customer requirements. Oversee product qualification testing and provide guidance when needed. Provide program integration testing oversight via test procedure review, test witnessing, troubleshooting and buy off.
Execute functions through compliance review of Supplier Data Requirements Lists, Acceptance Test Procedures, Qualification Test Procedures, Supplier Statement of Work, Program Specifications. Perform audits to identify deficiencies, nonconformances, and negative performance trends and failures. High level organizational skills to support concurrent taskings along with strong computer skills with a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Responsibilities:
Support inspection, software and supplier quality teams to drive quality into the design to ensure robust verification and validation processes.
Participate in root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations to address non-conformances, ensuring effective resolution and continuous improvement.
Develop non-conformance processing skills to initiate, disposition and collaborate with internal and external customers.
Build fact based decision points through daily/weekly metrics and reviews.
Support product qualification through execution of AS9100 FAI process.
Partner with manufacturing operations to ensure quality standards are met.
Qualifications:
Engineer Mission Assurance:
Bachelor’s Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline
2 years of experience in Quality or Mission Assurance
Knowledge of Root Cause Analysis processes
Experience with AS9100 laboratory requirements
As a condition of employment, the ability to obtain and maintain an DoD secret clearance and obtain program access per business needs.
Principal Engineer Mission Assurance:
Bachelor’s Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline
5 years of experience in Quality or Mission Assurance
Experience with Root Cause Analysis processes
Experience with AS9100 laboratory requirements
As a condition of employment, the ability to obtain and maintain an DoD secret clearance and obtain program access per business needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Change Management
Aerospace, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering background
Active DoD Secret clearance or higher
Microsoft Word and Excel
Website: https://northropgrumman.com/
Headquarter Location: Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Employee Count: 10001+
Year Founded: 1994
IPO Status: Public
Last Funding Type: Grant
Industries: Data Integration ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Remote Sensing ⋅ Security ⋅ Software