Northrop Grumman

2026 Associate Engineer Quality/ Engineer Quality - Rolling Meadows IL

Northrop Grumman$66K — $99K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field required
  • Minimum of 0 years (Associate) or 2 years (Quality Engineer) experience in Quality Assurance or a related engineering field
  • Ability to obtain U.S. Government security clearance required
  • Lean Six Sigma certification is preferred
  • Familiarity with quality standards and engineering methodologies is advantageous

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain quality control systems for products
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to uphold quality standards
  • Design and implement inspection processes and conduct quality assurance tests
  • Audit quality systems and implement corrective actions
  • Review contracts and standards for compliance with quality policies

Benefits

  • Work within a renowned defense and aerospace organization
  • Engage with cutting-edge technology in electronic warfare
  • Be part of a dynamic team specializing in multidomain operations
  • Professional development opportunities and a focus on teamwork
  • Contribute to impactful projects with significant national security relevance
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Northrop Grumman is seeking an Associate Quality Engineer/Quality Engineer. This position will be located at our Mission Systems Sector in Rolling Meadows, IL. The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman’s Multidomain Sensing, Targeting and Survivability Division, Electronic Warfare Targeting Business Unit. - Develop, modify, apply, and maintain quality evaluation, control systems, and protocols for processing materials into semi-finished or finished products.  - Partner with engineering and manufacturing to establish and uphold quality standards.   - Design, analyze, and implement inspection and testing processes and equipment; conduct quality assurance tests, perform statistical analyses to determine cost and responsibility for non-conforming parts.  - Audit quality systems, identify deficiencies, and drive corrective actions that meet reliability standards and documentation requirements.   - Review contracts/SOWs/drawings to evaluate, interpret and apply company policies, ISO 9000, AS9102, MIL, IPC, and other standards applicable to designs and processes. - Identify and remove barriers to quality improvement through root‑cause analysis and corrective‑action planning. - Interface with production‑floor roles (inspection, assembly, operations) and communicate clearly with all stakeholders. - Define, classify, and control quality characteristics for products, processes, and services; develop and validate control plans and work‑instruction updates. - Manage nonconformances across the facility, lead cross‑functional containments, to ensure product compliance. - Use and interpret quality‑control tools (flowcharts, Pareto, control charts) and apply benchmarking to drive system‑wide improvements. - Interpret technical drawings and specifications, including GD&T symbols, to verify compliance with design requirements - Facilitate team collaboration using brainstorming, conflict‑resolution, and other facilitation techniques. - May specialize in design, incoming material, production control, product evaluation, reliability, inventory control, or R&D as they apply to product or process quality.   - Interpret technical drawings and specifications, including GD&T symbols, to verify compliance with design requirements  Basic Qualifications:  A candidate must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must: - Associate Quality Engineer: Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field with a minimum of 0 year of engineering experience in Quality Assurance which can include investigating failures and identifying root causes, or Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions; OR a Masters Degree in a STEM field with a minimum of 0 years experience. - Quality Engineer: Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field with a minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in Quality Assurance, which can include investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions; OR a Masters Degree in a STEM field with a minimum of 0 years of engineering experience. - Be able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) - The ability to obtain Special Access Program within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs  Preferred Qualifications:  - Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher - Lean Six Sigma certification.  - Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) – IPC‑A‑610 - Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) – IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 - Strong familiarity with quality standards and engineering methodologies. - Experience with product and process quality systems.   - Proficiency in data and statistical analysis.   - Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.  - SAP Experience  - Experience with CADSTAR and/or MPLM drawings  - Experience with (Root Cause Corrective Action) RCCA  - Certified auditor - SPC Experience  - Experience with at least one of the following standards (IPC, J-Std, MIL-STD)   - Active DoD Secret Clearance  - Experience using Microsoft Excel, Minitab or equivalent tools for statistical analysis.  - Knowledge of modern skillsets such as Artificial Intelligence, SQL, Power BI to aid in data analysis and data visualization  Salary Range: Bachelors - $66,200.00 to $99,200.00 Masters - $79,600.00 to $119,400.00 Campusjobs 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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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