Flight test quality engineer

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (NGAS) is looking for a principal quality engineer supporting a flight test team at Palmdale, CA.

This Mid-level Flight Test Quality Engineer (FTQE) position will support the development and implementation of program quality plans, policies, and procedures that support the execution of a safe and effective Flight Test Program.

The FTQE will ensure that the flight test environment and quality of products conform to established customer and engineering requirements. The position requires the review, analysis on quality discrepancies related to assembly, process, mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical systems and other related ground and flight related discrepancies.

Essential Functions:

Interfacing with Flight Test management, Flight Test Engineers, System Test Engineers, Design/Liaison engineering, customers, and suppliers (via Sub contract Management)

Identifying systemic issues through trend analysis, issuing requests for corrective actions and recommending corrective and preventative actions; Supporting the MRB process for dispositions and modifications required in a flight test environment.

Ensure USAF Tech Pub/instructions are adhered to include comprehensive understanding of TO 00-20-1.

Understanding Ground Flight Risk Clause and Government Flight Representative (GFR) responsibilities of DCMAI 8210.1 and auditing adherence to Flight and Ground Contractor Operating Procedures.

Additionally, the selected FTQE will support Flight Test inspection activities during system ground and flight-testing of Systems. The FTQE will support the verification process by ensuring the air vehicle, mission, and test control rooms are configured and functioning per design, have completed formal ground acceptance testing and are ready to enter flight-testing.

FTQE will provide guidance TO Flight Inspectors and interface on technical issues during Test that included the areas of:

Sub-system integration

Fuel system

Weight and balance

Landing gear checks

Electrical and hydraulic system checks

Flight controls

Navigations systems

Mission management system.

Control rooms and Labs

Hardwar/Software configuration

In addition, the selected candidate will support Test/Flight Readiness Reviews and all flight brief and debriefs. The candidate will also be required to support deferred action boards, and represent Quality Leadership on site by coordinating and interaction with Flight Test management and scheduled priorities.

Good verbal and nonverbal communication skills is needed to effectively communicate with their leadership team and be effective in leading in investigations and determining Root Cause and Corrective Actions.

Basic Qualifications level 3:

• Candidate must have a minimum of 5 years of Aerospace or Quality Engineering experience with a Bachelor’s of Science; 3 years with Masters, 0 years with a PhD
• Proficient in root cause and corrective action.
• Strong understanding of DCMAI 8210.1 Requirements to include FOE compliance and audits
• Familiarity of the Quality Management System (AS9100D)
• Active DoD Secret Clearance that is in-scope Granted or renewed in the last 5 years
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (PAR)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Tool suite (i.e.: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Must be able to work on site.

Basic Qualifications level 4:

• Candidate must have a minimum of 9 years of Aerospace or Quality Engineering experience with a Bachelor’s of Science; 7 years with Masters, 4 years with a PhD
• Proficient in root cause and corrective action.
• Strong understanding of DCMAI 8210.1 Requirements to include FOE compliance and audits
• Familiarity of the Quality Management System (AS9100D)
• Active DoD Secret Clearance that is in-scope Granted or renewed in the last 5 years
• Ability to obtain Special Program Access (PAR)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Tool suite (i.e.: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Must be able to work on site.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current Special Program Access (PAR)
• Experience in a Flight Line/Flight Test environment
• 6 years Mission Assurance Experience and ability to interface with all levels of functional and Program leadership
• Advanced Degree (MS/MBA)
• Solid Technical Understanding of instrumentation systems and architectures.
• Strong orientation to change in a dynamic environment
• Strong understanding of complex quality policies, procedures, governmental contractual requirements and deliverables.