Mission Assurance Director 1

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Palmdale
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems Sector is seeking a Mission Assurance Director 1 for a classified program. This leadership role will be located in Palmdale, CA or Clearfield, UT and reports directly to the division Mission Assurance Director 2. The Mission Assurance Director will lead all Mission Assurance efforts related to Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) on the program. The MA NDI director will be responsible for the following: Serve as Program NDI Chair with technical oversight across all program build sites and suppliers. Decision authority at NDI Requirements Review Board with a responsibility to coordinate through program Technical Review Board (TRB) and change process as required. Coordination with Chief Engineer’s Office, Structural Integrity and Vehicle Engineering to ensure alignment between requirements and inspection capabilities Ensure inspection methods across internal and supplier build sites are compliant to industry and program requirements. Identify and resolve any variances Accelerate current risk burndown and future improvement efforts through effective prioritization of resources across functions and sites Deploy a consistent training strategy and curriculum for NDI inspectors with emphasis on program unique and critical inspections. Drive comparable approach at suppliers. Drive consistency in Procedure, Technique and Standards development across build sites (and sector when appropriate). Develop & implement future improvements to equipment and processes based on program challenges. Transition improvements to production (inspectors) and validate benefits or changes needed. Develop pipeline of NDI technical leaders to support current and future program lifecycles and locations Collaborate with Operations & Sustainment on future NDI Training & execution strategy to meet customer needs Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of related experience as defined below, OR a Master’s degree and 8 years of related experience as defined below; Related experience includes professional and/or military experience to include a background in aircraft, aerospace, manufacturing, NDI/quality and/or engineering related functions Experience with Composite design, fabrication and Inspection A minimum of 5 years of experience as a manager Active DoD Clearance (secret or higher) Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs Preferred Qualifications: Current Special Program Access (PAR) Current or past certification in UT Inspection. Use of multiple equipment types, software versions Ability to interpret composite design (ex: ply orientation, material system performance, critical features) and how that design can affect inspection results Knowledge of composite fabrication process and ability to correlate process disruptions with NDI/inspection results Strong people leadership skills with an ability to lead teams through a dynamic and challenging environment across multiple sites and functions Demonstrated experience developing, communicating, and instituting new processes for an organization Familiarity with industry NDI requirements (ex: NAS410, MIL-HDBK-6870) and NG processes (ex: Q0-1005.01, ACS-PRS-7101) Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others. Salary Range: Clearfield, UT; $176,100 - $264,100 Palmdale, CA; $203,900 - $305,900 Primary Level Salary Range: $176,100.00 - $305,900.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. 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. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Hacienda Heights , Mission Assurance Director 1, Engineering , Palmdale, California