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Mission Assurance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Mission Assurance Engineer information

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$67K

$129.7K

$224K

How much do mission assurance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission assurance engineer in the United States is $129,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mission Assurance Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mission Assurance Engineer, you need a solid background in systems engineering, risk management, and quality assurance, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry standards (such as AS9100 or ISO 9001), reliability modeling tools, and configuration management systems is important. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure that mission-critical systems meet rigorous reliability and safety standards, minimizing risks and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Mission Assurance Engineer vs Quality Assurance Engineer?

AspectMission Assurance EngineerQuality Assurance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degrees, security clearances, and specialized certificationsRequires engineering or technical degrees, certifications like ASQ CQE or CQA
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in aerospace, defense, or government sectors focusing on mission successIn manufacturing, software, or product development industries focusing on product quality
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by defense contractors, aerospace firms, and government agenciesCommon in manufacturing, software, and consumer product companies

While both roles focus on ensuring product or system reliability, Mission Assurance Engineers concentrate on mission success and system integrity in high-stakes environments, whereas Quality Assurance Engineers focus on defect prevention and product quality in broader industries.

What are Mission Assurance Engineers?

Mission Assurance Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that products, systems, or missions meet all required safety, reliability, and quality standards throughout their lifecycle. They develop and implement processes to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact mission success, often working in industries such as aerospace, defense, and space exploration. These engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to monitor compliance with regulations and customer requirements, conduct audits, and analyze data to drive continuous improvement. Their work is critical to delivering successful outcomes for complex and high-stakes projects.

How does a Mission Assurance Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project's lifecycle?

Mission Assurance Engineers work closely with design, manufacturing, quality, and systems engineering teams to identify and mitigate risks that could impact mission success. They participate in regular project meetings, review technical documentation, and conduct risk assessments alongside other stakeholders. Open communication and coordination are essential, as these engineers act as a bridge between different disciplines to ensure all mission-critical requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle.
More about Mission Assurance Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Mission Assurance Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs? The top employers for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Mission Assurance Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mission Assurance Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,678 per year, or $62.3 per hour.
Principal Engineer Mission Assurance

Principal Engineer Mission Assurance

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Sunnyvale, CA

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 338 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
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.
We are looking for you to join us as a Principal Mission Assurance Engineer based in Sunnyvale, CA in the heart of Silicon Valley! This position is fully on-site (no remote or hybrid schedules).
As a Mission Assurance professional for Quality and Mission Assurance, you are first and foremost committed to treating all people with respect. You model personal growth and are a feverish champion for continuous development both personally and for your team. You are someone that always chooses to act with integrity and you believe that high ethical and moral standards characterize who you are by the things you choose to do. You are someone that chooses to enable your team to achieve predictable and balanced results all while also satisfying the needs of both your internal and external customers. You choose to build trusted and valued partner relationships and you're effective at verbal and written communications. You choose to deliver perfection, strive for continuous improvement, and respond vigorously to change. You lastly, but certainly not least consistently work to ensure your team and the teams you support are armed with the information and tools needed for optimal performance. If this description describes you and you wish to join a fast-paced team that builds and executes strategies that result in sustainable value creation then we need you on our team!
What You'll Get to Do:
  • Interpret customer technical and MA requirements, as well as internal quality requirements, and ensure these requirements are integrated into program plans, quality plans, specifications, and product drawings.
  • Ensure program contract requirements are flowed down internally and to suppliers.
  • Ensure compliance with contract program, quality, organizational, and industry alert requirements.
  • Represent Mission Assurance at various program reviews and review boards including but not limited to Configuration Control Boards (CCB), Material Review Board (MRB), Program Management Reviews (PMR), Design/Peer Reviews, Manufacturing/Test Readiness Reviews and Corrective Action Boards (CAB).
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place
  • Drive solutions to technical and process problems with cross-functional teams
  • Responsible for developing Basis of Estimates to ensure sufficient Quality oversight on key Development and Sustainment captures and programs.
  • Drive concepts like Design Quality, Cost of Quality, FMEA and similar measures designed to help drive improvement.
  • Perform Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) analysis, and Problem-Solving activities on program-specific, quality system and business system deficiencies.
  • Perform statistical analysis to assess the cost of and determine the responsibility for, products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications
  • Assess program performance and risks; develop handling plans for Quality risks and opportunities.
  • Support the development, implementation and maintenance of quality policy and procedures within the Quality Management System (QMS) including supporting external audits and performing internal audits to assess conformance.
  • Review practices, procedures and processes seeking avenues to improve efficiency and effectiveness and reduce risk to product quality and personnel.
  • Provide oversight in discrepancy review and failure investigations, as well as cause and corrective action determinations. Analyze and interpret trends and execute improvements on key metrics.

Basic Qualifications for the Principal Mission Assurance Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related STEM field with a minimum of 5 years of experience in Quality, Quality Engineering, Program Management, Engineering Management or Manufacturing; (OR 3 or more years of experience with a Master's degree).
  • Experience with quality engineering principles, manufacturing operations, product inspection, test & evaluation, reliability, root cause analysis, defect analysis, inspection methods, control of nonconforming material, product sell off, shipping and product support as they apply to quality.
  • Experience with ISO 9001 / AS9100 Quality Management System certification process.
  • Ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.
  • U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications:
  • BS Degree in an engineering discipline with Master's degree in an engineering or management field.
  • Experience with Marine Machinery and Propulsion/Power Generation Hardware (or similar) and related manufacturing, inspection and test processes.
  • Defense Industry experience as a Program or Project Manager, Quality Manager, Engineering Manager or Manufacturing Management.
  • Lean / Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification to help drive continuous improvement.
  • CAM/Earned Value certification.
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance.

#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939