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Principal Quality Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Balda C Brewer

Principal Quality Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The Principal Quality Engineer will serve as a subject matter expert in regulatory compliance (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA QSR), validation strategy, and supplier quality, ensuring robust risk management ...

Hiscox

Principal Quality Engineer

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$120 - $140K/hr

Permanent Build a brilliant future with Hiscox Principal Quality Engineer We are seeking an innovative Principal Quality Engineer who will advance our testing capabilities through modern automation ...

Hiscox

Principal Quality Engineer

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

$115 - $135K/hr

Permanent Build a brilliant future with Hiscox Principal Quality Engineer We are seeking an innovative Principal Quality Engineer who will advance our testing capabilities through modern automation ...

Jj

Principal Quality Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$169K - $179K/yr

Principal Quality Engineer Job Code: A011.7224 Job Location: Plymouth, MN Job Type: Full-Time Rate of Pay: $169,166 - $179,315 Job Duties: Establish and maintain policies and procedures to ensure ...

Penumbra

Principal Quality Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

General Summary As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving quality improvement across Operations. You will apply deep analytical expertise to strengthen process ...

Penumbra

Principal Quality Engineer

Alameda, CA

$150K - $195K/yr

General Summary As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving quality improvement across Operations. You will apply deep analytical expertise to strengthen process ...

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How much do principal quality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal quality engineer in the United States is $125,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal Quality Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Quality Engineer, you need deep expertise in quality assurance, process improvement, and engineering principles, usually backed by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 9001, Six Sigma, root cause analysis tools, and proficiency in statistical analysis software are typically required, along with certifications like ASQ CQE or Lean Six Sigma. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for driving continuous improvement, ensuring product reliability, and leading cross-functional teams towards quality objectives.

What is a Principal Quality Engineer job?

A Principal Quality Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing quality assurance and quality control processes within an organization. They develop and implement quality standards, conduct audits, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product and process compliance. Their role often includes mentoring junior engineers, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring products meet regulatory and customer requirements.

What are typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Principal Quality Engineer?

As a Principal Quality Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include leading quality improvement initiatives, analyzing production or service processes, and conducting root cause investigations to address quality issues. You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to develop and implement quality standards, review product designs, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. The role may also involve mentoring junior quality engineers, facilitating audits, and compiling reports for senior management. This dynamic position requires a balance of hands-on problem-solving and strategic oversight to drive excellence throughout the organization.

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Principal Quality Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Quality Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,478 per year, or $60.3 per hour.
Principal Engineer Quality / Sr Principal Engineer Quality

Principal Engineer Quality / Sr Principal Engineer Quality

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 515 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 seeking a detail-oriented Principal Quality Engineer / Sr. Principal Quality Engineer to join our dynamic STRIKE team. This position will be in Palmdale, CA.
In this role, you will monitor mission assurance program specifications and processes to ensure the program's mission success. You will ensure the quality, risk management, safety, reliability, and maintainability of program achievements, subcontractors, and suppliers. You will collaborate closely with the STRIKE Mission Assurance team to drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
Our team is exceptionally detail-oriented. We work on sophisticated projects in the aerospace industry, producing high-quality work. Each team member has individual assignments, but we work as a united team to identify and resolve potential issues before product timelines are impacted. Our team pursues inclusivity, diversity, and balance in both workload and work-life. We feel strongly about treating each other with respect and working with integrity.
Responsibilities include:
  • The candidate should possess strong technical problem solving, written and verbal communication skills, perform technical assessments, and participate in CCB (Change Control Board) and data review activities.

  • The candidate is expected to regularly interface with operations, program management, engineering staff, and external customers.

  • Responsible for failure investigations, Customer/DCMA CARs, escapements, and data analytics to drive corrective actions. Communicate with customers, in the required time frame, on investigations and actions for each complaint/escapement.

  • Responsible for oversight of technical, in-depth quality requirements for the program, ensuring that contract requirements are met, and documentation is compliant with requirements

  • Lead Material Review Board submittals. Ensuring compliance with customer specifications/requirements in concurrence with the Chief Process Engineers.

  • Review of First Article Inspections, and present First Articles to the customer representative.

  • Assist in reviewing Supplier MRB and decision as to whether NG will request a SCAR

  • Assess and mitigate risks related to customer quality requirements, contract review, and assist Quality Engineering work when reviewing new contracts.

  • Technical reviews of drawings, SOW's, Requirements, and documents as required

  • Provides qualified Mission Assurance engineering support to all Program organizations (e.g., Operations, Production Control, Design Engineering, etc.) with daily interactions, as required

  • Leads and collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure quality standards are developed and maintained

  • Primary contact for quality and safety matters for the Government and DCMA representatives

  • Able to effectively communicate solutions, ideas, and concepts to a diverse audience

  • Working knowledge of Material Review Board (MRB) standards, practices, and Customer engagement

  • Develop, analyze, and present metrics to customers and program leadership

  • Guide Mission Assurance processes and requirements integration with engineering activities to varying levels of management and customers.

  • Interface with manufacturing, engineering, program management, and subcontractor representatives to resolve issues and non-conformances.

  • Special Projects to support Mission Assurance Priorities and goals as assigned

  • This requisition may be filled at either an Principal Quality Engineer or Senior Principal Quality Engineer. Shift will be determined during pre-interview coordination with the candidate, which will include options for 4/10 Days or Nights and 3/10 Days.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Principal Quality Engineer : Bachelor of Science degree with X years of experience OR a Master's degree with X years of Quality Engineering and/or Mission Assurance work experience.

  • Senior Principal Quality Engineer : Bachelor of Science degree with 8 years of experience OR a Master's degree with 6 years of Quality Engineering and/or Mission Assurance work experience.

  • Experience with quality management systems to support program processes, audits, and/or improvements.

  • Experience with Mission Assurance/Quality Engineering practices.

  • Knowledge of Root Cause and Corrective Action methods

  • Knowledge of Inspection Plans and First Article Inspections

  • Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (AS9100, ISO 9001, or Military Quality Assurance)

  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines with attention to detail.

  • Excellent communication skills - Clear, concise reporting to senior leadership and stakeholders.

  • Experience with M.S. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

  • Clearance - Must have an active DoD Secret security clearance (US Citizenship required) and ability to obtain Special Program Access.

  • Experience with fastpaced program environments where schedule volatility is common.

  • Dynamic workhour flexibility - Proven ability to adjust schedule on short notice, including rotating shifts, evening/weekend coverage, and overtime, to meet critical program milestones and production demands.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Technical reviews of drawings, Statement of Work, and requirements traceability documents.

  • Experience in processing, monitoring, data collection, analysis, and metric reporting for the overall program and segments

  • Experience with manufacturing, quality controls, inspection, and/or non-conformance controls.

  • Prior aircraft manufacturing experience

  • Background in Composites

  • Experience conducting First Article Inspections and completing DD 250

  • Knowledge of data analysis methods and tools.

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00
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.

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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

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