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Senior Design Quality Engineer Jobs in Washington

Senior Quality Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

We enable #HumanFirstDIGITAL Senior Quality Engineer _ Bethesda, MD (Hybrid) JOB SUMMARY Join the ... Design, plan, and execute end-to-end (E2E) testing strategies across complex enterprise ...

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting ... Create comprehensive design documentation in accordance with company guidelines and quality ...

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting ... Create comprehensive design documentation in accordance with company guidelines and quality ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Design Quality Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$68.5K

$119.3K

$165.9K

How much do senior design quality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior design quality engineer in Washington is $119,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of cross-functional teams does a senior design quality engineer typically collaborate with, and how does this impact daily responsibilities?

Senior Design Quality Engineers frequently work with multidisciplinary teams including R&D, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and supply chain. This collaboration ensures that product designs meet both quality standards and regulatory requirements throughout the development lifecycle. Daily responsibilities often involve participating in design reviews, risk assessments, and process validations, as well as communicating quality feedback and facilitating corrective actions. Being proactive and adaptable is essential, as priorities can shift quickly based on project needs and compliance issues.

What is the difference between Senior Design Quality Engineer vs Design Quality Engineer?

AspectSenior Design Quality EngineerDesign Quality Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, quality certifications (e.g., CQE)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, quality certifications optional
Work EnvironmentInvolved in complex product development, cross-functional teamsSupports design processes, quality assurance in product development
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceUsed across similar industries, often as entry to mid-level role
Search & ComparisonOften compared with Design Quality Engineer for experience and responsibilities

The main difference between a Senior Design Quality Engineer and a Design Quality Engineer lies in experience, scope, and responsibilities. Senior roles typically involve more complex projects, leadership, and strategic input, while Design Quality Engineers focus on supporting design quality processes. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across manufacturing and engineering industries, but the senior position indicates a higher level of expertise and accountability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior design quality engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Design Quality Engineer, you need expertise in quality engineering principles, risk management, regulatory standards (such as ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 820), and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with quality management systems (QMS), statistical analysis tools, and certifications like Six Sigma or ASQ CQE are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure product compliance. These skills are essential for maintaining high product quality, meeting regulatory requirements, and supporting successful product development in regulated industries.

What is a senior design quality engineer?

Senior Design Quality Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for ensuring that products are designed and developed in compliance with regulatory standards and quality requirements. They work closely with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to identify potential risks, implement quality control processes, and verify that products meet both customer expectations and industry regulations. Their role often includes reviewing design documentation, managing design validation and verification activities, and leading efforts to continuously improve product quality. Senior Design Quality Engineers typically have a strong background in engineering, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Design Quality Engineer jobs in Washington? For Senior Design Quality Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Design Quality Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Design Quality Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Design Quality Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Senior Design Quality Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Design Quality Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,254 per year, or $57.3 per hour.

Staff Mission Assurance Engineer - Design Quality

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Linthicum, MD • On-site

$169K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.
At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We are looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we 'II support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you 'II have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems seeks a seasoned Staff Mission Assurance Engineer - Design Quality to serve as the sector-wide authority for design quality. The role is responsible for establishing and governing design-quality strategies, processes, and tools that ensure all new and revised products are robust, reliable, and meet customer and regulatory requirements. The incumbent will lead cross-functional design-review teams, mentor engineers, and drive continuous improvement throughout the product development lifecycle.
This position will be based out of Linthicum and/or Rolling Meadows offices with the expectation of traveling to sites as necessary to support development programs.
What You'll Get To Do:
  • Regulatory & Standards Compliance - ensure design processes meet ISO 9001, AS9100, IEC 61508, FDA QSR, or other applicable standards.
  • Tool & Platform Oversight - evaluate and champion PLM, requirements-management
  • Risk Management - identify design risks for programs and identify and own mitigation plans.
  • Assist with Sector level design quality policies
  • Requirements Management - own verification & validation plans; ensure complete, testable, and traceable requirements.
  • Training & Mentorship - coach junior engineers on DFMEA, validation methods, and design-quality best practices; deliver sector workshops.
  • Innovation Promotion - identify opportunities for digital twins, AI-assisted defect prediction, and model-based systems engineering
  • Participate in design reviews - ensure required sign-offs and traceability of findings.
  • CAPA & Continuous Improvement - lead root-cause investigations for design-related field failures; implement corrective-preventive actions and track effectiveness.
  • Communication - Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, effectively influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree and 12 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 10 years of relevant experience; or a PhD and 8 years of relevant experience
  • Demonstrated success leading root-cause investigations and implementing effective CAPA for design issues
  • Strong knowledge of relevant quality standards (ISO 9001, AS9100).
  • Six Sigma certification
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance
  • U.S Citizenship Required

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Engineering degree
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
  • Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and SysML.
  • Background in regulated sectors such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or energy.

Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00
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