Flight Inspector 2/3

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
• CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
• TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

About the role

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 Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Flight Inspector 2 or Flight Inspector 3 to join our Grand Sky Mission Assurance team in Emerado, ND.

This role sits at the front line of our quality gate, ensuring that all incoming material, components, complex assemblies, and production work meet contractual, configuration, and documentation requirements prior to acceptance.

The ideal candidate brings disciplined inspection execution, strong attention to detail, and a passion for ensuring the safety and reliability of flight-critical hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform receiving inspection on flight-critical hardware including:
• Line Replaceable Units (LRUs)
• Cable assemblies
• Electrostatic Sensitive Devices (ESD)
• Government- and contractor-furnished equipment and hardware
• Validate supplier documentation (e.g., Certificates of Conformance, test data, lot traceability, and applicable quality requirements) prior to material acceptance.
• Execute inspection activities in accordance with Quality Specification Instructions, Work Instructions, and program-specific quality requirements.
• Administer Air Vehicle Acceptance Testing procedures and coordinate with System Test Engineers and Test Conductors.
• Initiate Nonconformance Reports and support Material Review Board (MRB) documentation for nonconforming material.
• Apply visual, dimensional, and documentation-based inspection techniques; enforce hold conditions on material with unresolved documentation or configuration issues.
• Support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) activities when escapes or systemic intake deficiencies are identified.
• Inspect demonstrator and production aircraft systems, equipment, and parts for operation and conformance to government and company standards and specifications.
• Inspect installation and operation of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, oil, emergency systems, and other aircraft parts and equipment.
• Perform preflight and post-flight inspections in accordance with standard procedures on flight-proven aircraft.
• Approve non–flight-proven aircraft for flight and verify that inspections, adjustments, repairs, or modifications have been properly accomplished.
• Monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process control or other quality-control procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Mission Assurance and program objectives.

Basic Qualifications (Flight Inspector 2)

• High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of additional education and/or related experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance if required by program.
• Experience performing inspection for proper identity and dimensional conformance.
• Experience performing visual inspection for obvious defects or damage (e.g., corrosion, cracks, dents, scratches, pits).
• Ability to make pass/fail acceptance decisions on inspected goods and maintain accurate inspection records.
• Familiarity with Quality Management System (QMS) documentation, including purchase orders, blueprints, drawings, inspection instructions, and checklists.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent aerospace/defense Quality Management System requirements.

Basic Qualifications (Flight Inspector 3)

• High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of additional education and/or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in flight-line or air vehicle acceptance inspections.
• Experience supporting MRB and RCCA activities for nonconforming material or intake escapes.
• Experience interpreting complex aerospace drawings, specifications, and configuration baselines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with MES Manufacturing Execution System.
• Experience supporting MRB disposition activities in an AS9100 or DCMA oversight environment.
• Background in quality assurance, supplier quality, or incoming inspection within an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.
• An A&P license is a plus.
• Excellent coordination and communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical issues clearly to all levels of leadership.

Primary Level Salary Range

$52,700.00 - $87,900.00

Secondary Level Salary Range

$62,700.00 - $104,500.00

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.