Flight Inspector Level 2 or Level 3

About the role

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Flight Inspector – Level 2 or Level 3 to join our team in Sterling, VA. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Flight Inspector 2 or Flight Inspector 3 to join our Receiving Inspection Team in Dulles, Virginia. This position sits at the front-line of our flight hardware quality gate, ensuring that all incoming material — from EEE components to complex assemblies — meets contractual, configuration, and documentation requirements before acceptance into production.

Responsibilities

• Perform receiving inspection on flight-critical hardware including EEE components, printed wiring boards (PWBs), RF cable assemblies, COTS items, Government-Furnished Equipment, and Contractor-Furnished Equipment
• Validate supplier documentation including Certificate of Conformance, test data, lot traceability, and applicable quality requirement) compliance prior to material acceptance
• Execute inspection per applicable Quality Specification Instructions, Work Instructions, and program-specific quality requirements
• Initiate and complete inspection records in TIPQA; verify QC Inspection Required routing in Costpoint prior to acceptance
• 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
• Support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) reviews when escapes or systemic intake deficiencies are identified
• Collaborate with Procurement, Supplier Quality, and Production teams to resolve supplier documentation deficiencies and upstream system flags
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

This position can be filled at either a Level 2 or Level 3.

Basic Qualifications For Level 2

• High School diploma or equivalent and 2 years additional education and/or related experience
• Experience performing inspection for proper identity and dimensional conformance
• Experience with visual inspection for obvious defects or damage (corrosion, cracks, dents, scratches, pits)
• Ability to make pass/fail acceptance decisions on inspected goods and maintain inspection records
• Familiarity with QMS documentation including purchase orders, blueprints, drawings, inspection instructions, and checklists
• Working knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent aerospace/defense Quality Management System requirements
• Familiarity with SQAR requirements and Q-code application in a government contract environment

Basic Qualifications For Level 3

• High School diploma or equivalent and 4 years additional education and/or related experience
• Full knowledge of inspection for identity, dimensional conformance, and visual defect detection using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, gauges, calipers, optical comparators)
• Demonstrated ability to independently resolve routine inspection discrepancies and refer non-routine conditions to higher authority
• Experience initiating and documenting Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) with factual, objective evidence
• Working knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent QMS, with demonstrated application to receiving inspection or incoming quality gates
• Familiarity with SQAR requirements, Q-code application, and Certificate of Conformance (CofC) validation in a government contract environment
• Ability to assist in training, orienting, or checking the work of lower-level inspectors

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with TIPQA inspection management system (GT Master, GT Process, NCR initiation, inspection closure)
• Proficiency with Deltek Costpoint ERP (purchase order lookup, QC Inspection Required flag verification, receiving routing)
• Experience with SAP inspection type codes or equivalent ERP receiving/inspection module
• IPC-A-610 Certified Inspection Specialist (CIS) or Certified IPC Trainer (CIT)
• IPC-A-600 familiarity for printed wiring board (PWB) acceptance inspection
• CCAP or AS6081 training in counterfeit component detection and avoidance
• Experience supporting MRB disposition activities in an AS9100 or DCMA-oversight environment
• Background in quality assurance, supplier quality, or incoming inspection in an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $61,100.00 - $101,800.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $72,600.00 - $121,000.00

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.

Benefits

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.