Inspector Level 3 / 4

This position is 100% onsite in Commerce, CA and cannot accommodate telecommute work. Travel is required, up to 10% of the time. No relocation assistance or security clearance is required to start.

About the role

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking an Inspector – Level 3 or Level 4 to join the front-line flight hardware quality team. This role ensures all material—from piece parts to complex propulsion tank assemblies—meets contractual, configuration, and documentation requirements. The position works 2nd shift on a 9/80 schedule.

Responsibilities

• Perform receiving, in-process, weld, or final inspection on flight-critical hardware, including piece part subassemblies and complex propulsion tank assemblies, using predetermined methods, operations, setups, and prescribed specifications.
• Use various measuring devices to accept, reject, or rework defective or malfunctioning units or systems.
• Work from blueprints, diagrams, dial indicators, preset micrometers, scales, fixtures, customer specifications, drawing or inspection instructions, and checklists.
• 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 Production teams to resolve documentation deficiencies and upstream system flags.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications for Level 3

• High School diploma or equivalent and 4 years of additional education and/or related experience.
• Experience performing inspection for identity, dimensional conformance, and visual defect detection using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, gauges, calipers, optical comparators).
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with team members to 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 weld, receiving, in-process, or final inspection.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4

• High School diploma or equivalent and 6 years of 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).
• 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.
• 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 weld, receiving, in-process, or final inspection.
• Ability to assist in training, orienting, or checking the work of lower-level inspectors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with TIPQA inspection management system (NCR initiation).
• Proficiency with Deltek CostPoint ERP (Purchase Order look-up, QC Inspection Required flag verification, routing).
• Proficiency utilizing FaroArm.
• Weld inspection experience.
• AWS Certified Visual Weld Inspector or equivalent.
• CMM Programming Experience.
• Experience supporting MRB disposition activities in an AS9100 environment.

Pay

Primary Level Salary Range: $56,000.00 - $93,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00

The above salary ranges represent general guidelines. Northrop Grumman considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions when determining base salary offers. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

Benefits

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package, including:

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.