RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time
DescriptionNorthrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking Flight Inspector 4 to join our Navy MQ-4C Triton Integrated Test Team located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.
Job Summary:
Flight Inspector 4 performs advanced inspections of airframe, propulsion, avionics, and flight control systems supporting the MQ-4C Triton platform. This role ensures conformity to engineering requirements and quality standards from build through flightline operations. The position partners with production, test, and engineering to verify configuration, resolve nonconformances, and release hardware for test/flight activities while promoting FOD/tool-control discipline and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform in-process, preflight, postflight, and final inspections of structures/composites, mechanical systems, avionics, electrical wiring, and flight controls.
- Verify conformance to drawings, specifications, work instructions, and quality requirements; interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Use and verify calibration status of precision measuring equipment and tooling (e.g., torque tools, micrometers/calipers, borescopes as applicable).
- Witness/verify functional tests and system checkouts; document acceptance evidence and inspection results.
- Review/validate NALCOMIS MAFS, and configuration status to support airworthiness release activities.
- Document and process nonconformances; coordinate with engineering/MRB for disposition and verify corrective actions.
- Enforce FOD prevention, tool control, ESD handling, and safety policies; perform critical-operation verifications (bonding, torquing, wiring terminations, etc.).
- Support internal/customer/regulatory audits by providing objective evidence and participating in corrective action implementation.
- Mentor junior inspectors/technicians and provide OJT; communicate inspection status and risks to leadership.
Basic Qualifications
- High school diploma (or equivalent) with 10+ years of aircraft inspection/quality experience; or associate degree with 8+ years; or bachelor's degree with 6+ years.
- Experience inspecting complex aircraft systems in production, modification, depot, or flightline/test environments (manned or unmanned).
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings/specifications, wiring diagrams, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience documenting nonconformances and verifying corrective actions within a quality management system.
- Proficiency using inspection/measurement tools and producing clear inspection documentation.
- Ability to work variable shifts, overtime/weekends as required and meet physical demands (heights/stands/ladders, confined spaces as applicable).
- Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearance (TS, up to TS/SCI) and program access.
*** Ability to execute domestic and foreign travel (15-20% of time). ***Primary Level Salary Range: $86,300.00 - $115,000.00
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. 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.
