Flight Inspector 2

Northrop Grumman; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems seeks a Flight Inspector 2 at the Palmdale, CA facility. You will inspect demonstrator and production aircraft systems, verify installations, and perform preflight/postflight checks to ensure conformance with government and company standards.

The role requires reading engineering drawings, using precision measurement tools, and maintaining safety in confined spaces. Strong collaboration and hands-on mentoring are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma (or GED) with 2+ years of mechanical/inspection experience.
• Experience using precision measurement and inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, ball gauges, ohm meters, laser gauges).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong verbal and written communication with cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to work any shift, overtime, and non-standard schedules.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and around composites/chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Inspect aircraft structures, systems, fuel tanks, and electrical installations for compliance with engineering and manufacturing requirements.
• Validate structural integrity, alignment, shimming, drilling, fastening, sealing, and coatings per specifications.
• Perform fuel tank inspections in confined spaces and ensure safety and environmental compliance.
• Verify electrical installations for correct routing and connections.
• Document nonconforming materials per quality procedures and monitor rework.
• Mentor technicians on addressing nonconformances and process improvements.
• Collaborate to foster a strong quality and safety culture and drive process improvements.

Skills

Read engineering drawings

Effective communication

Flexible schedule / overtime

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

Depth gauges

Ball gauges

Ohm meters

Laser gauges

Microsoft Office

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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 (NGAS) is seeking a Flight Inspector 2 to support a program at our Palmdale, CA facility.

Flight Inspector 2

Inspects demonstrator and production aircraft systems, equipment and parts for operation and conformance to government and company standards and specifications. Inspects the installation and operation of electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, oil, and emergency systems and other parts and equipment of aircraft. Performs preflight and postflight inspections in accordance with standard procedure on flight-proven aircraft. Approves non-flight-proven aircraft for flight. Inspects, adjustments, repairs, or modifications made on the aircraft. May monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures

Responsibilities Include

• Inspect aircraft structures, systems, fuel tanks (including confined spaces), and electrical installations for compliance with engineering and manufacturing requirements using precision measurement tools (e.g., micrometers, calipers, gauges).
• Validate structural integrity, alignment, shimming, drilling, fastening, sealing, and coatings per engineering specifications. Inspect hydraulic, pneumatic, and fuel system installations, with focus on fuel tank safety and integrity.
• Perform fuel tank inspections in confined spaces, adhering to all safety and environmental protocols.
• Verify electrical installations for correct routing, clamping, tying, connector mating, and crimping.
• Document and classify nonconforming materials/products per quality procedures.
• Inspect rework and repairs to ensure full compliance with engineering requirements and corrective actions.
• Mentor technicians on identifying and addressing nonconformances and process improvements.
• Foster a collaborative team environment and support a strong quality and safety culture.
• Work independently and as a team to drive quality, efficiency, and process improvement.
• Complete required formal and practical training (e.g., drilling, sealing, fastener installation).
• Maintain respirator certification and comply with all health, safety, and environmental standards, especially for confined space and fuel tank work.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma (or GED) plus a minimum of 2 years of mechanical and/or inspection work experience (e.g., aircraft assembly, structures, maintenance, manufacturing, or quality).
• Experience using precision measurement and inspection tools (such as micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, ball gauges, ohm meters, laser gauges, and similar equipment).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including (but not limited to) Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing, with the capability to interface with engineering, production, and customer representatives.
• Willingness and ability to work any shift, overtime, and non-standard work schedules as required by business needs.
• Ability to work around composites, epoxies, sealants, and other chemicals for extended periods of time.
• Must have the ability to fit through an access portal leading to a confined space through an oval opening of 14 inches by 18 inches, including (but not limited to) fuel tanks and ducts, and to push and pull own body weight to enter and exit confined spaces.
• Must have the ability to work in confined spaces for extended periods of time. (Time in confined space can exceed 6+ hours)
• Willingness and ability to perform inspections in fuel tanks and other confined spaces in accordance with all safety, health, and environmental requirements.
• Ability to perform moderately strenuous and repetitive physical work, including climbing, bending, crawling, stooping, kneeling, lifting, working with arms overhead, leaning, and lying down.
• Ability to lift, grip, push, pull, and hold 35+ pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements
• Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to starting
• Active US Government Secret Clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of aircraft structures, systems, or electrical experience.
• 3+ years of aircraft quality/inspection experience.
• Experience performing fuel tank inspections and working in confined spaces on military or commercial aircraft.
• Experience with MRB (Material Review Board) processes. (Current MRB certification)
• Prior experience as a certified inspector or quality representative in aerospace or defense.
• Experience working within AS9100D, ISO 9001, or similar quality management systems.
• Working knowledge of aerospace materials (including composites) and associated sealing, bonding, and coating processes.
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, models, and specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or train technicians and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience using enterprise quality and manufacturing systems (e.g. MES or similar tools).
• Northrop Grumman, military aviation, or major OEM aerospace experience.
• Current SAP access

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

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.