Inspector 2/3

ngc; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems in Plymouth, Minnesota seeks an Inspector to join a multidisciplinary team. You will inspect populated circuit boards and assemblies in an ESD-controlled environment, ensuring compliance with QMS documents and project requirements.

The role requires 2+ years (2) or 4+ years (3) of inspection experience, blueprints literacy, and IPC‑A‑610 certification. Strong computer skills and the ability to lift up to 30 lbs are also expected.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent or technical certification.
• 4+ years of inspection experience for Level 3; 2+ years for Level 2.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and work instructions.
• Experience with measurement tools (calipers, micrometers).
• IPC‑A‑610 certification required or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Inspect electronic hardware in an ESD-controlled environment.
• Perform visual inspections under magnification.
• Conduct limited dimensional inspections with standard tools.
• Maintain inspection certifications and quality records.
• Close nonconforming material reports per work instructions.
• Record inspection results in electronic databases and ensure traceability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality and engineering to resolve issues.

Skills

Basic PC skills including Word/Excel

Blueprints & drawings interpretation

Communication skills (written)

Manual dexterity under microscope

Education

IPC‑A‑610 Certified IPC Specialist

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Inspection databases

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: No

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 Defense Systems is seeking an Inspector to join our collaborative, multidisciplinary team in Plymouth, Minnesota, supporting critical programs for our defense customers. This position may be filled as Level 2 or Level 3 based on the qualifications below.

In this role, you will perform inspection of electronic hardware in an ESD‑controlled environment, focusing on populated circuit boards, components, sub‑assemblies and assemblies to ensure they meet stringent quality and documentation requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Perform inspections in accordance with inspection plans, drawings, checklists, specifications, and other Quality Management System (QMS) documents.
• Conduct visual inspections under magnification using microscopes.
• Perform limited dimensional inspections utilizing standard measuring equipment (such as calipers, micrometers and drop indicators), as required.
• Maintain required inspection certifications and qualifications.
• Maintain lab practices and operations in compliance with defined processes and work instructions.
• Identify, document, issue and close nonconforming material reports per specified work instructions.
• Accurately record inspection results in electronic records/inspection databases and maintain traceable documentation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality and engineering teams to resolve inspection‑related issues.

Basic Qualifications – Inspector 2

• High School Diploma or equivalent, Associate Technical Degree, certification, or diploma.
• 2+ years of inspection experience in a circuit board and/or electronics environment.
• Strong PC skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and inspection databases/electronic record systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings and work instructions.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, fractions, decimals, basic tolerancing).
• Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination sufficient to perform visual inspections under microscopic conditions.
• Effective written communication skills for documenting inspection results and nonconformances.
• IPC‑A‑610 Certified IPC Specialist.
• Ability to lift or move up to 30 lbs on an occasional basis.

Basic Qualifications – Inspector 3

• High School Diploma or equivalent, Associate Technical Degree, certification, or diploma.
• 4+ years of inspection experience in a circuit board and/or electronics environment.
• Strong PC skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and inspection databases/electronic record systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings and work instructions.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, fractions, decimals, basic tolerancing).
• Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination sufficient to perform visual inspections under microscopic conditions.
• Effective written communication skills for documenting inspection results and nonconformances.
• IPC‑A‑610 Certified IPC Specialist.
• Ability to lift or move up to 30 lbs on an occasional basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of inspection experience in a circuit board and/or electronics environment.
• Strong PC skills, including advanced use of Microsoft Excel and experience with inspection databases/electronic quality record systems.
• IPC‑A‑610 and IPC‑A‑600 Certified IPC Specialist.
• Experience using vision measurement systems and/or automated optical inspection (AOI) equipment.
• Additional inspection or Electronic Technician certifications.

Primary Level Salary Range: $45,100.00 - $75,100.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $53,500.00 - $89,100.00

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.