Flight Inspector 4

Northrop Grumman•Patuxent River, MD

9d•$86,300 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

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 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.

Requirements

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).

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.