Inspector 3

Northrop Grumman•Buffalo, NY

1d•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 Mission Systems is seeking an Inspector 3 located in Buffalo, NY . The Quality Inspection Technician is responsible for visually inspecting in‑process and completed products—including electronic units, precision electromechanical assemblies, mechanical sub‑assemblies, and structural components—against blueprints, specifications, and customer requirements. Using a variety of measuring devices and inspection tools, you will determine whether parts are acceptable, need rework, or must be rejected, and you will document findings in line with statistical process control or other quality procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum 4 years of hands‑on inspection experience with electronic or electromechanical assemblies.
Experience with visual inspection techniques and precision measuring instruments.
Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and/or IPC standards.
Basic computer skills (MS Office, ERP/MRP, and quality management software).
Attention to detail, ability to follow detailed work instructions and maintain accurate documentation.
Ability to communicate written and verbally in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Certified J‑STD‑001 (Soldering Materials, Processes, and Flow‑Sheet Requirements).
Certified IPC‑A‑610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) and IPC‑A‑620 (Cable & Wire Harness Assemblies).
Prior experience with hand‑soldering, reflow, wave, or selective soldering processes.
Experience with statistical process control (SPC) tools and Six Sigma concepts.
SAP experience.
Visual acuity and meticulous observation experience.
Experience with micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, gauges, and inspection fixtures.
Experience with electronic component identification and solder joint assessment.

Responsibilities

Perform visual inspections of electronic units, subsystems, and mechanical assemblies for flaws such as missing welds, internal defects, and dimensional out‑of‑tolerance conditions.
Use measuring equipment (dial indicators, micrometers, calibrated gauges, scales, fixtures, CMMs, etc.) to verify critical dimensions and tolerances.
Interpret and work from engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, IPC standards, inspection checklists, and customer specifications.
Record inspection results, generate non‑conformance reports, and route rejected units for rework or scrap according to established procedures.
Conduct lot‑clearance checks after each production run to confirm removal of all material from the previous lot.
Support quality assurance by applying statistical process control (SPC) data and other control methodologies.
Maintain calibration records for all inspection tools and ensure measurement equipment is within validity periods.
Participate in continuous‑improvement activities, suggesting process or design changes to reduce defects.
Communicate findings promptly with production supervisors, engineers, and other stakeholders.