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