Skip to content

Quality

Inspector Level 3

Northrop Grumman logoNorthrop Grumman$72,600–$121,000/yrDulles, VA, United StatesFull timePosted 3w ago
  • US citizenship
  • Secret clearance

How this pay compares

This posting states $72.6k–$121k a year. Open quality engineer jobs in Virginia post a median of $102k a year, the middle half $81.1k–$118k, across 8 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.

Quality engineers and inspectors in Virginia: pay by town and employer

About the job

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None 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’s Space Sector is seeking a Flight Inspector – Level 3 to join our team in Dulles, VA. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

The Integration, Test & Launch (IT&L) organization in Dulles is seeking an experienced Production Assurance Inspector with strong mechanical/RF/electrical inspection experience to support spacecraft production and test operations in our Spacecraft Manufacturing Facility (SMF). This employee will be working on complex government and commercial spacecraft programs. This position is on 1st shift (6:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) .

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. ## In this job, you will - Perform in‑process and final mechanical, RF, and electrical inspections on fully integrated spacecraft, components, and sub‑assemblies throughout the SMF work centers. - Generate nonconformance reports for discrepancies identified during inspection activities. - Perform product build documentation reviews and end‑item data package reviews to ensure configuration and documentation accuracy. - Conduct audits of work areas to verify compliance with Northrop Grumman ISO 9001/AS9100 procedures and Lean Manufacturing principles. - Act as a Safety Representative during critical and hazardous operations for assigned spacecraft. - Work closely with ITEE/ITME/ITRF to verify test setups and support test readiness. - This position requires a high degree of physical agility.

You must be able to move around and access hardware in production and test environments, including climbing ladders, working from personnel lifts (e.g., Skyjacks), getting on the floor to slide under dollies, and crawling within the spacecraft interior.

Work is performed in close proximity to delicate flight hardware, so constant situational awareness and carefully controlled movement are essential to prevent damage. - Other duties as assigned If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 . ## Basic Qualifications for Level 3 - High School diploma or equivalent and 4 years additional education and/or related experience. - Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S.

Government Top-Secret security clearance - Ability to work weekends and off‑nominal shifts (2nd, 3rd, and overtime/weekends) as needed to meet program needs (approximately 10–15% annually). - Willingness to travel as needed for program support, including offsite testing and launch‑site operations (approximately 10–15% annually). - Proficiency with TIPQA and MES, and fluent use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). - Strong technical writing skills. - Proficient in the use of precision measuring tools (e.g., micrometers, calipers, feeler gauges). - Ability to read and interpret blueprints/drawings to verify that complex flight hardware is built as designed. - - Experience working with ITEE/ITME to verify test setups. ## Preferred Qualifications - Active Top Secret (TS) clearance, or the ability and willingness to obtain one. - Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wire lists. - Associate degree in an engineering discipline, or a non‑technical four‑year degree from an accredited institution. - Active workmanship certifications from accreditation/standards organizations (e.g., IPC‑A‑620, NASA 8739 series). ## Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector?

Click the link below https://www.northropgrumman.com/space Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards Primary Level Salary Range: $72,600.00 - $121,000.00 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.

From Northrop Grumman's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.

Selected agencies hiring now

These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.

Sponsored

Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.

Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.

New quality and mission assurance jobs in space in Virginia, by email

One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.

About Northrop Grumman

Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.

Pay on its listings: 98% of its open jobs state an hourly rate

How it pays: Paid as an employee on Northrop Grumman's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).

More open jobs at Northrop Grumman

More quality and mission assurance jobs in space

A quality or mission assurance professional?

One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.

Create my profile

Northrop Grumman openings, sent to you weekly

Each week we send the newest postings from Northrop Grumman's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.