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Non Destructive Test Technician - Tech 3/Tech 4

Northrop Grumman Palmdale, California, United States

onsitefull-time

Salary: $66,600 - $111,000 / year

Posted Apr 19, 2026Apply by Jun 15, 2026

**Role & seniority: ** Non Destructive Test (NDT) Technician, Level 3 or Level 4 (based on experience) | Quality department

**Stack/tools: ** Ultrasonic Testing (UT) inspection equipment/automated systems; UT equipment setup/calibration; process control checks; documentation/logs/statistical data sheets

**Top 3 responsibilities: **

  • Review routers/procedures/specs and process parts to detect discontinuities vs. requirements

  • Operate UT inspection equipment; set up, calibrate, run process control checks, record results

  • Interpret/evaluate/report findings; complete logs and maintain audit-ready records; document non-conformances

  • Must-have skills:

    • Ultrasonic methodology experience: 4 years (Level 3) or 6 years (Level 4)

    • UT Level II certification per NAS-410

    • Read/interpret blueprints/engineering drawings; document non-conformances

    • Pass vision and color blindness tests; pass company exams

    • Ability to work any shift/overtime; lift ~25 lb (occasionally ~50 lb with assistance)

    • Active DoD Secret clearance + ability to obtain Special Program Access; U.S. citizenship required

  • Nice-to-haves:

    • Certification in multiple NDI disciplines

    • 2-year degree/certification from an NDI training institution

  • Location & work type:

    • Palmdale, CA (on-site) facility

    • Relocation assistance possible; travel ~10%; shift-based with possible overtime

    • Clearance require

Full Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

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.

This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking for a Non Destructive Test Technician for programs located in the Palmdale, CA facility within the Quality department. This position can be filled either as a Level 3 or Level 4 Technician based on experience.

Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Our NDT team works daily on some of Northrop Grumman’s most technologically advanced aircraft. Our Palmdale, CA site is uniquely suited for the development, prototyping, production and testing of military aircraft systems, both manned and unmanned. The highly specialized manufacturing and engineering facility in Palmdale employs over people and every day employees can see their hard work take off and land on the flight test runway. Bring your experience and take advantage of this opportunity to discover how you can start to push past possible and achieve your goals today. With Northrop Grumman, our NDT team enjoys a diverse, collaborative environment that is supportive to launch your career.

Duties And Responsibilities

Review routers, procedures, specifications, and other instructions for completeness and instructions to perform operation Process parts in accordance with procedures and technical instructions to evaluate for processing discontinuities exceeding specified requirements Operate UT inspection equipment/automated systems Set-up, operate, calibrate, and perform Process Control Checks on UT equipment by following established instructions and record results Interpret, evaluate, and report evaluation results, as required and outlined Fill out required logs and statistical data sheets, as required Maintain required job skills and knowledge of requirements (including procedures, specifications, etc.) Maintain work area, equipment, and all documents/records to be audit ready at all times Completes these and other job duties as instructed

Basic Qualifications Level 3

High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of Non Destructive Test experience specifically in ultrasonic methodology Level II Certification in UT method in accordance with NAS-410 Able to be subject to areas which could cause various phobias due to height or close spaces Must be willing to work any shift, overtime or non-standard work schedule Able to read and interpret blueprint and engineering drawings and be able to document non-conformances as required Ability to successfully pass vision screen and color blindness tests Ability to pass General, Specific, and Practical exams within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company Able to lift up to approximately 25 pounds. May occasionally lift 50 pounds (with assistance) This position requires an active DOD Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Basic Qualifications Level 4

High School Diploma/GED and 6 years of Non Destructive Test experience specifically in ultrasonic methodology Level II Certification in UT method in accordance with NAS-410 Able to read and interpret blueprint and engineering drawings and be able to document non-conformances as required Ability to successfully pass vision screen and color blindness tests Ability to pass General, Specific, and Practical exams within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company Able to be subject to a variety of physical conditions and areas which could cause various phobias due to height or closed spaces Able to lift up to approximately 25 pounds. May occasionally lift 50 pounds (with assistance) Must be willing to work any shift, overtime or non-standard work schedule This position requires an active DOD Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Preferred Qualifications

Certification in Multiple Non Destructive Inspection (NDI) Disciplines 2 Year degree/certification from NDI Training Institution

Primary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00

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.

Non Destructive TestingUltrasonic MethodologyBlueprint InterpretationEngineering DrawingsVision ScreeningColor Blindness TestingProcess Control ChecksCalibrationStatistical Data AnalysisDocumentationQuality AssuranceTechnical InstructionsSafety ComplianceEquipment OperationPhysical Condition AdaptabilityTeam Collaborationmulti-location

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