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 peoples 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 nations 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, theyre making history.

Northrop Grumman is currently seeking an experienced Non-Destructive Test Engineer to provide support to our Armament Systems Division team in our Elk River, MN Site. Armament Systems specializes in the development and production of Ammunition, Guns and Precision Guidance Ordinance.

Our Elk River site consists of a serene 3,200 acres, with over 20 active buildings, and numerous projects supporting development, manufacturing and testing for Northrop Grumman’s Defense Systems Division. Our Manufacturing Engineering team works to continuously improve, support, and maintain manufacturing activities of Medium Caliber Ammunition and Warhead production through a variety of self-directed daily tasks and larger team projects. This role supports 1st shift operations on a 4/10 schedule.

The development of smart armament systems, designed to increase the competitive advantage of our armed forces, is accelerating. This has increased the need for a Non-Destructive Test Engineer who has a passion for technology development, paired with demonstrated expertise in customer service excellence. For this position, Engineers are required to provide prior NDT experience documentation and certification that will meet NAS 410 current revision requirements.  This team member will drive to continually outperform the competition and exceed customer expectations while acting with integrity and respect.

The Engineer will primarily utilize radiographic technologies to provide inspection service support to the design team here in Plymouth, as wells as to our test facility at the Proving Grounds in Elk River. 

Radiographic capabilities consist of acquisition and analysis utilizing various radiographic technologies, including conventional x-ray and computed tomography.

Responsibilities:

• Obtain and maintain a minimum Level II certification in the radiography inspection method which includes formal classroom training, on-the-job training, and written and practical exams for the method and level.  Must complete retesting at specified intervals to retain certifications
• Perform nondestructive inspections using Digital Radiography (DR) and Computed Tomography (CT) in accordance with approved procedures, techniques, applicable specifications, and assigned certification-level authority.
• Set up, calibrate, and operate DR and CT inspection systems, including X-ray sources, detectors, manipulators, fixtures, and associated software, to ensure inspections meet required image quality, sensitivity, and coverage requirements.
• Interpret and evaluate DR and CT inspection data to determine conformance to applicable acceptance criteria, drawings, and specifications, within the scope of certification held.
• Verify inspection readiness by confirming system performance checks, calibration status, reference standards, image quality indicators (IQIs), and technique parameters are properly established prior to inspection.
• Generate accurate, complete, and traceable inspection records and reports, ensuring inspection parameters, results, and observations are documented in accordance with internal procedures and customer requirements.
• Maintain control of inspection data, images, and records, ensuring proper storage, security, configuration control, and traceability of digital inspection files.
• Ensure all inspection activities comply with applicable codes, standards, written practices, and specifications (e.g., Internal, NAS410, ASTM, customer-specific requirements).
• Perform routine system checks, basic troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance activities within assigned authorities; escalate equipment issues, anomalies, or system limitations to appropriate technical, engineering, or Level III personnel.
• Adhere to all radiation safety, environmental, and workplace safety requirements, including proper use of shielding, interlocks, monitoring devices, and controlled areas.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits by providing inspection records, technical explanations of inspection methods, and demonstrations of compliance, as appropriate to certification level.
• Assist the Responsible Level III (RL3) with other NDT-related technical projects, including but not limited to, support for Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Eddy Current Testing (ET) systems. Support activities may include equipment setup, fixture installation, system verification checks, trial inspections, data collection support, and documentation, performed under RL3 direction and oversight.
• Support the development, setup, evaluation, and improvement of automated or semi-automated NDT inspection systems (including UT and ET), providing technical and operational assistance without performing independent inspections outside of certified methods.
• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of DR and CT inspection fixtures, including fixtures used for multi-part inspections and fixtures used to hold parts at specific orientations or angles to support CT scanning and image quality requirements.
• Operate and maintain additive manufacturing (3D printing) equipment used to fabricate inspection fixtures; provide practical technical input on fixture design to ensure inspection stability, repeatability, and effectiveness. CAD-based fixture design may be utilized when available but is not required.
• Assist in the review, optimization, and continuous improvement of inspection techniques, work instructions, and inspection workflows under the guidance of the RL3 or engineering authority.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to Level I and Level II personnel, as appropriate to certification level.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities related to inspection quality, defect detection capability, system reliability, automation effectiveness, and data integrity.

Certification-Dependent Responsibilities

The following responsibilities apply only if the individual holds or obtains NDT Level III certification:

• Author inspection procedures, technique sheets, and inspection instructions in accordance with applicable standards and written practices.
• Review and approve inspection techniques, acceptance criteria, and system performance requirements for assigned NDT methods.
• Provide technical authority and oversight for NDT operations, including support for audits, certifications, technical reviews, and inspection disposition.
• Support NDT capability assessments, system qualifications, and supplier technical evaluations, as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in STEM discipline plus 8 years of relevant experience
• Radiography Level 2 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
• Experience operating a CT Machine, reconstructing scan data, and analyzing for defects
• Coursework and OJT hours in Ultrasonic and/or Eddy Current methods

Preferred Qualifications:

• Radiography Level 3 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
• Ultrasonic Level 2/3 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
• Eddy Current Level 2/3 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
• Computed Tomography Level 2/3 certification per NAS410 (certification will be verified)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Materials, or Non-Destructive Test Engineering
• Proficiency with CAD/solid modeling software

Primary Level Salary Range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00

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 candidates experience, education, skills and current spanet 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.