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First Flight Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven ...

Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is simple: it has to work when it counts. Every bolt, board, and binary is proven on our own SAR constellation, ensuring flight-proven ...

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First Flight information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$28

$46

How much do first flight jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for first flight in Virginia is $28.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some challenges that first flight attendants commonly face during their shifts, and how can new hires prepare for them?

First Flight attendants often encounter challenges such as managing passenger safety, handling difficult customer situations, and adapting to irregular schedules. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication skills, practicing patience under pressure, and becoming familiar with safety protocols. Building resilience and staying adaptable are key to thriving in this fast-paced environment, where teamwork and effective collaboration with pilots and other crew members are essential for a smooth flight operation.

What is a first flight?

First Flight jobs typically refer to positions involved in the operation, coordination, and support of an aircraft’s inaugural flight or the early stages of a new airline or aviation company's operations. These roles can include pilots, flight attendants, ground crew, maintenance technicians, and administrative staff who ensure that a new route, aircraft, or service is launched safely and efficiently. Employees in these positions play a critical role in establishing procedures, maintaining safety standards, and providing excellent customer service during the initial phase of operations. Working on a first flight can be exciting and challenging, as it often involves troubleshooting unforeseen issues and adapting quickly to new protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first officer (airline pilot), and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Officer, you need a commercial pilot license (CPL), strong understanding of aviation regulations, and proven flight experience. Proficiency with advanced avionics, flight management systems, and aircraft-specific simulators is typically required. Exceptional decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills help you manage cockpit responsibilities and coordinate with crew members. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations.

What is the difference between First Flight vs Flight Attendant?

AspectFirst FlightFlight Attendant
Required CertificationsBasic safety training, airline-specific certificationSafety training, customer service certification
Work EnvironmentAirport ground operations, airline training centersIn-flight, airports, customer service roles
Industry UsageEntry-level role for new airline staffIn-flight service and passenger safety

First Flight typically refers to the initial flight experience or training for airline staff, whereas Flight Attendant is a role focused on passenger service and safety during flights. While both roles involve airline operations, First Flight is often associated with training or the first time flying, and Flight Attendant is a specific job position within the airline industry.

What are popular job titles related to First Flight jobs in Virginia? For First Flight jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Flight jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for First Flight jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various First Flight job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,366 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Flight Inspector Level 2 or Level 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: NoDescriptionAt 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 2 or Level 3 to join our team in Sterling, VA.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Flight Inspector 2 or Flight Inspector 3 to join our Receiving Inspection Team in Dulles, Virginia. This position sits at the front-line of our flight hardware quality gate, ensuring that all incoming material - from EEE components to complex assemblies - meets contractual, configuration, and documentation requirements before acceptance into production. If you bring disciplined inspection execution, a systems mindset, and direct experience with AS9100 or SQAR environments, we want to hear from you.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Perform receiving inspection on flight-critical hardware including EEE components, printed wiring boards (PWBs), RF cable assemblies, COTS items, Government-Furnished Equipment, and Contractor-Furnished Equipment
  • Validate supplier documentation including Certificate of Conformance, test data, lot traceability, and applicable quality requirement) compliance prior to material acceptance
  • Execute inspection per applicable Quality Specification Instructions, Work Instructions, and program-specific quality requirements
  • Initiate and complete inspection records in TIPQA; verify QC Inspection Required routing in Costpoint prior to acceptance
  • Initiate Nonconformance Reports and support Material Review Board (MRB) documentation for nonconforming material
  • Apply visual, dimensional, and documentation-based inspection techniques; enforce hold conditions on material with unresolved documentation or configuration
  • Support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) reviews when escapes or systemic intake deficiencies are identified
  • Collaborate with Procurement, Supplier Quality, and Production teams to resolve supplier documentation deficiencies and upstream system flags
  • Other duties as assigned

This position can be filled at either a Level 2 or Level 3.

Basic Qualifications for Level 2:

  • High School diploma or equivalent and 2 years additional education and/or related experience.
  • No clearance required to start
  • Experience performing inspection for proper identity and dimensional conformance
  • Experience with visual inspection for obvious defects or damage (corrosion, cracks, dents, scratches, pits)
  • Ability to make pass/fail acceptance decisions on inspected goods and maintain inspection records
  • Familiarity with QMS documentation including purchase orders, blueprints, drawings, inspection instructions, and checklists
  • Working knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent aerospace/defense Quality Management System requirements
  • Familiarity with SQAR requirements and Q-code application in a government contract environment

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

  • High School diploma or equivalent and 4 years additional education and/or related experience.
  • No clearance required to start
  • Full knowledge of inspection for identity, dimensional conformance, and visual defect detection using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, gauges, calipers, optical comparators)
  • Demonstrated ability to independently resolve routine inspection discrepancies and refer non-routine conditions to higher authority
  • Experience initiating and documenting Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) with factual, objective evidence
  • Working knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent QMS, with demonstrated application to receiving inspection or incoming quality gates
  • Familiarity with SQAR requirements, Q-code application, and Certificate of Conformance (CofC) validation in a government contract environment
  • Ability to assist in training, orienting, or checking the work of lower-level inspectors

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency with TIPQA inspection management system (GT Master, GT Process, NCR initiation, inspection closure)
  • Proficiency with Deltek Costpoint ERP (purchase order lookup, QC Inspection Required flag verification, receiving routing)
  • Experience with SAP inspection type codes or equivalent ERP receiving/inspection module
  • IPC-A-610 Certified Inspection Specialist (CIS) or Certified IPC Trainer (CIT)
  • IPC-A-600 familiarity for printed wiring board (PWB) acceptance inspection
  • CCAP or AS6081 training in counterfeit component detection and avoidance
  • Experience supporting MRB disposition activities in an AS9100 or DCMA-oversight environment
  • Background in quality assurance, supplier quality, or incoming inspection in an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment

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: $61,100.00 - $101,800.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $72,600.00 - $121,000.00The 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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939