Inspector III (FAI Experience)

Summary:

Inspector III is responsible for performing in-process, final, and receiving inspections of aerospace components and assemblies to ensure compliance with customer specifications, engineering drawings, and industry standards. This mid-level role requires proficiency in precision measuring instruments, GD&T interpretation, and documentation practices per AS9100 and customer-specific quality requirements. Inspector II plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of production quality and supporting continuous improvement in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Responsibilities:

1. Inspection Duties
   • Conduct first article inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
   • Perform in-process and final inspections of machined parts, sheet metal, and assembled components.
   • Inspect raw materials and incoming parts against material certifications and purchase order requirements.
   • Verify critical dimensions, tolerances, and features using standard metrology equipment including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, surface plates, and CMM,
   • Record inspection results and non-conformances clearly and accurately.
2. Documentation & Compliance
   • Review engineering drawings, specifications, work orders, and inspection plans to determine inspection requirements.
   • Complete and maintain detailed inspection records, including inspection reports, certificates of conformance, and FAI documentation.
   • Ensure traceability and documentation meet AS9001, and customer standards.
   • Review part marking, packaging, and labeling for compliance before final release.
3. Nonconformance & Problem Solving
   • Identify and document nonconformance's, support root cause and corrective action processes.
   • Work closely with quality engineers and production to resolve discrepancies and rework plans.
   • Participate in MRBs.
4. Cross Functional Interaction
   • Collaborate with machine operators, assemblers, and engineers to clarify inspection criteria and resolve quality issues.
   • Assist with training of Inspector I or production team on basic inspection practices and tools.
5. Continuous improvement
   • Support internal quality audits and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
   • Provide feedback to production and engineering on drawing errors, difficult to inspect features, or process variation trends.
   • Assist in calibration verification of inspection tools as needed.

Education/ Experience:

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Additional technical training or certification in quality/inspection is a plus.
3. 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment performing part inspections.

Technical Skills:

1. Strong knowledge of aerospace inspection techniques and standards (AS9100 and ISO 9001).
2. Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
3. Proficient with hand tools and standard measuring equipment, basic understanding of CMM operation or programming is a plus.
4. Familiar with using quality documentation systems or ERP systems for inspection.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience in an AS9100 certified aerospace environment.
2. Familiarity with CMM software.
3. Knowledge of NADCAP special process verification is a plus.
4. Certified Quality Inspector or equivalent is desirable.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

1. Standing or walking for extended periods.
2. Lifting parts or materials up to 35 lbs.
3. Use of inspection tools at benches, surface plates, and CMM stations.