Quality Assurance Technician

The In-process Inspector is responsible for performing detailed inspections of aerospace components to ensure products meet engineering drawings, specifications, customer requirements, and company quality standards. This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to accurately interpret technical documentation, and proficiency with precision measuring equipment and inspection tooling.

The Quality Inspector works closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and other departments to identify and address discrepancies while maintaining accurate inspection records and documentation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform in-process, final, and receiving inspections of aerospace components and assemblies.
• Inspect parts for compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and applicable customer requirements.
• Verify hard dimensions using precision inspection equipment, including:
• Calipers
• Micrometers
• Height gauges
• Depth gauges
• Radius gauges
• Pin gauges
• Go/No-Go gauges
• Plug and ring gauges
• Custom inspection tooling and fixtures
• Other calibrated measuring equipment
• Use appropriate inspection tooling and techniques to accurately measure critical part dimensions.
• Verify dimensional characteristics including length, width, thickness, diameter, depth, radius, hole locations, angles, and other drawing requirements.
• Read and interpret aerospace engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, specifications, and inspection instructions.
• Use Mylar drawings and/or inspection overlays to verify part features, profiles, locations, and dimensional requirements.
• Identify and document nonconforming material and workmanship.
• Complete inspection paperwork, inspection reports, travelers, routers, check sheets, and other required quality documentation.
• Review and initiate required inspection documentation at the beginning of jobs or inspection processes.
• Verify that required paperwork, drawings, revisions, specifications, and supporting documentation are present and current before beginning inspection.
• Record inspection results accurately and maintain complete traceability of inspected parts.
• Enter inspection information into company computer systems and quality databases.
• Demonstrate basic to advanced computer skills, including navigating company software, entering data, reviewing electronic documents, and using Microsoft Office or other applicable software.
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical inspection records.
• Communicate inspection results and discrepancies clearly with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Management.
• Assist with investigating dimensional or quality issues and determining appropriate disposition in accordance with company procedures.
• Follow established procedures for handling, identification, segregation, and control of nonconforming material.
• Maintain calibrated inspection equipment and report damaged, missing, or out-of-calibration equipment.
• Properly handle and protect precision aerospace components during the inspection process.
• Lift, carry, push, pull, and move parts, containers, tooling, inspection equipment, and materials as required for the position.
• Safely move work between inspection areas, production areas, storage locations, and other designated areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe inspection work area.
• Follow all company safety, quality, environmental, and security procedures.
• Support continuous improvement and participate in efforts to reduce inspection errors, rework, scrap, and escapes.
• Perform other quality-related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of dimensional inspection practices.
• Ability to accurately use calipers, micrometers, radius gauges, and other precision measuring tools.
• Ability to understand basic GD&T concepts.
• Ability to recognize dimensional and workmanship discrepancies.
• Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to work with fractions, decimals, tolerances, and unit conversions.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn company-specific software and inspection systems.
• Ability to accurately complete paperwork and electronic documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, engineers, and other departments.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to maintain concentration and accuracy while performing repetitive inspection tasks.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to operate precision measuring equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect small components and detailed features.
• Ability to lift and move parts, containers, tooling, and inspection equipment as required.
• Ability to safely handle aerospace components without damaging finished surfaces or features.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and maneuver around work areas as necessary.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and activity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous aerospace, precision manufacturing, quality, or inspection experience.
• Experience working in an AS9100 quality environment.
• Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements and documentation.
• Familiarity with AS9102.
• Experience interpreting GD&T.
• Experience using inspection tooling, fixtures, and templates.
• Experience with Mylar drawings, overlays, or profile inspection.
• Experience using electronic quality management or manufacturing systems.
• Experience with CMM inspection is a plus.
• Previous experience working with tight aerospace dimensional tolerances is preferred.

Quality Expectations

The In-process Inspector is expected to maintain a high level of accuracy and integrity when performing inspections. Inspection results must be recorded accurately and objectively. Inspectors are responsible for identifying discrepancies and ensuring that questionable or nonconforming conditions are properly communicated and controlled before product proceeds to the next operation or the customer. They must maintain efficacy and utilization standards in addition to the quality requirements.