Quality Inspector – Assembly & Test

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

As a Quality Inspector – Assembly & Test, you will help ensure mechanical and electrical assemblies meet engineering specifications, customer requirements, and established quality standards. Working within the Assembly Value Stream and reporting to the Operations Manager, you will perform in-process and final inspections, verify product traceability, and maintain accurate quality documentation. Your work will help identify potential quality issues, support product conformity, and ensure hardware is properly documented and ready for delivery.

Responsibilities

• Performs in-process and final inspections of mechanical and electrical assemblies and subassemblies to verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and customer requirements.
• Inspects product configuration, workmanship, dimensions, mechanical and electrical characteristics, and functional requirements using appropriate inspection tools and equipment.
• Reviews manufacturing travelers, inspection records, test results, and certifications for completeness, accuracy, approvals, revision control, and traceability.
• Verifies product identification and traceability across part numbers, revisions, lot numbers, serial numbers, work orders, purchase orders, and applicable customer requirements.
• Conducts inspections throughout fabrication, mechanical assembly, electrical integration, and acceptance testing while accurately documenting results and maintaining inspection-data integrity.
• Identifies, documents, and initiates nonconformance reports, supports control of nonconforming products, and coordinates disposition activities with Operations and Quality Engineering.
• Supports Aerospace First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102, including verification of inspection characteristics and supporting documentation.
• Assists Quality Engineering with supplier source inspections, including inspections conducted at supplier facilities or on-site.
• Prepares and verifies Technical Data Packages (TDPs) and supporting quality documentation for hardware deliverables.
• Communicates inspection findings, discrepancies, and quality concerns to Operations, Quality Engineering, and other responsible personnel to support timely resolution.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of quality inspection practices and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements within aerospace, defense, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, manufacturing travelers, work instructions, acceptance-test documentation, and customer requirements.
• Ability to inspect mechanical and electrical assemblies for configuration, workmanship, dimensional compliance, completeness, and product traceability.
• Ability to accurately use measuring and inspection equipment and recognize applicable calibration and handling requirements.
• Working knowledge of nonconformance identification, documentation, product control, and escalation practices.
• Ability to maintain accurate, complete, legible, traceable, and retrievable inspection records while preserving source data and audit trails.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using, or ability to learn, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, electronic quality records, inspection databases, and customer portals.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple inspection priorities with limited supervision.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, initiative, and the ability to collaborate with Operations, Quality Engineering, suppliers, and customers while maintaining independent quality judgment.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical training or coursework in manufacturing, mechanical or electrical systems, metrology, quality, or a related field.
• More than two years of experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing, assembly and test, quality inspection, or quality operations.
• Experience inspecting mechanical and electrical assemblies and reviewing associated manufacturing and acceptance-test documentation.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management requirements.
• Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements and supporting documentation.
• Experience with nonconformance systems, ERP systems, supplier source inspections, or Technical Data Packages.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Stands, walks, bends, reaches, and moves throughout manufacturing, assembly, test, warehouse, and inspection areas for extended periods.
• Handles assemblies, inspection equipment, tools, and records while performing repetitive visual and manual inspection activities.
• Uses sufficient visual acuity to evaluate workmanship, product markings, hardware condition, and inspection results, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Follows posted safety requirements and uses required personal protective equipment.
  
  

The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions

• Travel: Occasional local or overnight travel may be required for supplier source inspections, customer support, or training.
  
  

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement
  
  

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.