Quality Inspector

Job Title: Quality Inspector

Location: Santa Maria, CA

Duration: Direct Hire Full Time Role

JOB SUMMARY:

The Quality Inspector is responsible for ensuring that raw materials and finished products meet established quality standards. This role involves inspecting, testing, sorting, sampling, or weighing components - whether raw, machined, fabricated, or assembled - to identify defects, wear, or deviations from specifications. The inspector may utilize precision measuring instruments and basic testing equipment to verify compliance and maintain product integrity.

BUYER ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Examines parts for surface defects such as chips, scratches and pinholes.
• Compares surface finish of work-piece to finish on set of standard blocks making fingertip touch comparison to ensure production of specified surface finish.
• Reads blueprints or engineering specifications to obtain product information such as specified material, surface finish, and dimensions. Substitutes known values, such as dimensions from blueprints, into standard formulas and solves for unknown quantities to determine dimensions not specified in blueprints.
• Analyzes and interprets blueprints, data, manuals, and other materials to determine specifications, inspection procedures, and measuring instruments required.
• Plans and sets up inspections related to receiving, in-process and final inspections of assemblies, sub-assemblies, final units and piece parts per customer requirements.
• Measures dimensions such as length, height, hole locations and distance between reference points to ensure product meets specifications. Locates reference points on part and measures dimensions such as angle, arc, and radii to ensure product meets specifications.
• Performs first article inspections to AS9102 specifications.
• Performs mechanical inspections using surface plate set-ups, dial indicators, fixed gauges, height gauges, hardness testers, torque testers, and using measuring instruments such as rulers, calipers, gauges, and micrometers.
• Compares colors, shapes, textures, or grades of products or materials with color charts, templates, or samples to verify conformance to standards.
• Computes defect percentages or averages, using formulas and calculators, and prepare reports of inspection or test findings.
• Records inspection data on inspection reports and enters inspection results into inventory management software. Generates non-conformance reports (NCRs) when parts are found to be defective.
• Ensures product is properly identified with inspection status and traceability information.
• Analyzes data, making computations as necessary, to determine the acceptability of inspection results.
• Examines layout and installation of wiring, cables, subassemblies, hardware and components to detect assembly errors. Compares assembly with drawings and parts list to detect missing hardware.
• Examines electrical terminations (crimps, solder connections, etc.) and compares them to established workmanship standards (familiar with IPC-A-610, IPC-WHMA-620)
• Examines production documents to ensure that all assembly, inspection, and testing steps were performed according to specifications.
• Stacks and arranges inspected products for further processing, shipping, or packaging and transport products to other workstations as necessary.
• Performs final inspections and supports in-house customer source inspections.
• Generates and prepares QA records packages to be sent to customer prior to and after shipments.
• Maintains manufacturing, inspections and test records generated during receipt, fabrication and assembly of material, parts and assemblies.
• Maintains inspection, measuring and test equipment through a calibration recall program.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Analytical mindset with excellent attention to detail and troubleshooting ability.
• Good time management skills required.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (email, Excel, Word).
• Experience with ERP system (inventory/manufacturing software).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year of inspection-related experience in a manufacturing environment; 3 years' experience preferred.
• Use of precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges)
• Knowledge of quality standards (AS9100)
• IPC-A-610 Inspector Certified a plus

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) and employer match
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employer paid Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Floating Holidays

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $19.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Work Authorization : US Citizen / Green Card / Permanent Resident

Experience:

• Quality inspection: 1 year (Required)
• Manufacturing engineering: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• IPC-610 Certification (Preferred)
• IPC-WHMA-620 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $23