What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inspection Manager position at Precision Fluid Controls, Inc.?
About Us:
Precision Fluid Controls, Inc. designs, manufactures, and tests components for launch vehicles and ground support applications—providing many types of valves including throttling valves, ball valves, check and relief valves, vent and relief valves, pressure reducing, both manual and dome loaded, regulators, sleeve valves, butterfly valves, solenoid valves plus many others.
About the role:
PFC is in search of an Inspection Manager. This role oversees visual inspection, dimensional inspection, first article inspection (FAI), in-process and final inspection, and ensures compliance with AS9100, customer flow-down requirements, and internal quality standards. The Inspection Manager plays a critical role in supporting launch vehicle programs by ensuring precision, traceability, and on-time delivery.
The role is a fully on-site role located in our Lincoln, CA offices and will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead and oversee all inspection activities (incoming, in-process, final, and source inspection).
- Develop and monitor inspection KPIs (e.g., inspection cycle time, FAI right-first-time, escape rate).
- Improve inspection efficiency through process optimization, standardized methods, and automation where applicable.
- Ensure accurate interpretation of engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Oversee and approve AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI) and inspection documentation.
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer flow-downs, and internal quality procedures.
- Supervise, train, and develop inspection personnel; support hiring and performance management.
- Maintain calibration and proper use of measurement and test equipment (M&TE).
- Support production schedules while ensuring inspection integrity and on-time delivery.
- Review and approve inspection reports, certifications, and quality records.
- Identify quality risks, trends, and systemic issues; drive corrective and preventive actions.
- Support nonconformance management, MRB activities, and root cause analysis.
- Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Programs.
- Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
- Establish and track inspection KPIs (FAI right-first-time, cycle time, escape rate).
- Drive continuous improvement to reduce defects, rework, and inspection inefficiencies.
What You’ll Need:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering
- 7–10 years of aerospace dimensional inspection experience in a precision machining environment.
- 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in inspection or quality.
- Expert-level knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and aerospace engineering drawings.
- Strong experience with CMM programming and operation (e.g., PC-DMIS, Calypso, or similar).
- Thorough understanding of AS9100 and AS9102 FAI requirements.
- Ability to interpret customer specifications, flow-down requirements, and contract documents.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Nice to Have:
- Experience supporting launch vehicle, spaceflight, or defense programs.
- Experience with tight-tolerance, high-reliability components (valves, fluid control, pressure systems).
- Familiarity with SPC, measurement uncertainty, and metrology best practices.
- Prior audit participation
Compensation and Benefits:
- Pay Range: $/hr. Commensurate with candidate experience.
- 401(k) Company Matching
- Company Paid Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Health Reimbursement Arrangement.
- Paid time off and Holidays
Disclosures:
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
ITAR Compliance.
Due to the nature of our business, this position may require compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a:
- U.S. citizen or national, or
- U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), or
- Refugee under 8 U.S.C. or
- 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. or
- 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $138,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $100,000 - $138,000