Aerospace Quality Inspector

Apera; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera is seeking a Senior Quality Inspector (Mechanical) on a contract basis to lead daily inspections across receiving, in-process, and final stages, ensuring conformance to design specifications.

The role requires experience with AS9102, FAA standards, and precision measurement tools such as CMMs, laser trackers, and surface plates; candidates should be detail-oriented and able to collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• FAA Airframe Certificate.
• 7+ years of hands-on inspection experience with basic tools like surface plates, gauges, micrometers, calipers.
• Ability to read blueprints and engineering specs including AS9102 guidance.
• Experience with MES systems such as SAP.
• Knowledge of measurement types and calibration concepts.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily inspections for receiving, in-process, and final inspections to identify defects or deviations from design specifications.
• Accurately and clearly document defects or non-conformances, and collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve issues.
• Review completed manufacturing operations to ensure compliance with company requirements.
• Review and provide input on the establishment of an aircraft inspection plan, which may include CMMs, laser trackers, and other inspection tools.
• Assist in planning and executing company inspections, which may include FAA conformity inspections to support the certification process.
• Support the development and rollout of Advanced Product Quality Planning techniques such as PFMEAs, control plans, and SPC.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

FAA Airframe Certificate

Tools

CMMs

Laser trackers

Surface plates

Thread gauges

Pin gauges

Micrometers

Calipers

Height masters

Height gauges

SAP

Job description

Contract Position | Aerospace Manufacturing

About the Role

Our client, a growing aerospace manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Senior Quality Inspector (Mechanical) to join their team on a contract basis. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented inspection professional with a strong background in aerospace quality standards, precision measurement, and manufacturing compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Execute daily inspections for receiving, in-process, and final inspections to identify defects or deviations from design specifications
• Accurately and clearly document defects or non-conformances, and collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve issues
• Review completed manufacturing operations to ensure compliance with company requirements
• Review and provide input on the establishment of an aircraft inspection plan, which may include CMMs, laser trackers, and other inspection tools
• Assist in planning and executing company inspections, which may include FAA conformity inspections to support the certification process
• Support the development and rollout of Advanced Product Quality Planning techniques such as PFMEAs, control plans, and SPC

What You Need

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• FAA Airframe Certificate
• 7+ years of hands-on experience using basic inspection tools or machinery such as surface plates, thread gauges, pin gauges, micrometers, calipers, height masters, and height gauges
• Experience with tolerance and drawing reviews, including assessing the ability to verify dimensional requirements
• Understanding of how to measure using surface plate layouts
• Ability to read and interpret quality control specifications, blueprint drawings, and engineering specifications, including mechanical and electrical symbols and conventions, and key, critical, major, and minor characteristics
• Experience completing AS9102-compliant first article inspections with working knowledge of the tools required for inspection
• Experience with MES systems such as SAP and utilizing electronic inspection plans
• Understanding of measurement types, measurement terminology, and different measurement scales
• Understanding of the difference between accuracy and precision, and the ability to select appropriate measuring tools and techniques
• Basic calibration knowledge
• Ability to identify and recognize inspection errors and non-conformances, and initiate corrective action
• Understanding of sample size requirements for lots and pulling random samples
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment in aerospace or other highly regulated industries
• Ability to work well within a team environment