Aircraft Inspector

PDS Tech; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Short-term disability

401K plan

Commuter benefits

Paid leave

Holiday pay

EAP program

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial in Irvine, CA is seeking a Senior Quality Control Inspector to support a cutting-edge spaceflight program. You will inspect engines, avionics, and flight hardware to ensure airworthiness and compliance with quality standards, documenting findings and collaborating with engineering and production teams.

Key duties include conducting structured inspections, reviewing records, and leading quality investigations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years in aerospace inspections or related field.
• Experience reading and interpreting manufacturing documents and work instructions.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled inspections to ensure workmanship meets standards and MFG WIs.
• Conduct in-progress and final inspections on processed articles and components.
• Review manufacturing records for completeness before release.
• Identify defects and dimensional issues using precision measurement tools.
• Enter inspection results and NCMs in QA systems and communicate results to teams.

Skills

Aerospace inspections

QMS knowledge

Documentation

Reading engineering docs

Independent worker

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

TipQA

Apriso

Job description

nspect What Takes Humanity to Space: Senior Quality Control InspectorPDS Tech Commercial | Partnering with a Leader in the Spaceflight IndustryLocation: Irvine, CA | Schedule:1st shift 6am-4:30pm | Pay Rate: $35- $40, **A&P license up to $42/hour*PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a highly motivated Senior Quality Control Inspector to support a cutting-edge spaceflight program. Guided by the core value of “Safety Above All,” this role is critical to ensuring the integrity, airworthiness, and reliability of human spaceflight assets.As a Senior Inspector, your work will directly impact flight safety and mission success—verifying that every component, system, and structure meets the highest quality and regulatory standards before taking to the skies.Your ImpactYou will serve as a key quality authority across spacecraft and flight hardware, inspecting everything from engines and avionics to complete flying assets. Through rigorous inspections, documentation, and collaboration, you will help proactively manage the risks inherent in spaceflight and uphold a culture of accountability, precision, and safety.What You’ll DoDay-to-day responsibilities include:Performing scheduled inspections to ensure workmanship meets industry standards and complies with Manufacturing (MFG) Work InstructionsConducting preliminary, in-progress, and final inspections on all processed articlesReviewing manufacturing records, work orders, and forms for completeness and accuracy prior to release for return to serviceInspecting for defects, damage, identification, and dimensional accuracy using a variety of measurement tools and inspection techniquesFollowing and documenting complex inspection processes, entering inspection results and quality data accuratelyApplying appropriate inspection methods to determine quality and airworthiness in alignment with strict safety protocolsCommunicating inspection results and acceptance criteria clearly with engineering, management, and production teamsGenerating Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) in TipQA and/or AprisoPerforming receiving inspections on incoming materials as requiredEnsuring proper tagging, identification, quarantine, and disposition of rejected or non-repairable partsLeading or supporting technical investigations and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activitiesSupporting quality projects and assisting the Quality Control Supervisor with departmental initiativesProviding technical guidance and training to other Quality InspectorsMaintaining strict Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness and preventionActively participating in safety programs, investigations, and hazard reportingWorking collaboratively across teams to ensure quality, efficiency, and on-time executionRequired QualificationsHigh School Diploma or equivalentMinimum of five (5) years of experience in a related field, including aerospace parts and componentsHands-on experience in a manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), or airline environmentStrong knowledge of inspection standards, techniques, and Quality Management System (QMS) requirementsAbility to read, interpret, and evaluate manufacturing documentation and work instructionsStrong written and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating across teamsProven commitment to safety, quality, and attention to detailPreferred QualificationsSenior-level inspection experience supporting flight hardware or flying assetsExperience with electronic QMS tools such as TipQA and/or AprisoExperience leading technical investigations or quality improvement projectsPrior experience mentoring or training inspectorsFamiliarity with aerospace regulatory and airworthiness requirementsWhy Join PDS Tech Commercial?Support a human spaceflight missionWork with industry-leading engineers, technicians, and flight systemsBe part of a safety-first, accountability-driven cultureMake a real impact on the quality and reliability of next-generation space vehiclesReady to Help Build the Future of Spaceflight?If you’re a seasoned quality professional who takes pride in precision, safety, and mission success, we want to hear from you.Apply today and partner with PDS Tech Commercial to help ensure the highest standards of quality in spaceflightPay Details: $35.00 to $40.00 per hourBenefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledMilitary connected talent encouraged to applyTo read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacyThe Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:The California Fair Chance ActLos Angeles City Fair Chance OrdinanceLos Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for EmployersSan Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceMassachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.