CMM Laser Inspector

Sonaca North America; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonaca North America is seeking a CMM Laser Inspector to lead advanced dimensional inspection and metrology for aerospace components at our Vista, CA site. You will work with CMMs, laser scanners, and portable metrology tools to ensure conformance to AS9100 and AS9102 standards.

The role requires deep GD&T knowledge, experience in building inspection strategies, data analysis, and reporting, including FAIRs and dimensional records.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.
• Experience programming and operating CMMs using PolyWorks, PC-DMIS, Calypso, MCOSMOS or equivalent software.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, ISO 17025 and aerospace customer quality requirements.
• Experience performing GR&R, MSA, and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform dimensional inspections of aerospace components and tooling using CMMs, laser scanners, and portable metrology equipment.
• Operate and optimize CMM and laser inspection programs from drawings and CAD models.
• Provide technical guidance to Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams.

Skills

ASME Y14.5 GD&T

CMM programming

Metrology expertise

Data analysis

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Aerospace metrology experience

Tools

PolyWorks

PC-DMIS

Calypso

MCOSMOS

Job description

Title: CMM Laser Inspector

Location: Vista, CA

Position Type: Full time

Requisition ID: R0015452

WHO ARE WE

Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. We have 10 locations across North America and our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart from the competition.

Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and services that are reliable, safe, and efficient. Our team of experts is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the aerospace and defense industry, utilizing the latest technologies and processes to ensure that we deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.

POSITION SUMMARY

The CMM Laser Inspector serves as the site's subject matter expert and technical lead for advanced dimensional inspection and metrology activities. This position is responsible for performing highly accurate dimensional inspections of aerospace components, assemblies, tooling, and manufactured products using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), laser scanning systems, portable metrology equipment, and conventional inspection tools. The role partners closely with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to develop inspection strategies, implement metrology best practices, analyze measurement data, and ensure product conformity to engineering drawings, customer specifications, AS9100 requirements, AS9102 requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILTIES

• Perform dimensional inspections of aerospace components, tooling, and manufactured products using CMMs, laser scanners, portable measurement arms, and conventional precision measuring equipment.
• Operate, create, validate, execute, and optimize CMM and laser scanning inspection programs from engineering drawings, CAD models, customer specifications, and technical requirements.
• Serve as the site focal point for advanced dimensional inspection and metrology activities, providing technical guidance to Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams.
• Support the development and implementation of inspection strategies, measurement techniques, and metrology best practices to ensure accurate product verification.
• Interpret engineering drawings, 3D CAD models, specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements in accordance with ASME Y14.5.
• Verify product conformance through first article, first-piece, in-process, final, receiving, and source inspection activities as required.
• Conduct dimensional inspection of complex aerospace products, including machined components, sheet metal assemblies, composite structures, weldments, tooling, and fixtures.
• Analyze measurement data, perform capability studies, identify measurement trends, and provide dimensional feedback to Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams.
• Generate inspection reports, ballooned drawings, First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs), and customer-required quality documentation in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
• Review and validate First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and associated quality records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Verify compliance with engineering, customer, regulatory, and contractual requirements, including applicable aerospace customer specifications and flow-down requirements.
• Identify, document, communicate, and support resolution of nonconforming conditions through established quality management systems.
• Participate in root cause investigations, RCCA activities, MRB reviews, containment actions, and continuous improvement initiatives related to dimensional nonconformances.
• Review engineering changes, critical characteristics, and areas of risk to develop effective inspection and verification plans.
• Maintain calibration, maintenance, and proper handling of inspection and metrology equipment in accordance with ISO 17025, company procedures, and applicable industry requirements.
• Maintain accurate and complete inspection records in compliance with AS9100 quality management system requirements.
• Provide dimensional data and technical support during internal audits, customer audits, regulatory assessments, and certification activities.
• Ensure compliance with company quality systems, customer requirements, export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), and applicable aerospace industry standards.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES

• High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 5-10 years of aerospace dimensional inspection and metrology experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Expert knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards.
• Experience programming and operating CMMs utilizing PolyWorks, PC-DMIS, Calypso, MCOSMOS, or equivalent software.
• Experience with laser trackers, laser scanning systems, portable CMM arms, and 3D measurement technologies.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, ISO 17025, and aerospace customer quality requirements.
• Experience completing AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI).
• Experience performing GR&R (Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility), MSA, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, CATIA, and product definition datasets.
• Experience using precision measuring tools including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicator systems, surface plates, and optical comparators.
• Experience inspecting structural aerospace components, precision machined parts, and tooling and fixtures.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and quality management systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and conduct inspections for extended periods.
• Noise levels ranging from quiet to extremely loud.
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working on the manufacturing floor including, but not limited to, eye, ear, and foot protection.
• May occasionally lift and /or move up to 10-50 pounds.

• Manual dexterity required for handling precision measuring equipment and aerospace hardware.
• Visual acuity required to inspect critical dimensions and identify product nonconformances.

Pay Range - $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. This document does not create an employment contract. Employees of the Company are employed on an “at will” basis and may be terminated at any time.

Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, Sonaca North America provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access the company’s online application system. If an applicant is unable to fully access the online application system, Sonaca North America will provide a reasonable accommodation. Applicants with disabilities may contact us at 636-916-2400 for assistance accessing the on-line application system. Callers should have a detailed description of the requested accommodation, their name and preferred method of contact ready for Sonaca North America‘s Human Resources Department. Sonaca North America will make every effort to respond within two (2) business days.

Sonaca North America is an E-Verify Employer.

Sonaca North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans Employer

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.