CSAM Quality Inspector & Defect Analyst

Knowles; California; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401k with company match

Tuition reimbursement

PTO & holidays

Employee events

Free coffee

Job summary

Knowles is seeking a CSAM inspection operator to test electronic assemblies and materials, identifying defects and ensuring compliance with specifications. The role requires analyzing scanned images, maintaining records, and supporting traceability across production.

The incumbent will work in a manufacturing environment with strict safety and 5S standards. The position emphasizes equipment setup, calibration, and data recording, with collaboration across Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions.
• Basic computer skills and accessing email, training, and documents via company network.
• Ability to work with policies, procedures, and minimal supervision.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform inspection tasks in a manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Operate CSAM inspection equipment per work instructions and quality standards.
• Set up, verify, and calibrate equipment for accurate results.
• Load and unload parts and components from inspection fixtures.
• Review scanned images to identify defects and nonconforming conditions.
• Classify and document disposition of nonconforming products.
• Verify product identification and lot traceability before inspection.
• Interpret work orders and drawings to determine inspection requirements.
• Record inspection results and defect data with manual and computerized systems.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area and follow 5S and safety requirements.
• Assist with training and process improvement activities as assigned.

Skills

High School diploma

Manufacturing principles

Reading comprehension

Basic computer skills

ESD/Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Performs inspection and testing of electronic assemblies, subassemblies, components, and materials using CSAM (C-Scan Acoustic Microscopy) equipment to identify internal defects, verify product quality, and ensure compliance with customer, engineering, and manufacturing specifications. Maintains accurate inspection records, supports product traceability, and contributes to continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operate CSAM inspection equipment in accordance with established work instructions, process specifications, and quality standards.
• Set up, verify, and calibrate equipment as required to ensure accurate inspection results.
• Load and unload parts, assemblies, and components safely and efficiently from inspection fixtures.
• Review, analyze, and interpret scanned images to identify defects, anomalies, and nonconforming conditions.
• Accurately classify and disposition nonconforming products in accordance with quality procedures and engineering requirements.
• Verify product identification, lot traceability, and work order information prior to inspection.
• Read and interpret work orders, engineering drawings, process specifications, inspection criteria, and processing charts to determine inspection requirements and sequence of operations.
• Perform counts and verification of product quantities to ensure inventory and production accuracy.
• Save, organize, and maintain inspection data, images, and reports on designated servers and databases in accordance with document control requirements.
• Record inspection results, defect data, and production information using manual and computerized systems.
• Reject defective assemblies, parts , or components and accurately document defect types, quantities, and trends.
• Segregate nonconforming material and coordinate appropriate disposition for rework, salvage, or scrap.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S and company safety requirements.
• Handle products using ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) controls and established material handling procedures.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives by identifying recurring defects and communicating findings to Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams.
• Support production schedules by meeting established throughput, quality, and on-time delivery objectives.
• Follow all company policies, quality system requirements, safety procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Assist with training, cross-training, and process improvement activities as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:

• A High School diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred.
• Demonstrate knowledge of manufacturing principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions
• Computer Skills: Basic knowledge in computers, accessing email, training, and documents via company network.
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in the line with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in a manufacturing and production environment.
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, manufacturing equipment, and production machinery.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to operate equipment, handle materials, and perform inspection tasks.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions involving the hands, wrists, and arms.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb as required to operate, clean, and maintain equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect materials and identify defects with a high degree of accuracy, including the ability to distinguish variations in appearance and quality.
• ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 15 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely move and handle production materials throughout the manufacturing process.
• Ability to work overtime, extended shifts, and weekends as business needs require.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

About Knowles

Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across medtech, defense, and industrial markets.

Our high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries.

What's in it for you on Day 1:
* Medical, dental and vision insurance plans
* Prescription Drug Plans
* Basic Life Insurance
* 401k plan with company match
* Tuition Reimbursement Program
* Employee Referral Program
* Hourly Overtime opportunities
* Paid Time Off
* Paid Holidays

Exciting Onsite Perks:
* Free coffee available at our cafeteria
* Employee Appreciation Events

Knowles is committed to providing a competitive and fair total compensation package for all employees.

Individual compensation decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to previous experience and skills acquired prior to joining Knowles, cost of living in the assigned work location, assigned schedule, and salaries of similarly situated peers at the company. It is to be expected that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences and therefore will be paid at different points in the stated range. We recognize that the person(s) we select for hire may be less experienced or more experienced than the role as posted; if this is the case, any updates to available salary ranges will be communicated with candidates during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Knowles Precision Devices prohibits pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.

ITAR Statement: Please note that this position may require access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status) or have the necessary authorization to access controlled technical data. Compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations is a condition of employment.

Notice to Staffing Agencies, Search Firms and Recruitment Agencies: The recruitment process at Knowles is managed through the Human Resources department. Knowles does not accept resumes submitted from 3rd party agencies outside of our system. To submit resumes, 3rd party agencies will need to be a pre-approved vendor with a valid contract in place, be actively engaged by Knowles to recruit for a specific position and have agency log in credentials to submit candidates to our careers portal. Please do not submit resumes via e-mail, through our external website or directly to our employees. Any resumes submitted in this way become the property of Knowles and will not be eligible for any placement fee.

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