In-Process Inspector (First Shift 5:00am - 1:30pm)

Aptiv; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Referral bonus

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Aptiv in Garden Grove, CA is hiring an In-Process Inspector to embed in the production flow and verify conformance from incoming materials through work-in-progress stages. You will check wire preparation, crimps, and harness assemblies against engineering drawings and customer specifications.

Responsibilities include documenting nonconformances, providing real-time feedback to prevent defects, and maintaining 5S and safety in the work area.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to ITAR regulations.
• 1–3 years of in-process or incoming inspection experience in high-reliability manufacturing.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 and J-STD-001 certifications preferred.
• Ability to read technical drawings and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Perform Incoming (IQC) inspections on cable/connector components and record non-conformances before production release.
• Inspect harness assemblies during WIP to ensure conformance and identify defects.
• Verify wire preparation and contact crimps per customer and industry standards (IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001).
• Compare products against engineering drawings and customer specifications during in-process inspection.
• Provide real-time feedback to prevent defects and ensure conformity before next operation.
• Document nonconforming products and initiate disposition workflows.
• Record objective evidence of compliance in job traveler and quality records.
• Utilize calibrated inspection tools as part of manufacturing operations.
• Maintain accurate job-time tracking using the shop clock system.
• Release conforming products to the next production stage.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Read & interpret drawings

Documentation & record-keeping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Optical comparators

IPC/WHMA-A-620

J-STD-001

Job description

Job Title: In-Process Inspector

Location: Garden Grove, CA USA

Department: Quality

Reports To: Quality Lead

Job Type: Non-Exempt

Compensation: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour

Summary: At Aptiv, we inspire the world's most innovative teams by doing the right thing, the right way. As our In-Process Inspector, you are embedded within the production workflow and responsible for ensuring product conformance at every stage of manufacturing—from incoming material verification through work-in-progress inspection. You will verify wire preparation, contact crimps, and harness assemblies against engineering drawings and customer specifications during production. By catching defects early and providing real-time feedback to the production team, you play a vital role in maintaining our ‘zero-defect’ quality culture and preventing costly downstream rework. This position reports to the Quality Lead.

Leadership & Core Responsibilities

• Perform Incoming (IQC) inspections on job-specific cable and connectors, checking for and recording non-conformances prior to production release.
• Inspect harness assemblies during work in progress (WIP) to ensure conformance and identify process indicators or defects at each production stage.
• Inspect wire preparation and contact crimps for defects per customer and/or industry standard (IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001).
• Verify product conformance directly against engineering drawings, customer specifications, and industry standards during in-process inspection operations.
• Provide real-time production feedback during in-process inspections to prevent defects and ensure conformity prior to the next operation.
• Identify and document nonconforming products discovered during in-process inspection operations and initiate required disposition workflow.
• Record objective evidence of compliance within the job traveler and quality records as part of the manufacturing process.
• Utilize calibrated inspection tools and test equipment as part of defined manufacturing operations.
• Maintain accurate job-time tracking during all inspection processes using the company’s shop clock system.
• Release conforming product for the next production stage in accordance with acceptance authority.
• Champion and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area (5S). Comply with all safety, regulatory, and company policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Quality Lead.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) due to ITAR regulations.
• 1-3 years of in-process or incoming inspection experience in a high-reliability manufacturing environment (aerospace, defense, or medical cable/harness assembly is highly preferred).
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 and J-STD-001 certifications are strongly preferred.
• Must be able to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
• Proficient in using standard inspection tools, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and optical comparators.
• Strong understanding of AS9100/ISO9001 quality system principles.
• Good English communication skills (reading and writing) and basic computer proficiency.
• Demonstrates a high level of attention to detail and organizational skills.

Certifications & Competencies

Systems Proficiency: Google Workspace / ADP / Syspro / QMS.

Core Competencies: Strong communication, sound judgment, teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Additional Rewards

This position is eligible for a $2.00 per hour shift differential for working on the 2nd shift. The company also offers a competitive variety of benefits, including a referral bonus and a sign-on bonus.

Compensation, Benefits & Legal

Total Rewards & Compensation: The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.00 per hour. Exact compensation will depend on experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. For benefits and career opportunities, visit https://www.aptiv.com/careers.

EEO Statement

Aptiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities). We adhere to all federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination and strictly prohibit workplace harassment of any kind.