Inspection/Quality Manager

Confidential; Lincoln (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking an Inspection Manager to oversee visual, dimensional, FAI, in-process and final inspections, ensuring AS9100 compliance, customer flow-downs, and internal quality standards. This role supports launch vehicle programs, emphasizing precision, traceability, and on-time delivery.

You will lead inspection activities, develop KPIs, improve efficiency, interpret drawings and GD&T, approve FAI, supervise staff, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain and

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of aerospace dimensional inspection experience in a precision machining environment.
• 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in inspection or quality.
• Expert-level knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and aerospace drawings.
• Strong ability to interpret customer specifications and flow-down requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all inspection activities from incoming to final inspection.
• Develop and monitor inspection KPIs (cycle time, right-first-time, escape rate).
• Improve inspection processes through standardization and automation where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and AS9102 FAI requirements.
• Supervise, train, and develop inspection personnel; support hiring and performance management.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Programs.
• Support audits and nonconformance management.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce defects and rework.

Skills

Aerospace inspection

Leadership

Quality systems

Communication

Tools

PC-DMIS

Calypso

Job description

We are in search of an Inspection Manager. This role oversees visual inspection, dimensional inspection, first article inspection (FAI), in-process and final inspection, and ensures compliance with AS9100, customer flow-down requirements, and internal quality standards. The Inspection Manager plays a critical role in supporting launch vehicle programs by ensuring precision, traceability, and on-time delivery.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and oversee all inspection activities (incoming, in-process, final, and source inspection).
• Develop and monitor inspection KPIs (e.g., inspection cycle time, FAI right-first-time, escape rate).
• Improve inspection efficiency through process optimization, standardized methods, and automation where applicable.
• Ensure accurate interpretation of engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Oversee and approve AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI) and inspection documentation.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer flow-downs, and internal quality procedures.
• Supervise, train, and develop inspection personnel; support hiring and performance management.
• Maintain calibration and proper use of measurement and test equipment (M&TE).
• Support production schedules while ensuring inspection integrity and on-time delivery.
• Review and approve inspection reports, certifications, and quality records.
• Identify quality risks, trends, and systemic issues; drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Support nonconformance management, MRB activities, and root cause analysis.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Programs.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Establish and track inspection KPIs (FAI right-first-time, cycle time, escape rate).
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce defects, rework, and inspection inefficiencies.

What You’ll Need:

• 7–10 years of aerospace dimensional inspection experience in a precision machining environment.
• 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in inspection or quality.
• Expert-level knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and aerospace engineering drawings.
• Strong experience with CMM programming and operation (e.g., PC-DMIS, Calypso, or similar).
• Thorough understanding of AS9100 and AS9102 FAI requirements.
• Ability to interpret customer specifications, flow-down requirements, and contract documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to Have:

• Experience supporting launch vehicle, spaceflight, or defense programs.
• Experience with tight-tolerance, high-reliability components (valves, fluid control, pressure systems).
• Familiarity with SPC, measurement uncertainty, and metrology best practices.