Inspector

GKN Aerospace; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

GKN Aerospace is seeking an Inspector who will verify product characteristics and associated manufacturing documentation using a range of inspection techniques. The role requires reviewing parts flow, ensuring conformance to specs, and following blueprints and operation sheets in a manufacturing environment.

The candidate will perform first article inspections, support root cause analysis, and maintain a safety-focused approach while adhering to GKN’s quality standards and Lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with manufacturing experience.
• Experience in first article, in-process, and final inspection methods.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and lean manufacturing required.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions and blueprints.
• Strong documentation and communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Verify product characteristics and manufacturing documentation using inspection techniques.
• Inspect and review parts flow through production stages for conformance.
• Ensure parts meet customer specs and operation sheets per blueprints.
• Follow safety, health, and environmental policies and site procedures.
• Perform first article inspections and delegated inspection processes as needed.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conformances.
• Collaborate with internal/external customers and lean teams.

Skills

First article inspection

Lean processes

Quality documentation review

English proficiency

Manufacturing quality

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Apprenticeship/Associate degree (technical)

Tools

CMM inspection

AS9100 knowledge

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Responsible for the verification of product characteristics and associated manufacturing documentation and other quality records, utilizing a range of inspection techniques and methods including, but not limited to visual, mechanicals, automated, contact and non-contact. This responsibility will be discharged under the authority delegated by quality.

This position is designated as safety-sensitive under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Job Responsibilities

• Utilize micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision inspection tools for Inspection processes
• Inspect, review and approve parts flow through various stages of operations.
• Ensure quality parts are aligned with customer specs and requirements based on operation sheets and blueprints.
• Exemplifying a safety-first mind-set and ensuring that the GKN Aerospace Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards are followed.
• Responsible for performing inspection processes as described by the product work instructions and/or other directions.
• Responsible for performing first article inspections in line with site operating policies, procedures and work instructions.
• Responsible for execution customer and regulatory delegated inspection processes as authorized by those parties. Responsible for maintaining those delegated authorities once granted.
• Support root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce/eliminate non-conformances
• Maintain positive, team relationships with internal and external customers, as well as co-workers
• Support continuous improvement of production and inspection processes by implementing Lean initiatives

Job Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High school Diploma or GED Equivalent
• 3+ years of experience in first article, in-process, and final inspection methods and techniques and following relevant work instructions within a manufacturing environment.
• 1+ years of experience with AS9100 series requirements.
• 1+ years of experience working with LEAN processes and practices.
• Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder due to program security clearance requirements and/or SSA requirements.
• This job role requires proficiency in English, both verbal and written, that is sufficient to understand and effectively follow written safety procedures, company policies, work instructions, operations manuals, and more in a manufacturing environment.
• Reliable and satisfactory attendance is an essential job function of this role and is critical in meeting operations and business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• GKN Experience
• CMM inspection Experience
• Experience in an Aerospace operating environment
• Apprenticeship, Associate’s Degree in a technical subject or equivalent.
• Awareness of AS9100 series requirements.
• Previous delegated product acceptance authority granted by an Aerospace OEM or regulatory authority.
• Familiarity with 3D model based Engineering

Compensation Range: The compensation range for this position is between $22.00 - $27.00

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We arethe place where human dreams, plus humanendeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.