IQA/FQA Inspector

Photon Kinetics, Inc; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 43,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Photon Kinetics, Beaverton, Oregon, is seeking an IQA/FQA Inspector to perform incoming quality inspection on purchased materials and final inspection on assemblies prior to shipment.

This hands-on role sits at the intersection of supplier quality and customer protection, requiring meticulous documentation, calibrated tools, and attention to detail in a precision manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of quality inspection in manufacturing environment with precision equipment/electronics/fiber optics preferred.
• Experience with incoming material inspection and final product acceptance testing.
• Proficient with precision measurement tools: calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, go/no-go gauges.
• Working knowledge of AQL sampling plans and lot acceptance procedures.
• Experience with MRB processes and non-conformance documentation.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 35 lbs regularly.
• Manual dexterity for precision measurement and inspection tool operation.
• Visual acuity for detailed inspection (corrected vision acceptable).
• US work eligibility and ability to pass background check.
• Willingness to work overtime to support shipping schedules.

Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming materials per IQA procedures and sampling plans.
• Execute AQL-based sampling plans by lot size and inspection level.
• Identify and flag fiber optic components for correct specification conformance.
• Track and report incoming rejection rate trends to the Quality lead.
• Perform final quality inspection on completed units before release to shipping.
• Verify traceability and documentation completeness for all inspected items.
• Report FQA first-pass yield and escalate recurring failure patterns.
• Initiate and process MRB dispositions with documentation of options and outcomes.
• Support supplier corrective action requests with inspection data and evidence.
• Flag trends in inspections to the Quality lead.

Skills

Precision measurement tools

AQL sampling plans

MRB processes

Manual dexterity

Visual acuity

Overtime availability

Standing for long periods

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in quality technology or related field

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Optical comparators

Go/no-go gauges

Job description

IQA/FQA Inspector — Incoming & Final Quality Assurance

Operations | Beaverton, Oregon, US | Permanent Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Supply Chain & Quality Manager

About Photon Kinetics

Photon Kinetics is the world’s trusted standard in optical fiber testing and measurement solutions. For more than 40 years, our instruments have helped fiber and cable manufacturers deliver the performance that enables high-speed communication networks around the globe. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using our equipment. As the world moves deeper into AI-driven computing and hyperscale data centers, the demand for precise measurement and reliable optical infrastructure continues to grow. Photon Kinetics is applying its expertise in measurement science, automation, and precision systems to help build the connectivity backbone that powers the next generation of data and AI technologies.

Role Overview

The IQA/FQA Inspector performs incoming quality inspection on purchased materials and final quality inspection on completed assemblies prior to shipment. This role sits at the intersection of supplier quality and customer protection — every unit that leaves the facility passes through this position. Day-to-day work involves executing sampling plans, performing dimensional and functional verification, maintaining calibrated inspection tools, and producing audit-ready documentation. When nonconformances appear, this role initiates MRB dispositions and provides inspection data to support supplier corrective actions. This is a hands-on, detail-critical role in a precision manufacturing environment. The right person applies inspection standards consistently, documents thoroughly, and raises quality concerns without yielding to schedule pressure. Career progression toward Quality Coordinator is available for candidates who develop analytical and systems-level capability over time.

What You Will Achieve in Year One

• Inspection Coverage Without Backlog: Achieve consistent IQA throughput that keeps pace with incoming material volume, ensuring no uninspected parts enter production and no completed units wait on final inspection clearance.


• MRB Process Ownership: Demonstrate full ownership of the MRB cycle — initiating dispositions promptly, documenting nonconformances completely, and driving average cycle time from initiation to disposition to under an agreed target.


• Zero Escapes on Final Inspection: Establish a track record of FQA accuracy with no defects escaping to customers, supported by complete, audit-ready inspection records for every released unit.

Key Responsibilities

Incoming Quality Inspection

• Inspect incoming purchased materials per IQA procedures and sampling plans.


• Execute AQL-based sampling plans appropriate to lot size and inspection level.


• Identify and flag fiber optic components — connectors, fiber types, and optical assemblies — for correct specification conformance.


• Track and report incoming rejection rate trends to the Quality lead.

Final Quality Inspection

• Perform final quality inspection on completed units before release to shipping.


• Verify traceability and documentation completeness for all inspected items.


• Report FQA first-pass yield and escalte recurring failure patterns.


• Initiate and process MRB dispositions, including documentation of disposition options and outcomes.


• Support supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) with inspection data and objective evidence.


• Flag trends in incoming or final inspection failures to the Quality lead.

Documentation & Records

• Document inspection results and maintain quality records per QMS requirements.


• Maintain audit-ready records — complete, accurate, and traceable to inspected lots and units.


• Track documentation completeness rate as an ongoing performance metric.

Calibration & Equipment

• Calibrate and maintain inspection tools and equipment per calibration schedule.


• Operate calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, go/no-go gauges, and related precision measurement tools.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.


• 2+ years of quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment — precision equipment, electronics, or fiber optics preferred.


• Experience with incoming material inspection and final product acceptance testing.


• Proficiency with precision measurement tools: calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, go/no-go gauges.


• Working knowledge of AQL sampling plans and lot acceptance procedures.


• Experience with MRB processes and non-conformance documentation.


• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 35 lbs regularly.


• Manual dexterity sufficient for precision measurement and inspection tool operation.


• Visual acuity adequate for detailed inspection of components and assemblies (corrected vision acceptable).


• Must be eligible to work in the United States and pass a background check.


• Willingness to work overtime as needed to support shipping schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in quality technology, electronics, or a related field.


• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems.


• Experience with fiber optic components — connectors, fiber types, and optical assemblies.


• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certification.

Why This Role Is Different

• Last line of defense — this role directly determines what reaches the customer. Inspection calls matter and are treated that way.


• No pressure to pass bad parts. Quality decisions are made on standards, not schedule.


• Clear path to Quality Engineer or Quality Supervisor for candidates who grow their analytical and systems-level capability.


• Work on precision fiber optic test equipment — technically interesting product in a specialized, growing industry.

Why Join Photon Kinetics

You’ll work on technologies that enable the next wave of AI and data center innovation. At Photon Kinetics, you’ll join a highly skilled, collaborative team where your contributions directly impact the products and relationships that connect the world. You’ll have visibility and influence in a company recognized globally for engineering excellence, precision, and trusted performance. We value different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The best solutions come from teams that think differently.