Quality Assurance Inspector

Xona Space; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space is seeking a Quality Assurance Inspector to support incoming, in-process, and final inspections within its satellite AIT facility. You will verify materials, components and assemblies meet engineering specs, document results, and maintain traceability across the build.

This role collaborates with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain and Quality Engineering to prevent defects and ensure quality.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, space, electronics, or precision manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and digital work instructions.
• Familiarity with GD&T and dimensional inspection.
• Experience with mechanical and/or electrical assembly inspection.
• Proficiency with hand tools, torque tools, and PCB test equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Teamwork and clear communication in multi-disciplinary teams.
• HS diploma; ASQ certification or related experience is a plus.
• IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certs are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming inspection of purchased parts, components, PCBA’s and other materials against drawings, specs, PO's and certificates.
• Conduct in-process inspections at predetermined process steps during satellite assembly, integration and test builds.
• Assist final inspection of completed sub-assemblies and satellites; measure and document results for records.
• Record inspection results in QMS/MES/ERP systems to ensure traceability.
• Identify, document and communicate nonconformities; support containment and disposition activities.
• Support first article, receiving, sampling inspections as production volumes require.
• Adhere to safety and 5S; maintain a cleanroom-like environment and proper ESD practices.

Skills

Quality inspection

Read drawings & BOMs

GD&T knowledge

Hand tools & test equipment

Documentation & traceability

Teamwork & communication

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

ASQ certification or related experience

IPC-A-610 certification

J-STD-001 certification

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

Oscilloscopes

Multimeters

PCB test equipment

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.

With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

Xona is looking for a Quality Assurance Inspector to support quality inspection activities within a satellite Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) production facility. The QA Inspector will perform incoming receiving inspection, in-process, and final inspections to verify that materials, components, modules, assemblies, and completed satellites meet engineering requirements, functional performance and desired quality acceptance standards.

This role works closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain and Quality Engineering to identify issues early, prevent defects from progressing through the build, and maintain accurate inspection records and product traceability.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform incoming inspection of purchased parts, components, PCBA’s and other materials against drawings, specifications, purchase orders, certificates, and other applicable quality requirements.

• Conduct in-process inspections at predetermined process steps throughout the satellite assembly, integration and test build stages.

• Support the final inspection process for completed sub-assemblies and satellites prior to crating and storage. Measure, record, test and document specific results and data as part of the final inspection procedures.

• Use standard inspection equipment including calipers, micrometers, gauges, optical equipment, and other measurement equipment and tooling as required.

• Accurately document inspection results in the company’s QMS/MES/ERP systems as a critical part of the digital build record and traceability.

• Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming conditions; support containment and disposition activities as necessary

• Support first article, receiving, sampling, and other special inspection activities as production volumes and supplier performance monitoring necessitates

• Adhere to all safety and 5S protocols and help maintain a cleanroom-like environment and proper ESD-safe practices during satellite assembly and inspection.

What You Bring:

• 3+ years of experience in quality inspection, manufacturing inspection, or a similar hands-on manufacturing environment; aerospace, defense, space, electronics, or precision mechanical manufacturing preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, and digital work instructions. Experience working with QA and Manufacturing software tools.

• Familiarity with dimensional inspection and functional GD&T knowledge.

• Experience with mechanical and/or electrical assembly inspection preferred

• Proficiency with hand tools, torque tools, and PCB test/inspection equipment; multimeters, ohmmeters, DC power supplies, oscilloscopes, and other lab test equipment.

• Strong attention to detail and disciplined approach to documentation and traceability.

• High level of teamwork, clear communication and collaboration. Able to work with diverse, talented and multi-disciplinary teams.

• Organized, detail-oriented, trustworthy and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training, ASQ certification, or related experience is a plus.

• Current or past certification in IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 is a plus.

For U.S. Roles:

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

For U.K. Roles:

To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

For Canada Roles:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.