Quality Control Inspector

Veeco Instruments Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

401(k) with Company Match

Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life and Accident Insurance

Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Identity Theft Remediation

Emergency Travel Assistance

Job summary

Veeco Instruments Inc. in San Jose, CA is seeking a Quality Control Inspector to join our manufacturing team.

You will inspect precision-machined components, assemblies, and electro-mechanical systems to ensure they meet GD&T and engineering requirements before moving to production. In this hands-on role, you will perform incoming, source, and first article inspections, document findings, and support investigations of nonconforming materials.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2–4 years of quality inspection experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, and specifications.
• Hands-on with precision measurement equipment (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, surface plates).
• Local candidates only; relocation assistance not provided.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming, source, first article inspections and non-conforming material reviews of precision-machined components, subassemblies, and electro-mechanical systems.
• Verify conformance to engineering drawings, GD&T, purchase orders, specifications, and quality standards.
• Identify and contain nonconforming material to prevent impact to production and customer requirements.
• Document inspection results and support investigations of non-conforming materials.
• Maintain calibration and traceability records in SAP and quality systems.

Skills

GD&T knowledge

Dimensional metrology

Inspection experience

ERP systems - SAP

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

ASQ Certification (preferred)

Associate degree in Manufacturing/Engineering Tech

Tools

SAP

Micrometers/Calipers

Height gauges/Surface plates

Job description

About Veeco
You probably don’t realize it, but what we do at Veeco touches the lives of every person, every day. It’s a bold statement, but it’s true. From the smartphones in our pockets that access the world’s collective knowledge, to the cloud-based services where all that information lives, to high-speed wireless communication and computing power needed to drive artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us.

We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our customers to create the essential devices that drive the digital age, connect the world, and improve the human experience. Along with the world’s leading technology companies, many of which are household names, we help solve their most difficult material science challenges, enabling technologies for a more connected, sustainable, and convenient world.

We’re looking for material difference-makers to join our growing team. Interested? Learn more at www.veeco.com/careers .

OVERVIEW

Shape the Quality Behind the World's Most Advanced Semiconductor Technologies

At Veeco, we're building the technologies that enable the next generation of AI, advanced packaging, high-performance computing, and semiconductor innovation. The quality of every component, assembly, and manufacturing process directly impacts the performance and reliability of the systems trusted by leading semiconductor manufacturers around the world. Quality is not simply a requirement at Veeco, it's a key contributor to our ability to innovate, scale, and deliver world-class products.

As a Quality Control Inspector, you are the first line of defense for product quality within our San Jose manufacturing operation. In this highly visible role, you will help ensure that precision-machined components, assemblies, and electro-mechanical systems meet demanding engineering and quality requirements before they move through production, protecting manufacturing flow, product performance, and customer satisfaction.

In this hands-on position, you will apply substantial inspection knowledge and sound judgment to perform material inspections at incoming, including source inspections and first article inspections (FAI’s). You’ll be documenting findings and supporting the investigations of non-conforming materials. Your work will directly strengthen manufacturing continuity, build quality, traceability, and on-time delivery of advanced products manufactured in our San Jose facility.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform Precision Inspection

• Perform incoming, source inspections, first article inspections and non-conforming material reviews of precision-machined components, subassemblies, and electro-mechanical systems using appropriate inspection methods and equipment.
• Verify conformance to engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, purchase orders, specifications, and quality standards.
• Select established inspection methods and use judgment to address moderately difficult measurement or documentation issues.
• Identify and contain nonconforming material to prevent impact to production, product quality, or customer requirements.
• Ensure tools are maintained and calibrated to ensure suitability.

Support First Article Inspection and Product Introduction

• Conduct and document First Article Inspections for new suppliers, prototype parts, engineering changes, and New Product Introduction activities.
• Review inspection results, identify discrepancies, and recommend updates to inspection plans, control plans, or documentation based on findings.
• Coordinate with Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Procurement, and suppliers to clarify requirements and resolve inspection-related issues.

Investigate Quality Issues and Recommend Solutions

• Support investigations of failed, returned, or nonconforming parts using structured problem-solving and root cause analysis methods.
• Analyze inspection data and recurring defects, communicate findings, and recommend corrective or preventive actions.
• Escalate complex, high-risk, or recurring issues to Quality Engineering or management with clear documentation and supporting evidence.

Maintain Compliance and Traceability

• Record inspection results, First Article Inspection documentation, nonconformance records, and material disposition activity in SAP and applicable quality systems.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and traceable quality records in accordance with company procedures and quality system requirements.
• Support internal audits, calibration compliance, and the consistent application of inspection procedures.

Share Technical Knowledge

• Serve as an experienced technical resource for inspectors and manufacturing personnel on established inspection practices, drawing interpretation, and measurement techniques.
• Provide peer guidance and share best practices without formal supervisory or team-lead responsibility.
• Contribute to process improvement activities that strengthen inspection consistency, quality, and operational efficiency.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of quality inspection experience in a precision manufacturing environment, including inspection of tight-tolerance machined components, assemblies, or electro-mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Hands-on proficiency with precision measurement equipment such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, pin gauges, thread gauges, and surface plates.
• Experience documenting inspection results and nonconforming material in an ERP or quality documentation system.
• Local candidates only; relocation assistance is not provided.

Preferred

• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Quality, or a related field.
• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector, Certified Quality Technician, or comparable certification.
• Experience in semiconductor capital equipment, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, medical device, or another highly engineered production environment.
• Experience supporting First Article Inspection, supplier qualification, engineering changes, or New Product Introduction activities.
• CMM operation experience; programming experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, Statistical Process Control, sampling plans, and basic process capability concepts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Substantial working knowledge of dimensional metrology and inspection methodology.
• Ability to independently complete a wide range of established inspection tasks and use judgment when resolving moderately difficult issues.
• Ability to make well-supported recommendations while recognizing when escalation or engineering guidance is required.
• Strong proficiency in reading engineering drawings and applying GD&T requirements during inspection.
• Ability to conduct and document First Article Inspections accurately and consistently.
• Working knowledge of root cause analysis, corrective action, Statistical Process Control, and sampling techniques.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and supplier teams.
• Proficiency with SAP or a comparable ERP system, quality documentation systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining accuracy, traceability, and quality standards.

Salary and Benefits The expected salary range for this position is $53,000—$71,000, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay.

Other benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life and Accident Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Identity Theft Remediation
• Emergency Travel Assistance

Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veeco is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.