Quality Control Inspector I/II - Paso Robles, CA

Zone 5 Technologies; Paso Robles (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company-match

3 weeks PTO

Sick time

Holiday time

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies in Paso Robles, CA seeks a Quality Control Inspector I/II to perform production inspections of hardware in line with drawings and specs. You will support conformity, traceability, and production flow while collaborating with Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations.

Level I focuses on basic inspections, while Level II adds independent inspections, higher complexity, and greater autonomy in communicating status and risks. Strong attention to detail is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training preferred.
• 0–2 years in manufacturing, inspection, electronics, machining or related work.
• 1–4 years in aerospace/high‑reliability inspection for Level II.
• Ability to read and follow basic engineering drawings and instructions.
• Proficiency with inspection equipment and documenting results.
• Strong attention to detail and problem elevation.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual, dimensional, and functional inspections per plans.
• Escalate issues and potential nonconformances through channels.
• Level II: independently inspect receiving, in‑process, and final hardware.
• Maintain inspection records and traceability across activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Read engineering drawings

Inspection documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

IPC‑A‑610

IPC/WHMA‑A‑620

Job description

Quality Control Inspector I/II - Paso Robles, CA

Paso Robles, California, United States

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

Role Summary

The Quality Control Inspector, Level I/II, performs production inspections of hardware in accordance with established procedures, engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards. Inspectors are authorized to perform inspection activities only within the inspection environments for which they are trained and/or formally qualified. The role supports product conformity, traceability, and manufacturing flow while working closely with Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Inspection Execution & Production

Level I

• Perform assigned visual, dimensional, and functional inspections within qualified areas using established inspection plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria, with guidance from Quality personnel as needed.
• Use applicable inspection equipment correctly and maintain accurate inspection discipline in support of production priorities.
• Escalate inspection issues, unclear requirements, and potential nonconformances through established channels.

Level II

• Inclusive of all Level I responsibilities and adding the following:
• Independently perform receiving, in-process, and/or final inspection activities within qualified areas with limited routine supervision.
• Inspect more complex, precision, or higher-risk hardware and apply established acceptance criteria with greater autonomy.
• Communicate inspection status, risks, and production impacts to appropriate Quality and Production personnel.

Environment-Specific Inspection & Hardware Qualification

Level I

• Perform inspections within formally trained and qualified Avionics and/or Mechanical / Structures environments.
• Inspect assigned hardware using applicable dimensional, visual, electrical, optical, and/or workmanship inspection methods.
• Maintain proficiency in inspection methods and equipment applicable to the assigned area with training and support as required.

Level II

• Inclusive of all Level I responsibilities and adding the following:
• Perform inspection of more complex hardware and characteristics within qualified environments.
• Apply a broader range of inspection methods, equipment, and applicable workmanship or industry standards.

Engineering Drawing Interpretation & Inspection Requirements

Level I

• Read and apply engineering drawings, specifications, travelers, inspection instructions, and applicable workmanship standards within assigned qualification areas, with support when requirements are unclear or require interpretation.
• For Avionics and/or Electronics inspection activities, apply applicable IPC‑A‑610 and/or IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 requirements when referenced by the inspection plan, drawing, specification, or other governing documentation.
• Verify applicable revision and configuration requirements.
• Identify unclear, conflicting, or potentially nonconforming requirements and elevate them for clarification.

Level II

• Inclusive of all Level I responsibilities and adding the following:
• Independently interpret drawings, specifications, inspection instructions, and basic GD&T, as applicable to assigned inspection activities.
• Independently apply applicable IPC‑A‑610, IPC/WHMA‑A‑620, and/or other workmanship standards when required by the inspection plan or governing documentation.
• Apply established engineering and quality requirements to routine inspection plan criteria with limited assistance.
• Recognize requirements that require Engineering or Quality interpretation or disposition and elevate them appropriately.

Inspection Documentation, Traceability & Product Quality

Level I

• Accurately document inspection results and maintain product identification, configuration, and traceability in accordance with established procedures.
• Identify, document, and contain suspected nonconformances and elevate conditions outside established acceptance criteria.
• Complete inspection documentation for Mechanical / Structures, Avionics, and/or Electronics activities as applicable, and elevate to leadership when unable to achieve valid results.

Level II

• Inclusive of all Level I responsibilities and adding the following:
• Independently maintain inspection records and traceability with limited oversight.
• Accept or reject product within qualified areas and established authority.
• Initiate and document nonconformances in accordance with applicable procedures when inspection results do not yield clear or valid results.

Quality, Compliance & Inspection Standards

Level I

• Follow applicable Quality Management System, safety, FOD, cleanliness, ESD, and inspection requirements.
• Apply applicable engineering and workmanship standards, including IPC‑A‑610 and/or IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 for Avionics and/or Electronics activities when specified.

Level II

• Inclusive of all Level I responsibilities and adding the following:
• Support limited specialized inspections, including basic first article, verification, and/or process verification activities as assigned.
• Enforce quality, workmanship, and inspection requirements in existing work centers with limited supervision.

Cross-Functional Communication & Inspection Support

Level I

• Communicate inspection results, issues, and questions through established channels.
• Work effectively with Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations in support of assigned inspection activities.
• Provide inspection input regarding methods, equipment, and practical inspection requirements when requested.

Level II

• Inclusive of all Level I responsibilities and adding the following:
• Independently communicate inspection results, quality risks, and production impacts to appropriate stakeholders.
• Coordinate routine inspection issues with Production, Quality, and/or Engineering with limited supervisory involvement.
• Provide greater input on inspection methods, equipment, and requirements for new or revised hardware and processes.

Required Qualifications

Level I

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical, vocational, or hands‑on manufacturing training is preferred.
• 0–2 years of manufacturing, inspection, electronics, machining, assembly, or related technical experience; equivalent hands‑on training may be considered.
• Ability to read and follow basic engineering drawings, specifications, inspection instructions, travelers, and other applicable work instructions with appropriate guidance.
• Ability to use basic inspection equipment and accurately document inspection results and traceability.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize and elevate questionable or nonconforming conditions.
• Ability to work effectively with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Operations while following established procedures and escalation paths.

Level II

• Inclusive of all Level I qualifications and adding the following:
• 1–4 years of manufacturing, aerospace, high‑reliability, or related inspection experience.
• Proficiency in engineering drawing interpretation and basic GD&T IAW ASME Y14.5 applicable to assigned inspection activities.
• Working knowledge of applicable inspection and workmanship standards, including IPC‑A‑610 and/or IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 for Avionics and/or Electronics activities, or appropriate dimensional inspection methods for Mechanical / Structures.
• Demonstrated ability to perform assigned inspections independently and exercise sound acceptance/rejection judgment within qualified areas.
• Ability to interpret routine inspection requirements and resolve or appropriately elevate questions with limited supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

Level I

• Technical, vocational, or hands‑on training related to manufacturing, inspection, electronics, machining, composites, mechanical assembly, or a related discipline.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with basic dimensional, visual, optical, electrical, and/or workmanship inspection methods and electronic quality records.

Level II

• Inclusive of all Level I qualifications and adding the following:
• Prior experience inspecting precision hardware, complex assemblies, or other high‑reliability products.
• Working familiarity with applicable IPC‑A‑610, IPC/WHMA‑A‑620, AS9102 First Article Inspection, or other inspection‑specific industry standards.
• Additional qualifications, certifications, or training such as ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT), ISO 9001 or AS9100 internal auditor training, GD&T training to ASME Y14.5, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional (GDTP) training, NDT training or certification, or other inspection‑specific technical programs.

Level I: $22.59 - $27.89/hr.

Level II: $27.90 - $33.20/hr.

Pay range for this role

$22.59 - $33.20 USD

What's in it for you:

• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 3 weeks of paid time off each year
• 40 hours of sick time
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting‑edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify:https://www.e-verify.gov.

As set forth in Zone 5 Technologies’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.