Quality Control Inspector Lead

chaosindustries; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CHAOS Industries seeks a Lead Quality Control Inspector Lead to oversee hardware inspection in Los Angeles. You will supervise incoming, in-process, and final inspections to ensure parts meet engineering drawings and quality standards, guiding a team of inspectors in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You’ll work with Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, and Production to address nonconforming hardware, drive NCRs, and continuously improve inspection procedures, tools, and documentation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Quality Control Inspection in manufacturing/defense.
• Experience leading or mentoring inspectors or quality personnel.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specs, and GD&T.
• Hands-on with precision measuring instruments and dimensional inspection.
• Experience with AS9100/ISO 9001 or similar QMS.
• Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspections of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical components and assemblies.
• Verify hardware conformity against drawings, specifications, workmanship standards, and procedures.
• Interpret GD&T and technical docs to evaluate product quality.
• Lead daily inspection activities, coordinate priorities, and mentor Inspectors.
• Support NCRs, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Quality Control

Leadership / Mentoring

GD&T interpretation

Dimensional inspection

Communication

Problem-solving

Tools

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

ERP/MES systems

Job description

CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage-domain dominance. The company's products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats. CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, and London. For more information, please visit www.chaosinc.com .

About the Role

CHAOS Industries is seeking a Lead Quality Control Inspector Lead to support our growing hardware manufacturing operations in Los Angeles. In this hands-on leadership role, you will oversee day-to-day inspection activities, ensure hardware meets engineering drawings and quality requirements, and help maintain consistent inspection standards throughout the production process. You will work closely with Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, and Production teams to identify nonconforming hardware, resolve inspection-related issues, and support the delivery of high-quality products. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in precision mechanical and electromechanical inspection, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to guide and mentor other inspectors in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Quality Inspection & Control

• Perform and oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspections of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical components and assemblies.
• Verify hardware conformity against engineering drawings, specifications, workmanship standards, and established inspection procedures.
• Perform dimensional inspections using precision measurement tools, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other inspection equipment.
• Interpret engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and technical documentation to evaluate product quality.
• Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming materials or assemblies, ensuring proper segregation and disposition through established quality processes.

Inspection Leadership & Coordination

• Lead daily inspection activities, coordinate priorities, and help ensure inspection tasks are completed in alignment with production schedules.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Quality Control Inspectors.
• Promote consistency in inspection methods, documentation, and adherence to established quality standards.
• Collaborate with Production and Quality Engineering teams to address inspection bottlenecks and resolve quality-related issues.
• Support the development and improvement of inspection procedures, checklists, and work instructions.

Quality Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate inspection records, quality documentation, and product traceability within applicable manufacturing and quality systems.
• Support nonconformance reporting (NCR), root cause investigations, and corrective and preventive actions.
• Identify recurring defects, inspection trends, and opportunities to improve manufacturing quality and efficiency.
• Ensure inspection tools and equipment are properly maintained and calibrated.
• Support internal audits and compliance with applicable quality management systems and industry standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Quality Control Inspection within a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or precision hardware environment.
• Experience leading, training, or mentoring inspectors or other manufacturing quality personnel.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and GD&T.
• Hands-on experience with precision measuring instruments and dimensional inspection techniques.
• Experience inspecting mechanical and electromechanical components and assemblies.
• Knowledge and experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar quality management systems.
• Knowledge and experience with AS9102
• Familiarity with nonconformance documentation, inspection records, and quality control processes.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing production needs, and collaborate across teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, electronics, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), optical measurement systems, or other advanced inspection equipment.
• Knowledge of IPC workmanship standards, including IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620.
• Experience working with ERP, MES, or electronic quality management systems.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting inspection activities in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing