Quality Inspector

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Quality Inspector (Incoming & CMM Operator) to verify the quality and conformance of incoming materials and assemblies, using CMMs and structured measurement processes.

You will interpret drawings (GD&T) and ensure traceability and compliance before release to production. Reporting to the Quality Manager/Lead, you will collaborate with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering and Supplier Quality, perform first article inspection, maintain

Qualifications

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience with inspection tools and measurement devices
• Knowledge of AS9100 and NCR processes beneficial
• Basic computer skills for data entry and record keeping

Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming materials, components, and assemblies against drawings, POs, and AS9100 standards
• Ensure traceability and proper identification of all incoming products
• Record inspection data in reports and QMS/ERP systems
• Perform first article inspection (FAI) documentation support
• Identify nonconformances and support containment and disposition with Quality team
• Support calibration control and maintenance of inspection tools
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supplier Quality

Skills

GD&T interpretation

Print reading

Inspection data entry

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training in inspection/metrology

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

CMM operations

Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting‑edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost‑effective solutions to market.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Quality Inspector (Incoming & CMM Operator) is responsible for verifying the quality and conformance of incoming materials, components, and assemblies, while operating Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) using pre-programmed routines. This role ensures that all incoming product meets engineering, customer, and regulatory requirements prior to release into production.

Positioned between a Quality Lead and a CMM Programmer, this role combines hands‑on inspection capability with strong print interpretation and requirements understanding, while executing structured measurement processes using calibrated inspection equipment.

This position reports to the Quality Manager or Quality Lead and works closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supplier Quality to ensure incoming quality, traceability, and compliance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Perform inspection of incoming materials, components, and assemblies against:
  • Engineering drawings and specifications
  • Purchase order requirements
  • Customer and regulatory standards (AS9100)
  • Verify dimensional, visual, and documentation compliance prior to acceptance
  • Ensure all incoming product is properly identified, tagged, and traceable
  • Support receiving inspection processes aligned to MP&L and Supply Chain
  • Final inspection of product & assist in generating certificates of conformity
  • Validating processes and maintaining adherence to aerospace standards, for complete serial‑number and lot‑level traceability
• Load, fixture, and align parts for accurate measurement execution
• Execute inspection routines and verify output data integrity
• Identify out‑of‑tolerance conditions and elevate appropriately
• Ensure proper handling, calibration awareness, and care of inspection equipment

Print Reading & Requirements Interpretation

• Interpret engineering drawings including:
  • GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
  • Critical‑to‑quality characteristics
  • Dimensional and tolerance requirements
  • Understand part requirements and inspection criteria
  • Validate inspection results against defined acceptance criteria

Documentation & Data Entry

• Record inspection results in:
  • Inspection reports
  • First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation (AS9102 support)
  • QMS systems (UniPoint) and/or ERP/PLM systems
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and traceable inspection records
  • Ensure inspection data is aligned to part configuration and revision

Nonconformance Identification & Control

• Identify and document nonconforming material
• Support containment activities including segregation and tagging
• Generate or support Nonconformance Reports (NCRs)
• Interface with Quality Engineer and Supplier Quality Engineer on disposition

Cross‑Functional Support

• Interface with:
  • Supply Chain / Receiving – incoming material flow and documentation
  • Manufacturing – acceptance of parts into production
  • Engineering – clarification of drawing/specification requirements
  • Quality Engineering – root cause and corrective action support
  • Ensure alignment between inspection results and operational needs
  • Ensure use of calibrated inspection tools and equipment
  • Follow calibration control processes and equipment handling procedures
  • Maintain cleanliness and proper setup of inspection areas and equipment

Continuous Improvement & Quality Discipline

• Support improvements in incoming inspection processes and workflows
• Identify recurring supplier or part issues and elevate trends
• Reinforce standard work and inspection consistency
• Support AS9100 compliance and audit readiness

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Works under direction of the Quality Manager / Quality Lead

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Hands‑on experience with inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc.)
• Ability to operate CMM equipment using pre‑programmed routines
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Understanding of inspection processes and quality requirements
• Ability to document and communicate inspection results clearly
• Basic computer skills (Excel, data entry systems)

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace or AS9100‑regulated environment
• Familiarity with UniPoint (QMS) and/or Costpoint ERP
• Experience supporting FAI (AS9102) documentation
• Basic understanding of CMM programming concepts (not required to program)
• Exposure to root cause and corrective action processes

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2–5 years of inspection or quality experience in manufacturing environment

Preferred

• Technical training or certification in inspection or metrology
• Experience in precision machining or aerospace components

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Shop floor and quality lab environment
• Frequent interaction with parts, components, and inspection equipment
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift materials or components up to 40 lbs
• Requires precision hand movement and attention to detail

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal (<10%)

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

EEO/M/F/D/V

#LI-Onsite

• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Pay Transparency

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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