Quality Inspector

Karman Space & Defense; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance

Short‑ and long‑term disability

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in Huntington Beach, CA, is hiring a Quality Inspector to support inspection of materials, documentation, and testing to ensure aerospace-grade quality. This full-time on-site role emphasizes compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining audit readiness across incoming materials, production, and finished goods.

You will calibrate equipment, analyze data, and participate in investigations to drive corrective actions and issue resolution in a fast-paced aerospace

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of algebra and geometry.
• Broad understanding of engineering principles.
• Experience using measurement tools such as height gauges and calipers.
• Knowledge of ISO 9000 and AS9100 quality systems.
• 1–2 years of quality inspection experience preferred by the source but treated as required.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Responsibilities

• Conducts routine and non-routine analyses of raw materials, in‑process materials, environmental samples, finished goods, and stability samples.
• Interprets test results, compares findings against specifications and control limits, and recommends appropriate actions.
• Performs visual inspections on finished and unfinished products.
• Completes documentation supporting testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, and inventory forms.
• Calibrates, validates, and maintains laboratory inspection equipment.
• Participates in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommends corrective actions.
• Supports regulatory submissions by providing accurate quality control data.
• Receives and inspects incoming raw materials to verify conformance.
• Investigates and reports questionable or nonconforming results.
• Maintains lab cleanliness and safety standards and identifies quality problems with recommended solutions.

Skills

Problem solving

Math basics

Engineering principles

Measurement tools

ISO 9000 / AS9100 knowledge

Quality inspection experience

English language

Tools

Height gauges

Calipers

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Quality Inspector

Q/A Full Time Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach, CA, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 3899

Salary Range: $20.00 To $27.00 Hourly

Quality Inspector

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

In this role, you contribute to product quality and compliance by inspecting materials and components, verifying documentation, and supporting testing activities that ensure finished and in‑process products meet rigorous aerospace and regulatory standards. You help maintain audit readiness, resolve quality issues, and uphold Karman’s quality programs across incoming materials, production processes, and finished goods.

Responsibilities

• Conducts routine and non-routine analyses of raw materials, in‑process materials, environmental samples, finished goods, and stability samples.
• Interprets test results, compares findings against specifications and control limits, and recommends appropriate actions.
• Performs visual inspections on finished and unfinished products.
• Completes documentation supporting testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, and inventory forms.
• Calibrates, validates, and maintains laboratory inspection equipment.
• Participates in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommends corrective actions.
• Supports regulatory submissions by providing accurate quality control data.
• Receives and inspects incoming raw materials to verify conformance.
• Investigates and reports questionable or nonconforming results.
• Maintains lab cleanliness and safety standards and identifies quality problems with recommended solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, including algebra and geometry.
• Broad understanding of engineering principles.
• Experience using and calibrating measurement tools such as height gauges and calipers.
• Knowledge of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000 and AS9100 quality systems.
• 1–2 years of quality inspection or related experience preferred by the source but treated as required due to role intent.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace industry experience.
• Experience with composite and metallic structures.

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing, walking, and sitting for at least 8 hours.
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying up to 50 lbs; minimum of 35 lbs.
• Sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less; corrective lenses may be worn to meet requirement.
• Prolonged periods of repetitive movement.
• Constant hand use including holding, grasping, and turning.
• Occasional reaching overhead, at shoulder level, and below shoulder level.
  The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions

• No travel required for this position.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.