Quality Inspector

Light Composites, Inc.; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Light Composites, Inc. in Poway, CA is seeking a Quality Inspector Lead who will perform in-process and final inspections, lead inspectors, and coordinate assignments to keep production flowing.

The role requires AS9102 FAI knowledge, GD&T interpretation, and experience in AS9100/ISO 9001 shops; strong communication and documentation discipline are essential.

You will be at the inspection stations, train new inspectors, and escalate issues to the QC Supervisor as needed.

Qualifications

• 4+ years quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with standard inspection tools: calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with first article inspection (AS9102).
• Experience in AS9100 or ISO 9001 certified shop.
• Strong communication skills — able to explain measurement findings clearly to production and report status to the supervisor.
• Attention to detail and documentation discipline — inspection records must be complete and accurate.
• Floor presence — this role leads by being at the inspection stations, not from a desk.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-process and final inspections per QCIPs, using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, and CMM.
• Execute first article inspections (FAI) per AS9102 requirements.
• Apply 100% inspection and heightened documentation rigor on high-risk programs: 1062 1064 1087 1093 1126 1157 1161 1169 1199 1209.
• Record all measurement data accurately in the LTCQC system.
• Perform receiving inspections on incoming materials per approved procedures.
• Assign inspectors to in-process stations, final inspection, and receiving based on production flow.
• Rebalance assignments when production priorities shift, inspectors are absent, or inspection queues build up.
• Coordinate with production leads on first article timing to minimize wait times.
• Track inspection throughput and flag bottlenecks to the QC Supervisor.
• Communicate end-of-shift status — what was inspected, what's on hold, what needs attention.
• Train new inspectors on measurement techniques, QCIP reading, and LTCQC data entry.
• Be the first escalation point when inspectors encounter ambiguous specs or measurement questions.
• Coach inspectors on GD&T interpretation.
• Initiate nonconformance reports when defects are found and ensure suspect product is quarantined.
• Verify calibration status of inspection equipment before use.
• Support internal and external audits with inspection records and process walk-throughs.
• Maintain organized inspection stations and ensure measurement tools are properly stored.

Skills

GD&T interpretation

AS9102 knowledge

Communication

Attention to detail

Lead coordination

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Pin gauges

Thread gauges

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

Full Time Poway, CA, US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1005

Salary Range: $23.00 To $28.00 Hourly

Job Description

Full-Time | Reports to QC Supervisor | Rev 1

Lead Quality Control AS9100 Composite MFG

Why This Role Exists

Production departments need timely inspections. The QC Lead performs inspections alongside the team and also coordinates daily inspector assignments so the right inspectors are at the right stations at the right time. This role is the first escalation point when inspectors have measurement questions or encounter ambiguous specs.

This is a working lead — the majority of your time is spent performing inspections. Inspector assignments and measurement guidance are layered on top, not a replacement for hands‑on inspection work.

Reporting Structure

QC Lead (this role)

QC Inspectors

The QC Supervisor owns department performance, staffing, NCR dispositions, and QMS system administration. The QC Lead handles daily inspector assignments, answers measurement questions on the floor, and escalates spec interpretation issues or nonconformance decisions to the supervisor.

Scope & Authority

This is a working inspector role with coordination responsibility. The lead performs inspections, guides less experienced inspectors, and keeps the inspection queue moving to avoid production bottlenecks.

Assign inspectors to stations and jobs based on production priorities and supervisor direction

Place product on hold when inspection results indicate a nonconformance

Guide inspectors on measurement techniques, gauge selection, and spec interpretation

Escalate issues to the QC Supervisor when they require disposition decisions or engineering input

Inspection (Primary)

Perform in-process and final inspections per QCIPs, using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, and CMM

Execute first article inspections (FAI) per AS9102 requirements

• Apply 100% inspection and heightened documentation rigor on high-risk programs: 1062 1064 1087 1093 1126 1157 1161 1169 1199 1209
• Record all measurement data accurately in the LTCQC system
• Perform receiving inspections on incoming materials per approved procedures

Inspector Coordination

Assign inspectors to in-process stations, final inspection, and receiving based on production flow and supervisor priorities

Rebalance assignments when production priorities shift, inspectors are absent, or inspection queues build up

Coordinate with production leads on first article timing to minimize wait times

Track inspection throughput and flag bottlenecks to the QC Supervisor

Communicate end-of-shift status — what was inspected, what's on hold, what needs attention

Training & Support

Train new inspectors on measurement techniques, gauge usage, QCIP reading, and LTCQC data entry

Be the first escalation point when inspectors encounter ambiguous specs or measurement questions

Coach inspectors on GD&T interpretation and proper datum referencing

Quality System Support

Initiate nonconformance reports when defects are found and ensure suspect product is quarantined

Verify calibration status of inspection equipment before use

Support internal and external audits with inspection records and process walk-throughs

Maintain organized inspection stations and ensure measurement tools are properly stored

Requirements

• 4+ years quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proficient with standard inspection tools: calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Experience with first article inspection (AS9102)
• Experience working in an AS9100 or ISO 9001 certified shop
• Strong communication skills — able to explain measurement findings clearly to production and report status to the supervisor
• Attention to detail and documentation discipline — inspection records must be complete and accurate
• Floor presence — this role leads by being at the inspection stations, not from a desk

Preferred

• CMM programming and operation experience
• Experience in a lead or senior inspector role
• Background in aerospace or medical device quality inspection
• Bilingual English/Spanish

What This Role Is Not

Clear boundaries help set expectations for candidates and the team.

This role does not handle performance reviews, pay decisions, or disciplinary actions. Those are the QC Supervisor's responsibilities. The lead directs daily inspection assignments and flags people issues to the supervisor.

Not a quality engineer.

This role does not own CAPAs, manage the corrective action system, or make disposition decisions on nonconforming product. Those are quality engineering and supervisor functions. The lead initiates NCRs and provides inspection data for disposition.

The responsibilities above are the job. If the department needs a dedicated quality engineer or metrology specialist, those are separate roles.