Quality Inspector 1

Hanwha Aerospace USA; Cheshire (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Valpaks Engineering, LLC (A Hanwha Company) in Cheshire, CT, seeks a Quality Inspector to verify parts throughout production and ensure FAA PMA conformity. A strong GD&T background is required to gatekeep quality and protect airworthiness.

Responsibilities include incoming verification, in‑process and final inspections, NCR handling, documentation, M&TE, and continuous improvement with audits and FAA support.

Qualifications

• Strong background with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and work instructions.
• Familiarity with AS9100/ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Minimum 3 years aerospace inspection experience (PMA/OEM/MRO).

Responsibilities

• Incoming & Supplier Verification: Inspect materials, verify certifications, ensure PMA compliance.
• In-Process Inspection: Conduct GD&T checks, verify drawings and instructions, monitor tooling calibration.
• Final Inspection & Product Release: Perform final verification, validate markings and traceability, review records.
• Nonconforming Material Control: Identify, segregate, and document NCRs, disposition with engineering.
• Documentation & Records: Maintain legible, traceable records, support audits and reviews.
• Measuring & Test Equipment: Verify calibration, record usage, report damaged tools.
• Compliance & Continuous Improvement: Ensure FAA/regulatory compliance, support audits and corrective actions.
• Safety & Airworthiness: Maintain safety-first approach, stop production if unsafe conditions.

Skills

GD&T

Engineering drawings reading

AS9100/ISO 9001 familiarity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certification or associate degree in aerospace/manufacturing

Tools

Keyence vision systems

Job description

Position Summary

Valpaks Engineering, LLC (A Hanwha Company) is seeking a Quality Inspector who would be responsible for performing inspection and verification activities throughout the production process to ensure that all parts manufactured under the FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) conform to type design, approved data, and regulatory requirements. Strong background with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is required. The Quality Inspector acts as a quality gatekeeper to prevent nonconforming products from advancing, ensuring airworthiness, safety, and compliance are met.

Quality Inspector

Location: Cheshire, CT

Department: Quality Assurance

Reports To: Quality Director

Key Responsibilities

Incoming & Supplier Verification

• Inspect and verify incoming raw materials, components, and outsourced processes.
• Confirm supplier certifications (C of C, MTRs, special process certs).
• Ensure supplier‑provided items meet FAA/ PMA requirements and flow‑down obligations including Receiving Inspection checks.

In-Process Inspection

• Conduct dimensional, visual, and functional checks at defined stages of production.
• Verify compliance with approved drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Monitor use of production tooling and ensure calibration status is current.
• Document in‑process inspections on travelers, checklists, or digital systems.

Final Inspection & Product Release

• Perform final verification to ensure parts meet design and airworthiness standards.
• Validate part markings, traceability, and configuration control.
• Review all supporting records prior to release.
• Approve or reject lots based on GD&T compliance.
• Support issuance of FAA Form 8130-3 when applicable.
• Willingness to assist the Project Engineers with reverse engineering tasks during breaks/downtime in production needs.

Nonconforming Material Control

• Identify, tag, and segregate nonconforming products.
• Initiate and document nonconformance reports (NCRs).
• Coordinate with engineering and quality management on disposition.
• Prevent unauthorized rework, repair, or use of rejected material.

Documentation & Records

• Maintain inspection records that are legible, traceable, and complete.
• Ensure records comply with quality record requirements.
• Support audits, customer reviews, and FAA surveillance activities.

Measuring & Test Equipment (M&TE)

• Verify that inspection equipment is calibrated and suitable for use.
• Record equipment use where required for traceability.
• Report damaged or out‑of‑tolerance tools immediately.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure conformance with FAA regulations, internal QMS procedures, and customer requirements.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Report quality escapes and assist in root cause/corrective action activities.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and improve efficiency.

Safety & Airworthiness

• Maintain a safety‑first approach in all inspection activities.
• Stop production and notify management if unsafe or non‑airworthy conditions are identified.
• Support reporting in‑service feedback and quality escapes.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in aerospace inspection, preferably with FAA PMA, OEM, or MRO.

background. (Automotive Industry inspection history is also acceptable).

• Familiarity with AS9100/ISO 9001 quality systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical certification or associate degree in aerospace/manufacturing preferred.
• Prior experience with Keyence brand vision systems is a plus but not required.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail, recordkeeping, and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with production, engineering, and quality teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive inspection tasks.
• Capable of lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted.
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform detailed inspections.
• Can pass color blindness testing.

Physical Demands / Work Capacity Evaluation

The essential functions of this position may vary based on specific assignments, work locations, and operational needs. Physical capability is evaluated through a post‑offer, pre‑employment Human Performance Evaluation (HPE), which assesses an individual’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable laws.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform.

Why Valpaks Engineering?

Valpaks Engineering LLC is building a next‑generation PMA organization focused on engineering‑driven solutions, strong supplier partnerships, and accelerated time‑to‑market. This role offers the opportunity to shape supplier strategy, influence product launches, and grow with a rapidly developing aerospace company.