Quality Inspector - 1st Shift

Karman Space & Defense; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a Quality Inspector to ensure the precision and conformance of internal and supplier parts for aerospace programs. You will inspect materials, review documentation, calibrate equipment, and support ISO 9001 and AS9100 compliance.

The role emphasizes meticulous inspection, data capture, and collaboration with manufacturing to maintain product reliability for mission-critical defense systems. First shift: 6:00 am–2:00 pm or 7:30 am–3:30 pm; U.S.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written comprehension.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, including algebra and geometry.
• Broad understanding of engineering principles.
• Knowledge of using and calibrating measurement tools such as height gages and calipers.
• Well versed in ISO 9000 and AS9100.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Responsibilities

• Conducts routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, finished goods, and environmental or stability samples.
• Interprets test results, compares findings to established specifications and control limits, and recommends next steps.
• Performs visual inspections of finished and unfinished products.
• Completes documentation supporting testing procedures, including data capture forms, logbooks, and inventory records.
• Calibrates, validates, and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Participates in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommends corrective actions.
• Receives and inspects raw materials and investigates questionable test results.
• Ensures cleanliness and adherence to safety standards in the inspection and laboratory areas.
• Identifies quality problems and recommends solutions.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Quality Control Manager.

Skills

Excellent oral and written compehensen

Problem solving

Math basics

Engineering fundamentals

Measurement tools

ISO 9000 / AS9100 knowledge

English proficiency

Tools

Height gauges

Calipers

CMM inspection

Job description

• Excellent oral and written comprehension.

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.

As a Quality Inspector, you will play a key role in ensuring the precision, accuracy, and overall integrity of internal and externally supplied products. You will review, inspect, and evaluate materials and documentation to confirm conformance with Karman’s quality systems, procedures, and industry standards including International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 and AS9100. This role helps maintain product reliability, supports efficient manufacturing flow, and upholds the high-quality standards essential to mission-critical aerospace and defense applications.

Responsibilities

• Conducts routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, finished goods, and environmental or stability samples.
• Interprets test results, compares findings to established specifications and control limits, and recommends next steps.
• Performs visual inspections of finished and unfinished products.
• Completes documentation supporting testing procedures, including data capture forms, logbooks, and inventory records.
• Calibrates, validates, and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Participates in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommends corrective actions.
• Receives and inspects raw materials and investigates questionable test results.
• Ensures cleanliness and adherence to safety standards in the inspection and laboratory areas.
• Identifies quality problems and recommends solutions.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Quality Control Manager.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written comprehension.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, including algebra and geometry.
• Broad understanding of engineering principles.
• Knowledge of using and calibrating measurement tools such as height gages and calipers.
• Well versed in ISO 9000 and AS9100.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 to 2 years of experience.
• Aerospace background.
• Experience with composite and metallic structures.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T and hands‑on CMM inspection experience are required, including the ability to interpret engineering drawings, understand dimensional tolerances, and verify part conformance

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing, walking, or sitting for at least 8 hours.
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying up to 50 lbs, minimum 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 fulfill requirement.
• Prolonged periods of repetitive movement.
• Constant holding, grasping, turning, or working with the hands.
• 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.

1st shift either 6:00 am - 2:00 pm or 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

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.

Benefits

• 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
• Tuition reimbursement

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.

M-F 7:30-4:00pm