Quality Inspector - 2nd Shift

5th Axis Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay with bonus

100% company-paid medical coverage

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Career advancement opportunities

Team events

Job summary

5th Axis is seeking a detail-oriented Quality Inspector to protect the quality of incoming materials, work-in-process components, and finished products through dimensional inspection and clear communication with manufacturing teams.

You’ll perform receiving, first-article, in-process, and final inspections, read blueprints and documentation, apply GD&T, and use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, and PC-DMIS as needed in a fast-paced precision-manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Read blueprints, travelers, routers, and inspection documentation.
• Apply GD&T principles when inspecting tight tolerances.
• Perform receiving, first-article, in-process, and final inspections.
• Identify nonconformances and document disposition.
• Communicate inspection results clearly with Quality and Production teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform receiving, first-article, in-process, and final inspections.
• Inspect raw materials, work-in-process components, and finished products against requirements.
• Read blueprints, travelers, routers, and inspection documentation.
• Apply GD&T principles when inspecting components.
• Use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, bore gauges.
• Run existing CMM programs when qualified; PC-DMIS experience is a plus.
• Record results and maintain traveler and router documentation.
• Support disposition of nonconforming materials or components.

Skills

Reading blueprints

GD&T knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication

Team-oriented

Prioritization

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or technical education

Tools

PC-DMIS

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Pin gauges

Bore gauges

Epicor ERP

Job description

Build Your Future in Precision Quality at 5th Axis

At 5th Axis, we’re global leaders in precision machining, automated production, and turnkey manufacturing solutions. From advanced workholding systems to zero-point technology, we design, build, and deliver solutions that empower machinists and manufacturers worldwide.

If you’re detail-oriented, understand precision measurement, and take pride in ensuring every component meets exact requirements, this is an opportunity to build—or advance—your quality career.

Where Precision, Inspection, and Quality Come Together

As a Quality Inspector, you’ll help protect the quality of incoming materials, work-in-process components, and finished products through dimensional inspection, accurate documentation, and clear communication with manufacturing teams. You’ll perform receiving, first-article, in-process, and final inspections based on your experience and demonstrated capabilities.

Candidates with different levels of relevant experience may be considered. Internal level placement and responsibilities will be based on demonstrated inspection skills, experience, technical knowledge, and ability to work independently.

What the Job Looks Like

• You receive a precision-machined component and review the blueprint, traveler, and inspection requirements.
• You use calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection equipment to verify dimensions and tolerances.
• You perform first-article, in-process, final, or receiving inspections based on production needs.
• A component does not meet specifications—you identify and document the nonconformance and help determine the appropriate next step.
• You communicate inspection results clearly to Quality, Production, and other affected teams.
• Depending on your experience, you may run existing CMM programs or create inspection documents for the production floor.

What You’ll Do Here

• Perform receiving, first-article, in-process, and final inspections.
• Inspect raw materials, work-in-process components, and finished products against applicable requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, travelers, routers, work instructions, and inspection documentation.
• Apply GD&T principles when inspecting precision-machined components.
• Use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, bore gauges, and other standard inspection equipment.
• Run existing CMM inspection programs when qualified; PC-DMIS experience is a plus.
• Accurately record inspection results and maintain traveler and router documentation.
• Identify, document, and support the disposition of nonconforming materials or components.
• Create or assist with inspection documents and instructions for the production floor.
• Communicate inspection results and quality concerns clearly and respectfully.
• Work closely with Quality, Production, Machining, and other departments to resolve issues.
• Maintain organized and accurate quality records.
• Follow established safety, quality, and inspection procedures.
• Support multiple inspection priorities in a fast-moving precision-manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Bring

• A high school diploma or equivalent; an associate degree or relevant technical education is a plus.
• Previous experience or training in quality inspection, precision manufacturing, machining, or a related technical field.
• The ability to read and interpret blueprints and manufacturing documentation.
• Knowledge of GD&T; experience inspecting tight tolerances is strongly preferred.
• Experience using precision-measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, and bore gauges.
• Experience performing receiving, first-article, in-process, or final inspections.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• The ability to focus on precision work while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive, team-oriented approach to identifying and resolving quality concerns.
• Experience running CMM inspection programs is a plus; PC-DMIS experience is preferred.
• Machining experience is preferred but not required.
• Trigonometry knowledge is a plus.
• Experience with Epicor or another ERP system is a plus.

Who This Role Is Ideal For

• Developing inspectors looking to expand their dimensional-inspection and GD&T skills.
• Manufacturing employees with inspection experience who want to build a career in Quality.
• Machinists interested in transitioning their blueprint, tolerance, and measurement knowledge into inspection.
• Experienced quality inspectors ready to perform more complex inspections with greater independence.
• CMM operators who also enjoy hands-on inspection using standard measurement equipment.
• Detail-focused professionals who take pride in accuracy, documentation, and protecting product quality.
• Candidates who value continuous learning and opportunities for advancement.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Competitive pay with performance-based bonus opportunities
• 100% company-paid medical coverage available for employees
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with up to a 5% company match
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Training and meaningful opportunities for career advancement
• A supportive, non-corporate culture where your ideas matter
• Company-sponsored team events and activities

Ready to Build Your Quality Career With Us?

This is more than checking dimensions. It’s an opportunity to protect the precision behind every product, work alongside experienced manufacturing professionals, and continue developing your inspection expertise.

5th Axis is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, value different perspectives, and believe everyone has the ability to make an impact.