Quality Inspector I - 1st Shift

Howmet Aerospace; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace is seeking a Quality Assurance Inspector for aerospace machining to verify precision parts meet strict specifications and regulatory standards. You will inspect components using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and CMM, interpret GD&T drawings, and maintain thorough documentation of inspections and nonconformances.

The role emphasizes in-process verification, material certification checks, and CAPA participation in a regulated aerospace environment with comprehensive

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 1+ years in machining inspection in manufacturing (aerospace preferred).
• Experience with precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMM) desired.

Responsibilities

• Inspect machined components using precision tools and verify dimensions against drawings.
• Read aerospace drawings with GD&T; ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, FAA requirements.
• Prepare inspection reports and FAI documentation per AS9102; document nonconformances and CAPA.

Skills

Precision measurement

GD&T understanding

Inspection experience

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

CMM

Height gauges

Job description

Quality Assurance Inspector - Aerospace Machining

Role Summary

A Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector in aerospace machining ensures that precision machined parts meet strict aerospace standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements. This role is critical for safety, compliance, and product reliability in aerospace manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspection & Measurement – Inspect machined components using precision tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, CMM); Verify dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Blueprint & Spec Interpretation – Read and interpret complex aerospace drawings (GD&T per ASME Y14.5); Ensure compliance with customer and industry standards (AS9100, NADCAP, FAA requirements).
• Documentation & Reporting – Complete inspection reports, First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102; Maintain accurate quality records and traceability documentation; Document nonconformances and support corrective actions.
• Process Verification – Perform in-process inspections during machining operations; Verify setups, tooling, and process parameters.
• Material & Certification Review – Check material certifications, heat treatment records, and special process documentation; Ensure full traceability of aerospace components.
• Nonconformance Handling – Identify defects and segregate nonconforming parts; Participate in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ years in machining inspection experience within a manufacturing environment (aerospace preferred).
• 1+ years of using precise measurement equipment including, but not limited to Calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, Height gauges, surface plates, Optical comparators, Thread gauges, plug gauges, Surface roughness testers.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ certification (CQI)
• Experience with FAI (AS9102) strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of: GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• Aerospace quality standards (AS9100, AS9102)
• Proficiency with: CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines)
• Inspection tools (manual and digital)
• Knowledge of: Machining processes (CNC milling, turning, grinding)
• Materials used in aerospace (aluminum, titanium, Inconel, etc.)
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Ability to read complex blueprints and specs

Work Environment

• Manufacturing or machine shop floor
• Controlled environments
• Requires standing, handling parts, and working with precision instruments

Benefits & Salary

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location.

The salary range for this position $23.00 - $26.00 per hour.