Quality Inspector III - 1st Shift

Howmet; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is seeking a Quality Assurance Inspector III in Fullerton, CA to ensure precision machined parts meet aerospace standards and customer specs. This role supports safety, compliance, and reliability in aerospace manufacturing.

You will perform in-process inspections, read aerospace drawings (GD&T per ASME Y14.5), verify tolerances, prepare FAI per AS9102, and maintain traceability records. Strong measurement tool experience and AS9100/NADCAP familiarity are highly valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 5+ years in machining inspection experience (aerospace preferred).
• 1+ years of using precise measurement equipment including calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, height gauges, surface plates, optical comparators, thread gauges, plug gauges, and surface roughness testers.

Responsibilities

• Inspect machined components using precision tools and verify dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes against drawings.
• Read and interpret aerospace drawings (GD&T per ASME Y14.5) and ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, FAA requirements.
• Complete inspection reports and FAI per AS9102, maintain traceability records, and document nonconformances.
• Perform in-process inspections during machining operations and verify setups, tooling, and process parameters.
• Check material certifications, heat treatment records, and ensure full traceability of aerospace components.

Skills

Quality inspection

Measurement tools

GD&T

AS9100

CMM

Documentation

Blueprint reading

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

CMM

Optical comparators

Thread gauges

Surface roughness testers

Job description

Job Info

• Job Identification: 119299
• Job Category: Operations
• Posting Date: 09/03/2026, 09:38 PM
• Locations: 1425 Acacia Ave, Fullerton, CA, 92831, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule: Full time
• Export-Controlled Data: This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items
• Currency Code: US Dollar

Responsibilities

Role Summary

A Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector III 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)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• 5+ 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 $29.00 - $32.00 per hour.

About Us

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers' success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email [e-mail]

About the Team

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we're the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.