Quality Inspector Lead

Karman Space & Defense; South El Monte (CA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Company-paid life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in South El Monte, CA, is seeking a Quality Inspector Lead to ensure precision and compliance for critical space and defense components. You will perform complex inspections, guide and train inspectors, and help maintain the integrity of our quality systems.

You will lead AS9102 First Article Inspection processes, interpret results, and drive corrective actions, ensuring adherence to industry standards and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written comprehension and communication.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of algebra, geometry, and engineering principles.
• Experience with measurement tools such as height gages and calipers.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards and QMS processes.
• Experience in quality control/assurance within manufacturing.
• Ability to interact across all levels of the organization.
• Understanding of audits for customers and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Performs dimensional and mechanical inspections to verify conformance.
• Executes AS9102 FAI processes and prepares inspection reports.
• Uses precision instruments (calipers, micrometers, profilometers, ultrasonic tools, gages).
• Interprets results, compares to specs, and recommends dispositions.
• Leads and trains a team of quality inspectors.
• Develops inspection protocols to improve efficiency.
• Investigates out-of-spec conditions and recommends corrective actions.
• Reviews/approves inspection reports for accuracy.
• Monitors finished products for quality and customer standards.
• Prepares detailed reports identifying deviations and corrective actions.

Skills

Excellent oral and written

Problem-solving abilities

Algebra and geometry

Engineering principles

Measurement tools calibration

ISO 9001 and AS9100

Detail orientation

QMS reporting knowledge

Quality control/assurance in manuf

Audits knowledge (customer/supplier)

Education

Four-year degree or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Quality Inspector Lead

Full Time South El Monte, CA, US

Salary Range: $32.00 To $38.00 Hourly

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 Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission‑critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high‑performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

As a Quality Inspector Lead, you will help ensure the precision, accuracy, and compliance of components and assemblies that support critical space and launch programs. You will perform complex inspections, guide and train inspectors, and help maintain the integrity of our quality systems. Your work directly supports reliable hardware delivery, strong customer confidence, and consistent adherence to industry and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Performs dimensional and mechanical inspections of parts, components, and assemblies to verify conformance with blueprints, engineering specifications, and customer requirements.
• Executes AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) processes and prepares inspection reports.
• Uses precision measurement instruments such as calipers, micrometers, profilometers, ultrasonic tools, thread gages, and pin gages to assess conformity.
• Interprets test results, compares findings to specifications and control limits, and recommends appropriate data disposition.
• Leads, trains, and supports a team of quality inspectors, providing guidance on inspection methods, workflows, and best practices.
• Develops and implements inspection protocols and procedures to improve inspection efficiency and effectiveness.
• Investigates out‑of‑specification conditions and failures, recommending corrective actions.
• Reviews and approves inspection reports, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Monitors and inspects finished products to maintain compliance with quality and customer standards.
• Prepares detailed reports on inspection results, identifying deviations and supporting corrective action processes.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written comprehension.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Knowledge of algebra and geometry.
• Broad understanding of engineering principles.
• Experience using and calibrating measurement tools such as height gages and calipers.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality standards.
• Four‑year degree or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in quality control or quality assurance within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, communication skills, and ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Working knowledge of customer and supplier audits, customer specifications, and related quality processes.
• Understanding of quality management system (QMS) reporting, record keeping, and procedural compliance.

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 equipment.
• Ability to see clearly at approximately 20 inches or less; corrective lenses may be worn.
• Prolonged periods of repetitive movement.
• Constant holding, grasping, turning, or working with 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.

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 Include

• 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.

Monday - Friday: 5:00am - 3:40pm
Saturday: 5:00am - 3:40pm