Quality Lead Inspector - AS9100 Aerospace

Light Composites, Inc.; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Light Composites, Inc. in Poway, CA is seeking a Quality Inspector Lead who will perform in-process and final inspections, lead inspectors, and coordinate assignments to keep production flowing.

The role requires AS9102 FAI knowledge, GD&T interpretation, and experience in AS9100/ISO 9001 shops; strong communication and documentation discipline are essential.

You will be at the inspection stations, train new inspectors, and escalate issues to the QC Supervisor as needed.

Qualifications

• 4+ years quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with standard inspection tools: calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with first article inspection (AS9102).
• Experience in AS9100 or ISO 9001 certified shop.
• Strong communication skills — able to explain measurement findings clearly to production and report status to the supervisor.
• Attention to detail and documentation discipline — inspection records must be complete and accurate.
• Floor presence — this role leads by being at the inspection stations, not from a desk.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-process and final inspections per QCIPs, using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, and CMM.
• Execute first article inspections (FAI) per AS9102 requirements.
• Apply 100% inspection and heightened documentation rigor on high-risk programs: 1062 1064 1087 1093 1126 1157 1161 1169 1199 1209.
• Record all measurement data accurately in the LTCQC system.
• Perform receiving inspections on incoming materials per approved procedures.
• Assign inspectors to in-process stations, final inspection, and receiving based on production flow.
• Rebalance assignments when production priorities shift, inspectors are absent, or inspection queues build up.
• Coordinate with production leads on first article timing to minimize wait times.
• Track inspection throughput and flag bottlenecks to the QC Supervisor.
• Communicate end-of-shift status — what was inspected, what's on hold, what needs attention.
• Train new inspectors on measurement techniques, QCIP reading, and LTCQC data entry.
• Be the first escalation point when inspectors encounter ambiguous specs or measurement questions.
• Coach inspectors on GD&T interpretation.
• Initiate nonconformance reports when defects are found and ensure suspect product is quarantined.
• Verify calibration status of inspection equipment before use.
• Support internal and external audits with inspection records and process walk-throughs.
• Maintain organized inspection stations and ensure measurement tools are properly stored.

Skills

GD&T interpretation

AS9102 knowledge

Communication

Attention to detail

Lead coordination

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Pin gauges

Thread gauges

Job description

Light Composites, Inc. in Poway, CA is seeking a Quality Inspector Lead who will perform in-process and final inspections, lead inspectors, and coordinate assignments to keep production flowing.

The role requires AS9102 FAI knowledge, GD&T interpretation, and experience in AS9100/ISO 9001 shops; strong communication and documentation discipline are essential.

You will be at the inspection stations, train new inspectors, and escalate issues to the QC Supervisor as needed.