QUALITY TECHNICIAN - SR. QUALITY TECHNICIAN - Mechanical Systems - Quality Control

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX seeks a Quality Technician in the Applied Power Division to inspect precision components and support R&D projects. You will perform first-article and in-process inspections, verify conformance to requirements, and document results with GD&T and CMM data.

Overtime offers opportunities to grow into advanced CMM inspection and programming. Applicants must be U.S.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical training and substantial on-the-job quality inspection experience.
• 2-10 years quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Experience operating CMMs; interest in learning CMM programming.
• Experience creating fixtures to stabilize parts for accurate measurement.
• Driver's license required.
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Perform first-article, in-process, and final inspections using precision measurement tools.
• Conduct FAIs and review manufacturing documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Use CMM equipment to support dimensional inspections (programming not required).
• Assist with validating inspection results and interpreting data.
• Improve methods for complex, tight-tolerance features and inspection efficiency.
• Complete inspection reports, quality records, and traceability documentation.
• Support calibration control of equipment and nonconforming material tracking.
• Collaborate with engineering to resolve quality concerns and support audits.

Skills

GD&T understanding

CMM operation

Blueprint reading

Quality inspection

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Technical training

Tools

CMM equipment

CMM programming interest

Job description

Who We Are:

We are R&D problem-solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients; since 1947 we work toward the betterment of humankind, pushing the boundaries of science and technology to develop solutions. As a Quality Technician in Applied Power Division, you'll inspect custom components for critical R&D projects, working directly with machinists and engineers in a hands-on lab environment. Ability to obtain a security clearance is required. By joining our team, you will receive an additional $500.00 in your first paycheck (minus applicable taxes).

Objectives of this Role:

Help ensure every part we deliver meets customer requirements and internal quality standards by performing accurate dimensional inspections on complex, tight-tolerance components. Your work directly supports product performance and customer confidence. Use your inspection experience, GD&T understanding, and familiarity with CMMs to perform and support dimensional verification activities. Overtime, you'll have the opportunity to expand your skills into advanced CMM inspection and programming. Work closely with engineering and leadership to identify issues early, provide clear feedback, and support ongoing quality and process improvements. Bring a positive attitude, strong attention to detail, and a team-first mindset. Be willing to learn new tools and methods, take on tasks beyond your initial job description, and support the broader team wherever quality and problem-solving are needed.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Perform first-article, in-process, and final inspections using precision measurement tools to verify conformance to requirements.
• Conduct and document FAIs and review manufacturing documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Use CMM equipment to support dimensional inspections (programming experience not required) and assist with validating inspection results.
• Help interpret inspection data, and over time, contribute to improved methods for complex, tight-tolerance features and inspection efficiency
• Complete inspection reports, quality records, and traceability documentation, and assist with calibration control of equipment.
• Help identify and track nonconforming material, support root cause and corrective actions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the team by performing in-process inspections, communicating trends and issues, and collaborating with engineering to resolve quality concerns.
• Assist with audits, safety practices, and cross-functional teamwork to ensure quality and customer requirements are met.
• Take instruction and direction to follow tasks safely and accurately from senior staff.

Requirements:

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant technical training and substantial on-the-job experience in quality inspection.
• 2-10 years: Quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably with precision machined components.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Experience operating CMMs for inspection is strongly preferred; interest in learning CMM programming over time is a plus.
• Experience creating fixtures to stabilize parts for accurate measurement.
• Experience working in a job shop or high-mix, low-volume custom manufacturing environment is a plus.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Applied Power home page.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.