Senior Quality Inspector

ExoTerra Resource LLC; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Paid time off (PTO)

Health benefits

Job summary

ExoTerra is seeking a Senior Quality Inspector to independently perform complex inspections, support nonconformance investigations, and guide junior inspectors. Based in Littleton, Colorado, this onsite role reports to the Quality Inspector Supervisor within the Quality Department.

You will review documentation, support First Article and source inspections, and participate in audits and process improvements while maintaining ITAR compliance and strong communication with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or associate degree preferred.
• 5-8 years of experience in manufacturing inspection or quality-related roles.
• Active IPC certifications and ability to easily maintain re-certification.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Expert proficiency with inspection tools and calibrated measuring equipment.
• Experience initiating and supporting nonconformance documentation and investigations.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize inspection activities.
• Strong communication skills for interaction with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams.
• Candidates must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control and ITAR compliance laws, which require proof that the candidate is a U.S. person.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform complex in-process, receiving, final, and floor-level inspections.
• Verify product conformity to engineering documentation, customer requirements, and quality standards for all hardware types.
• Review and approve work orders, travelers, and inspection documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Support First Article Inspection, source inspection, and production readiness activities.
• Initiate nonconformance documentation and support containment, investigation, and closure activities.
• Provide inspection details and objective evidence to support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Train and provide guidance to Quality Inspector I and II team members on inspection techniques and procedures.
• Support audit activities and process improvement initiatives as assigned.

Skills

GD&T

Inspection tools

Quality inspection

Root cause analysis

Communication

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Calibrated measuring tools

Inspection fixtures

Job description

ExoTerra is a world leader in solar electric propulsion systems and space exploration satellites. The company develops Hall Thrusters, propulsion modules, microsatellites and launch vehicle upper stages. We have been awarded multiple propulsion module and satellite contracts.

Position Summary

The Senior Quality Inspector independently performs complex inspection activities, supports nonconformance investigations, and provides guidance to less experienced inspectors. This role has full understanding of inspection requirements and works with minimal supervision. The position reports to the Quality Inspector Supervisor and is part of the Quality Department based in Littleton, Colorado. This role is onsite in Littleton, Colorado.

Essential Functions

• Independently perform complex in-process, receiving, final, and floor-level inspections.
• Verify product conformity to engineering documentation, customer requirements, and quality standards for all hardware types.
• Review and approve work orders, travelers, and inspection documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Support First Article Inspection, source inspection, and production readiness activities.
• Initiate nonconformance documentation and support containment, investigation, and closure activities.
• Provide inspection details and objective evidence to support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Train and provide guidance to Quality Inspector I and II team members on inspection techniques and procedures.
• Support audit activities and process improvement initiatives as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or associate degree preferred.
• 5-8 years of experience in manufacturing inspection or quality-related roles.
• Active IPC certifications and ability to easily maintain re-certification.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Expert proficiency with inspection tools and calibrated measuring equipment.
• Experience initiating and supporting nonconformance documentation and investigations.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize inspection activities.
• Strong communication skills for interaction with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams.
• Candidates must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control and ITAR compliance laws, which require proof that the candidate is a U.S. person.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or spacecraft manufacturing environments.
• Certification or training in metrology, GD&T, or advanced inspection methods.
• Experience supporting MRB, nonconformance reviews, or corrective action activities.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position operates primarily in manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, and production floor environments. Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout production areas for extended periods. Must be able to use hand inspection tools and calibrated measuring equipment. Occasionally required to lift and carry items up to 25 pounds. May be required to use PPE including safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, hearing protection, and ESD protection as required by the work area.

Export Control / Compliance Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

The good faith hourly range for this role is $28 - $45/hour at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base pay only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.

ExoTerra offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package and various other benefits. When you join our team, you're not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ExoTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.