Luna Innovations is hiring a Quality Inspector to join our Quality team in Chino, California. You'll be the hands-on quality gatekeeper for the optical components, optical test & measurement instruments, and terahertz measurement systems we design and manufacture-verifying that every incoming material, every in-process assembly, and every piece of calibrated equipment meets the exacting standards our customers expect.
The photonics industry is in the middle of a historic growth cycle. Demand for high-performance optical components and precision test and measurement platforms is accelerating as AI datacenters scale, silicon photonics matures, and next-generation optical networks come online. Luna's products are at the center of that momentum-and this role ensures they leave our facility ready to perform.
Why This Role Matters
When a customer uses a Luna instrument to characterize a photonic integrated circuit or validate a 400G transceiver, they're trusting that every component inside was built and inspected to specification. That trust starts with you. You'll inspect incoming optical and mechanical components, verify in-process assemblies against engineering drawings and specifications, and manage the metrology and calibration programs that keep our measurement capability traceable and audit-ready. Your work is the foundation of product quality at Luna.
What You'll Do
Incoming, In-Process, and Final Inspection
Perform incoming inspection of optical components, mechanical parts, electronic assemblies, and raw materials against engineering drawings, purchase order requirements, and approved vendor specifications.
Conduct in-process inspections at key manufacturing stages ensuring conformance to work instructions and quality plans.
Use precision measurement instruments (micrometers, calipers, optical power meters, multimeters, etc.) to verify dimensional, electrical, and optical specifications.
Document inspection results accurately, generate inspection reports, and disposition non-conforming material through the NCR (Non-Conformance Report) process.
Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues at the point of discovery, minimizing downstream impact.
Collaborate with manufacturing to conduct Final Inspections or verify their proper completeness and adherence to appropriate inspection records, verifying Final Test parameters, and completion of CoC documentation.
Support First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102 for new components and revised designs.
Calibration
Assist the Process Engineering team with the calibration program for inspection, test, and measurement equipment, ensuring all items are properly calibrated, labeled, and traceable to NIST or equivalent national standards.
Assist with performing in-house calibrations where applicable.
Evaluate measurement system capability (Gage R&R, measurement uncertainty analysis) and recommend improvements to inspection methods and tooling.
Support the selection and procurement of new inspection equipment as product lines evolve.
Quality System Support
Support internal and external audits by providing inspection records, NCR data, and process documentation.
Contribute to CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) investigations by providing inspection data and root cause analysis input.
Identify trends in incoming and in-process quality data and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Help maintain and improve inspection procedures, work instructions, and acceptance criteria as products and processes evolve.
What You Bring
Required
Associate's degree or technical certification in Quality, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field-or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably as a quality inspector in optics, photonics, electronics, or precision instrumentation.
Proficiency with precision measurement tools including calipers, optical power meters, and digital multimeters.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), and optical specifications.
Experience with non-conformance reporting, material disposition, and corrective action processes.
Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency with basic computer applications (Microsoft Office, ERP/MRP systems for quality transactions).
Preferred (Bonus Points)
Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality management system requirements.
Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.
Experience inspecting optical and electronic components or assemblies-lenses, filters, fiber optic connectors, or printed circuit boards.
ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification.
Hands-on calibration experience with optical and electronic measurement equipment.
Exposure to cleanroom or ESD-controlled manufacturing environments.
Why Luna
Luna Innovations isn't just another tech company-we're a team of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers working at the frontier of photonics. Our optical test and measurement platforms and terahertz systems help customers validate the transceivers, photonic integrated circuits, and network components that underpin the explosive growth of AI datacenters and high-speed optical communications. The photonics industry is experiencing a historic growth moment, and Luna is leading the way.
Here's what you can expect:
Competitive compensation & benefits: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a company-sponsored 401(k) with employer match.
Invest in your growth: tuition assistance, professional development funding, and support for ASQ certifications and industry training.
Work that matters: every part you inspect and every instrument you calibrate supports products used by the companies building the backbone of global optical communications.
Innovation-driven culture: join a team where quality is valued as a competitive advantage, not just a compliance requirement.
Southern California location: Chino, CA puts you in the heart of the Inland Empire with easy access to Los Angeles, Orange County, and some of the best weather in the country.
Luna Innovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
