Luna Innovations is hiring a Quality Inspector to join our Quality team in Blacksburg, Virginia. You'll be the hands-on quality gatekeeper for our Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) systems and swept laser products-the high-precision instruments and light sources that enable distributed fiber optic sensing, component-level test and measurement, and advanced research applications across aerospace, defense, energy, telecommunications, and beyond.
OFDR technology is uniquely positioned at the intersection of test & measurement and sensing. Luna's OFDR platforms and swept wavelength lasers are used to characterize fiber optic networks with millimeter-level spatial resolution, perform distributed strain and temperature measurements on composite structures, and test next-generation photonic components. As demand for these capabilities grows-driven by everything from structural health monitoring on aircraft to emerging AI datacenter interconnects-this role ensures that every product leaving our Blacksburg facility meets the performance and reliability standards our customers depend on.
Why This Role Matters
When a customer uses a Luna OFDR system to map strain across a 50-meter composite wing spar or a swept laser to characterize photonic devices at sub-picometer resolution, they're trusting that every component was built and inspected to exacting specifications. That trust starts with you. You'll inspect incoming optical, electronic, and mechanical components, verify in-process assemblies against engineering drawings and test requirements, 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, fiber optic assemblies, opto-mechanical parts, electronic subassemblies (printed circuit boards), 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 (calipers, optical power meters, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, 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, revised designs, and new supplier qualifications.
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, oscilloscopes, 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 (fiber coupled components and printed circuit boards)
ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification.
Hands-on calibration experience with optical and dimensional 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 OFDR platforms and swept laser products are trusted by aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, telecom providers, and research institutions worldwide for both precision test & measurement and distributed sensing applications. 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 world's leading aerospace, defense, and telecommunications organizations.
Innovation-driven culture: join a team where quality is valued as a competitive advantage, not just a compliance requirement.
New River Valley location: Blacksburg, VA is home to Virginia Tech, offering a vibrant college-town atmosphere, world-class outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and an affordable cost of living.
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.
