Job Title: Senior Quality InspectorJob Description
The Senior Quality Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring that complex aerospace and defense components meet stringent quality and compliance standards. This position focuses on inspecting parts, subassemblies, tooling, and raw materials, interpreting engineering documentation, and using precision measurement tools and automated inspection equipment to verify conformance to specifications. The role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to high-impact aerospace programs in a fast-growing, collaborative manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Follow established quality procedures, work instructions, engineering drawings, and planning documents to perform accurate and consistent inspection activities.
Perform detailed inspections on parts, subassemblies, tooling, and raw materials to confirm adherence to dimensional, functional, and specification requirements.
Inspect welded assemblies and components at receiving, in-process, and final stages to verify dimensional accuracy, functionality, and compliance with 3D models and engineering specifications.
Review engineering drawings, specifications, and process instructions to fully understand inspection requirements and acceptance criteria.
Conduct inspections using visual methods, precision measuring tools, and automated inspection equipment to validate that parts meet tight tolerance ranges.
Verify conformance of parts before and after processing operations, ensuring that all manufacturing and finishing steps maintain required quality standards.
Record inspection data clearly and accurately, and enter results into computer systems to support disposition decisions regarding acceptance or rejection of product.
Track and log nonconforming and scrap material, maintaining thorough documentation to support quality investigations and continuous improvement efforts.
Document inspection results, maintain accurate records, and generate reports as needed to communicate findings to Quality, Engineering, and Production teams.
Perform equipment calibration activities and support internal audits to maintain compliance with applicable quality standards and calibration system requirements.
Complete First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102 requirements, ensuring that initial production parts meet all customer and regulatory specifications.
Operate as a key inspector in support of quality and compliance initiatives, contributing to root cause analysis and corrective action processes when issues arise.
Use Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), FARO arm, optical systems, and other automated inspection equipment to perform complex dimensional inspections.
Collaborate closely with Quality Engineers, Manufacturing teams, and Production personnel to resolve quality issues, clarify requirements, and support continuous improvement.
Work independently with minimal supervision, managing inspection priorities and ensuring that all assigned work is completed accurately and on time.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 6 years of mechanical inspection experience, preferably within an aerospace or regulated manufacturing environment.
High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade school training preferred.
Strong proficiency in Blueprint Reading and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ANSI Y14.5.
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, schematics, and technical documents.
Hands-on experience performing First Article and in-process inspections in alignment with AS9102 and aerospace quality standards.
Proficient use of precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs).
MUST HAVE experience using a FARO arm for dimensional inspection and verification of complex geometries.
Ability to work with inspection tools and measuring equipment within typical tolerance ranges of approximately ±0.010.
Experience using automated inspection equipment such as CMMs, optical systems, and surface plates for complex dimensional checks.
Capability to compile clear, accurate inspection reports and enter data into quality and production systems without errors.
Understanding of root cause analysis and corrective action processes to support resolution of quality issues.
Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise measurement and handling of components.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Technical or trade school training in machining, inspection, or a related discipline is preferred.
Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements and aerospace documentation practices.
Working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality standards and their application in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with Quality Management Systems and NADCAP processes for special manufacturing and treatment operations.
In-depth understanding of GD&T principles and practices in accordance with ANSI Y14.5.
Experience operating and programming Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) for complex part inspection.
Knowledge of calibration systems and standards such as ANSI Z540-1, along with experience using calibration software.
Familiarity with welding standards including D17.1 and D17.2 for aerospace welded structures and components.
Internal auditing experience within a quality system is a plus.
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification is preferred and considered a strong asset.
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams in a fast-paced environment.
Interest in career growth, leadership development, and taking on broader responsibilities as the organization expands.
Work Environment
This position is based on the manufacturing floor within the Quality department, providing hands-on exposure to production operations and critical aerospace programs. The Senior Quality Inspector works closely with Quality Engineers, Manufacturing teams, and Production personnel to ensure product quality and compliance throughout the manufacturing process. The dedicated NDT team is currently lean, with two inspectors and plans to expand to four, creating a highly visible role where individual contributions have immediate impact. The broader environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with Quality, Engineering, and Operations working together to solve problems and support long-term aerospace programs. As the company continues to grow and secure major programs, employees have the opportunity to broaden their responsibilities, develop new technical and leadership skills, and advance their careers within a scaling organization. The role is structured on a first shift schedule, typically starting at 5:30 a.m. or 6:30 a.m for an 8-hour shift, providing consistent daytime hours. The dress code reflects a manufacturing environment, requiring appropriate shop-floor attire and the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in production areas. This position is well-suited for individuals who enjoy being on the production floor, engaging directly with manufacturing processes, and playing a critical role in maintaining quality standards on high-visibility aerospace programs.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Simi Valley, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Simi Valley,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
