Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers
QA Inspector III - Second or Third Shift
Initial training on first shift for approximately 4-6 months
Advanced Metrology. Technical Leadership. Mission-Critical Quality.
Shift Schedule and Training
This position will be assigned to second or third shift. You'll initially work first shift for approximately 4-6 months to complete training and become proficient with our inspection equipment, processes, procedures, and quality requirements. Following this training period, you'll transition to your assigned second- or third-shift schedule.
Shift hours (Central Time):
First shift - initial training: 6:00 AM-2:30 PM
Second shift: 2:00 PM-10:30 PM
Third shift: 10:00 PM-6:30 AM
Candidates must be available to work their assigned second or third shift after the initial training period.
Additional Compensation
This position offers a $1.00-per-hour shift differential and eligibility for a 5% annual bonus based on company performance.
Put Your Inspection Expertise to Work on Marine Propulsion Components That Matter
At Fairbanks Morse Defense | Bird-Johnson Propeller Company, quality depends on skilled professionals who understand complex geometry, demanding specifications, and the realities of manufacturing.
As a QA Inspector III, you'll take ownership of challenging dimensional and non-destructive inspections, use advanced laser tracking and scanning technology, and turn inspection data into practical improvements. You'll also serve as a technical resource for fellow inspectors, working directly with engineering and operations to resolve issues and strengthen manufacturing quality.
If you enjoy hands-on inspection, technical problem-solving, and sharing your expertise, this role offers the opportunity to make a visible impact.
Why This Role Stands Out
Challenging inspection work: Apply your expertise to large, fixed-pitch propellers and complex components with demanding dimensional and quality requirements.
Advanced metrology: Work with laser trackers, scanners, point-cloud data, and inspection software to evaluate conformance and communicate findings.
Technical ownership: Independently plan and perform inspections, determine acceptability, and help resolve nonconformances.
Leadership through expertise: Mentor inspectors and provide guidance across production and engineering.
Direct manufacturing impact: Help improve processes across foundry, finishing, and machining operations.
What You'll Do
Lead complex dimensional and NDT inspections
Independently evaluate components against engineering drawings, GD&T, 3D models, customer specifications, standards, and internal procedures.
Perform visual testing (VT), liquid penetrant testing (LPT), and other NDT methods for which you are qualified; determine acceptability and guide other inspectors.
Perform and oversee Pitchometer floor layouts for large, fixed-pitch propellers, verifying pitch, contour, and balance requirements.
Apply advanced metrology
Plan, execute, and validate laser tracking and scanning inspections using FARO, Leica, Keyence, or equivalent equipment.
Manage equipment setup, alignment, data collection, and analysis.
Use PolyWorks Inspector, PolyWorks Modeler, or equivalent software to develop inspection plans, analyze point-cloud data, and produce deviation reports that support engineering and manufacturing decisions.
Resolve issues and improve processes
Perform receiving inspections of complex and critical purchased goods, partnering with suppliers and Supply Chain to clarify requirements and resolve nonconformances.
Generate, issue, and close Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) and Corrective Action Requests (CARs).
Lead or support root cause investigations and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, and Operations to resolve quality issues, support new product introduction, and improve manufacturing processes.
Strengthen quality systems and team capability
Create, review, and maintain accurate inspection records, certificates, and reports with complete traceability.
Develop and update procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, and forms.
Conduct in-process audits across foundry, finishing, and machining departments; follow findings through timely closure.
Support the Quality Manager with metrics, reporting, and customer, regulatory, and third-party audit preparation.
Mentor other inspectors, promote safe work practices, and perform additional duties assigned by the Quality Manager.
What You Bring
Availability to work first shift during the approximately 4-6-month training period and transition to an assigned second or third shift afterward.
A high school diploma or equivalent.
5-7 years of relevant manufacturing and/or inspection experience, including demonstrated experience with complex dimensional inspections and NDT.
Proficiency with precision measuring and test equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, surface plates, CMMs, and laser trackers or scanners.
The ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and 3D models.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word for inspection data, reporting, and documentation.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with production, engineering, management, customers, and suppliers.
The ability to work in a shop/foundry environment and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds, including in awkward positions.
The ability to operate forklifts, cranes, and other material-handling equipment, or obtain the required certification.
U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
Experience That Sets You Apart
Hands-on laser tracking or scanning experience with FARO, Leica, Keyence, or equivalent systems, including inspection routines and analysis reports.
Experience with PolyWorks Inspector and PolyWorks Modeler, or equivalent metrology software.
Formal NDT training and/or Level II or Level III certification in VT, LPT, or other applicable methods.
A finishing or machine shop background, with a strong understanding of machining processes, foundry practices, and related quality controls.
Experience using 5-Why, Fishbone, or 8D methods to investigate root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Experience supporting customer, regulatory, or third-party quality audits involving ISO requirements, MIL-STD requirements, or other applicable standards.
Experience mentoring inspectors or providing technical guidance to production personnel.
Our People Are Our Power
At Fairbanks Morse Defense Bird-Johnson Propeller Company, we value the expertise, judgment, and dedication our people bring to their work. We are committed to a respectful, inclusive environment where people from different backgrounds can contribute, develop their skills, and reach their potential.
We are a Military Friendly Employer and evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Work arrangements vary by team and role. This position includes hands-on shop and foundry responsibilities; please ask about the specific arrangements for this team.
Bring your precision, experience, and technical leadership to Bird-Johnson Propeller Company-and help shape the quality behind mission-critical marine propulsion.
Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
