QA Engineering Tech I (Machine Shop/CMM Inspection)

Astronautics Corp of America•Black Mountain, NC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Kearfott Corporation is seeking a QA Engineering Tech I to provide senior technical quality support across inspection, metrology, calibration, automation, and process activities. The technician works independently from drawings and specifications, applies sound technical judgment, supports complex inspections and first article activities, troubleshoots quality and measurement issues, and helps improve inspection methods, workflow, and technical capability. This position supports inspection and measurement work across Incoming, In-Process, Final/Outline, Machine Shop, Gage/Calibration, and other Quality areas as assigned. It requires work across multiple inspection areas, interpretation of complex drawings and specifications, use of manual and automated equipment, and collaboration with Quality Engineering, Operations, and other departments. The position is 100% onsite at Kearfott's Black Mountain, NC facility. The shift is swing shift; hours will be discussed with the Hiring Manager. Kearfott offers a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off. Relocation assistance is not available.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, specifications, tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible quality inspection, metrology, calibration, manufacturing quality, or related technical experience; equivalent relevant experience and technical training may be considered.
Proficiency with manual inspection equipment and at least one advanced specialty, such as automated/vision inspection, CMM, gage calibration/metrology, FAI, or customer/source inspection coordination and technical liaison support.
Experience using Microsoft Office tools and applicable ERP/QMS systems to perform daily work, analyze data, document results, and communicate across functions.
Ability to work independently, make timely quality decisions, troubleshoot technical problems, support root cause/corrective action, and train or mentor others.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Nice To Haves

Versatility across inspection, quality, or technical support activities and ability to apply expertise to changing operational needs.
Experience anticipating workflow challenges, coordinating complex quality activities, and supporting internal or external stakeholders.
Experience improving inspection methods, documentation, digital records, or quality processes through practical solutions.
Ability to collaborate with Group Leaders, recommend improvements, mentor others, and strengthen team productivity without direct supervisory authority.
Advanced capability in one or more specialties such as automation/programming, metrology/calibration, customer or source inspection coordination, data analysis, or process improvement.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced inspection, testing, and measurement across Incoming, In-Process, Final/Outline, Machine Shop, Gage/Calibration, and other Quality areas as assigned.
Support complex or urgent work across multiple inspection areas, prioritize effectively, resolve routine roadblocks, and work with limited supervision.
Use manual and automated inspection equipment; develop, program, validate, or improve methods using CMM, optical/vision, Keyence, or equivalent measurement technology.
Support first article, first piece, sample, final, and special inspections requiring interpretation of complex drawings, specifications, tolerances, and GD&T.
Support gage control, calibration, equipment troubleshooting, and coordination to ensure measurement equipment is suitable and available for use.
Use inspection data and process knowledge to identify bottlenecks, recurring issues, and opportunities to improve quality, cycle time, productivity, and inspection efficiency.
Work with Quality Engineering, Operations, and other departments to investigate nonconformities, support root cause and corrective action, and resolve technical issues.
Mentor and cross-train inspectors, identify workload constraints, recommend solutions to Group Leaders, and collaborate to improve inspection efficiency and team capabilities.