Quality Control Inspector I/II - San Luis Obispo, CA

Zone 5 Technologies • San Luis Obispo, CA

6h • $23 - $33 • Onsite

About The Position

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter. We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

The Quality Control Inspector, Level I/II, performs production inspections of hardware in accordance with established procedures, engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards. Inspectors are authorized to perform inspection activities only within the inspection environments for which they are trained and/or formally qualified. The role supports product conformity, traceability, and manufacturing flow while working closely with Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical, vocational, or hands-on manufacturing training is preferred.
• 0–2 years of manufacturing, inspection, electronics, machining, assembly, or related technical experience; equivalent hands-on training may be considered.
• Ability to read and follow basic engineering drawings, specifications, inspection instructions, travelers, and other applicable work instructions with appropriate guidance.
• Ability to use basic inspection equipment and accurately document inspection results and traceability.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize and escalate questionable or nonconforming conditions.
• Ability to work effectively with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Operations while following established procedures and escalation paths.
• 1–4 years of manufacturing, aerospace, high-reliability, or related inspection experience.
• Proficiency in engineering drawing interpretation and basic GD&T IAW ASME Y14.5 applicable to assigned inspection activities.
• Working knowledge of applicable inspection and workmanship standards, including IPC-A-610 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 for Avionics and/or Electronics activities, or appropriate dimensional inspection methods for Mechanical / Structures.
• Demonstrated ability to perform assigned inspections independently and exercise sound acceptance/rejection judgment within qualified areas.
• Ability to interpret routine inspection requirements and resolve or appropriately escalate questions with limited supervision.

Nice To Haves

• Technical, vocational, or hands-on training related to manufacturing, inspection, electronics, machining, composites, mechanical assembly, or a related discipline.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, medical, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with basic dimensional, visual, optical, electrical, and/or workmanship inspection methods and electronic quality records.
• Prior experience inspecting precision hardware, complex assemblies, or other high-reliability products.
• Working familiarity with applicable IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, AS9102 First Article Inspection, or other inspection-specific industry standards.
• Additional qualifications, certifications, or training such as ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT), ISO 9001 or AS9100 internal auditor training, GD&T training to ASME Y14.5, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional (GDTP) training, NDT training or certification, or other inspection-specific technical programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned visual, dimensional, and functional inspections within qualified areas using established inspection plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria, with guidance from Quality personnel as needed.
• Use applicable inspection equipment correctly and maintain accurate inspection discipline in support of production priorities.
• Escalate inspection issues, unclear requirements, and potential nonconformances through established channels.
• Independently perform receiving, in-process, and/or final inspection activities within qualified areas with limited routine supervision.
• Inspect more complex, precision, or higher-risk hardware and apply established acceptance criteria with greater autonomy.
• Communicate inspection status, risks, and production impacts to appropriate Quality and Production personnel.
• Perform inspections within formally trained and qualified Avionics and/or Mechanical / Structures environments.
• Inspect assigned hardware using applicable dimensional, visual, electrical, optical, and/or workmanship inspection methods.
• Maintain proficiency in inspection methods and equipment applicable to the assigned area with training and support as required.
• Perform inspection of more complex hardware and characteristics within qualified environments.
• Apply a broader range of inspection methods, equipment, and applicable workmanship or industry standards.
• Read and apply engineering drawings, specifications, travelers, inspection instructions, and applicable workmanship standards within assigned qualification areas, with support when requirements are unclear or require interpretation.
• For Avionics and/or Electronics inspection activities, apply applicable IPC-A-610 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 requirements when referenced by the inspection plan, drawing, specification, or other governing documentation.
• Verify applicable revision and configuration requirements.
• Identify unclear, conflicting, or potentially nonconforming requirements and escalate them for clarification.
• Independently interpret drawings, specifications, inspection instructions, and basic GD&T, as applicable to assigned inspection activities.
• Independently apply applicable IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, and/or other workmanship standards when required by the inspection plan or governing documentation.
• Apply established engineering and quality requirements to routine inspection plan criteria with limited assistance.
• Recognize requirements that require Engineering or Quality interpretation or disposition and escalate them appropriately.
• Accurately document inspection results and maintain product identification, configuration, and traceability in accordance with established procedures.
• Identify, document, and contain suspected nonconformances and escalate conditions outside established acceptance criteria.
• Complete inspection documentation for Mechanical / Structures, Avionics, and/or Electronics activities as applicable, and escalate to leadership when unable to achieve valid results.
• Independently maintain inspection records and traceability with limited oversight.
• Accept or reject product within qualified areas and established authority.
• Initiate and document nonconformances in accordance with applicable procedures when inspection results do not yield clear or valid results.
• Follow applicable Quality Management System, safety, FOD, cleanliness, ESD, and inspection requirements.
• Apply applicable engineering and workmanship standards, including IPC-A-610 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 for Avionics and/or Electronics activities when specified.
• Support limited specialized inspections, including basic first article, verification, and/or process verification activities as assigned.
• Enforce Quality, workmanship, and inspection requirements in existing work centers with limited supervision.
• Communicate inspection results, issues, and questions through established channels.
• Work effectively with Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations in support of assigned inspection activities.
• Provide inspection input regarding methods, equipment, and practical inspection requirements when requested.
• Independently communicate inspection results, quality risks, and production impacts to appropriate stakeholders.
• Coordinate routine inspection issues with Production, Quality, and/or Engineering with limited supervisory involvement.
• Provide greater input on inspection methods, equipment, and requirements for new or revised hardware and processes.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 3 weeks of paid time off each year
• 40 hours of sick time
• 12 annual company holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED