Quality Inspection Manager

Castelion Corporation•Torrance, CA

About The Position

Castelion is seeking a hands-on Quality Inspection Manager to lead inspection operations across receiving, in-process, and final inspection for mechanical, dimensional, avionics, and electrical hardware. The manager will build and maintain effective inspection operations, develop inspectors and quality specialists, and help ensure product quality through sound inspection methods, documentation, and process discipline. The role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality leadership to align inspection strategies with design intent, production needs, and regulatory requirements. It includes leading people, establishing practical systems, supporting production, and driving consistent execution in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The position may require access to classified information or restricted U.S. Government sites or systems, subject to applicable requirements. It also requires access to export-controlled information; hiring is contingent on being able to access applicable information without additional export licensing.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in quality inspection, manufacturing quality, or a related role in aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing.
Experience leading inspectors, quality specialists, or technical teams in a production environment.
Experience with nonconformance reporting, corrective actions, and inspection documentation.
Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in a startup environment to develop efficient and effective inspection processes.
Ability to instill risk-based critical thinking in an inspection organization.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and quality organizations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere, with accountability and integrity.
Employment may be contingent on eligibility to access applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing.
If designated, employment may be contingent on obtaining and maintaining required government security clearance or authorization and meeting applicable citizenship or other eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems.
Experience supporting both mechanical and avionics/electrical inspection operations.
Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards.
Experience supporting first article inspections in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
Experience with CMM programming, dimensional inspection planning, or coordination of advanced metrology resources.
Knowledge of supplier quality processes, source inspection, and audit support.
Experience supporting Measurement System Analysis and inspection method validation.
Bias toward action and creative problem solving, including applying effective processes or methods from other industries while maintaining quality and compliance.
High initiative and commitment to Castelion’s mission and technical goals, including preventing hardware blockers.
Clear, proactive communication of blockers, risks, and priorities, and skill in managing stakeholder relationships.
Ability to develop inspectors and quality specialists at varying experience levels, set expectations, maintain accountability, and build an effective inspection organization.

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and support quality inspectors and specialists across inspection disciplines and product areas.
Set daily and longer-term priorities across receiving, in-process, final, and first article inspections.
Coach, train, provide performance feedback, and direct inspection personnel.
Coordinate inspection coverage with manufacturing, planning, and quality leadership to support production priorities and critical hardware flow.
Establish ownership, escalation paths, and communication routines for inspection issues and constraints.
Develop and implement inspection processes, standards, and documentation aligned with product requirements and quality system expectations.
Align inspection methods with engineering intent, manufacturability, and production needs; standardize practices where appropriate.
Support the introduction and use of inspection tools, fixtures, gages, and software systems.
Oversee inspection of machined parts, mechanical assemblies, avionics hardware, harnessing, cable assemblies, and electro-mechanical components at receiving, in-process, and final stages.
Ensure inspections follow engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, IPC requirements, workmanship standards, and acceptance criteria, as applicable.
Support dimensional inspection capability, including coordination with CMM programming and traditional metrology resources.
Verify traceability, certifications, configuration, workmanship, and documentation completeness through inspection activities.
Partner with engineering and manufacturing to resolve inspection questions and issues promptly without compromising quality standards.
Ensure findings, nonconformances, and escapes are documented in appropriate systems.
Support root cause investigations and corrective and preventive actions for inspection findings, workmanship issues, and recurring defects.
Translate lessons learned from inspection and nonconformance activity into improved methods, documentation, training, and process controls.
Support incoming inspection standards and supplier feedback processes; partner with supplier quality and procurement on vendor performance and acceptance concerns.
Ensure receiving inspection addresses high-risk parts, traceability, and compliance requirements.
Support adherence to Quality Management System policies and regulatory requirements, including AS9100-related practices.
Support internal and external audits, including customer, regulatory, and source inspections, and help maintain inspection readiness and required documentation.
Establish and track inspection metrics and lead continuous improvement in inspection efficiency, defect reduction, data quality, and operational discipline.
Support development of training materials and certification approaches for inspector and technician competency.