Quality Inspector

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

10d•$34 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm is seeking a Quality Inspector to play a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of next-generation aerospace and defense hardware. This is not a traditional inspection role. You will be instrumental in building and shaping inspection standards, methods, and processes from the ground up as one of the first inspectors on the team. This role will work hands-on across incoming, in-process, and final inspections, partnering closely with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to ensure every part meets rigorous dimensional and process requirements from early prototypes through full production. The ideal candidate brings experience in an AS9100-compliant environment, strong proficiency in interpreting technical drawings and GD&T, and familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs). You are detail-oriented, proactive, and thrive in fast-paced environments where you can take ownership and drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum of 5 years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, aviation, additive or precision manufacturing
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
Experience performing and or reviewing First Article Inspections in accordance with AS9102
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T
Proficiency with standard inspection and measurement tools
Experience reading and interpreting CMM reports
Experience with IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards
Experience inspecting 3D printed and additively manufactured parts
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and documentation accuracy
Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively across departments
Comfortable working with hazardous materials under safety-controlled conditions
Willingness to travel (up to 10%) to vendors, test sites, or field locations may be necessary.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in the defense or aerospace industry.
Current or prior IPC-A-610 and or IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification
Previous experience in a Lead Inspector, Senior Inspector, or similar role with leadership responsibilities
Experience working directly with CMM equipment or coordinating with CMM programmers or operators
Familiarity with inspection requirements and challenges associated with additive manufacturing, including complex geometries and unique acceptance criteria
Experience with nonconformance reporting, corrective actions, and root cause investigation

Responsibilities

Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections to verify conformance to drawings, specifications, customer requirements, and quality standards
Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T requirements
Use standard inspection equipment including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin gauges, thread gauges, and comparators
Complete and review First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) in accordance with AS9102 requirements (Net-Inspect experience preferred)
Review and interpret CMM reports to support product acceptance decisions
Inspect to IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards, as applicable
Inspect 3D printed and additively manufactured parts for compliance with design and quality requirements
Verify documentation packages, certifications, traceability records, and inspection results for completeness and accuracy
Identify and document nonconforming product and support containment, investigation, and corrective actions
Partner with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to resolve quality issues and improve processes
Support compliance with the AS9100 Quality Management System
Provide guidance to other inspectors, with opportunity to grow into a leadership role

Benefits

We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Unlimited PTO
Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in December.
Generous Parental Leave
FSA
HSA
Hospital Indemnity insurance
Critical Illness insurance
Accident insurance
Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.