Senior Quality Inspector

Firestorm • San Diego, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm Labs is seeking a meticulous and dependable Senior Quality Inspector to join its growing quality team in San Diego. The role independently verifies that incoming material, in-process builds, and finished aircraft conform to drawings, specifications, and workmanship standards. The inspector is integrated within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) supporting the Tempest, Squall, and Hurricane FPV aircraft lines. The role performs receiving, in-process, and final inspections, ensuring only conforming product advances to Flight Test and customers, with every inspection documented and traceable. The position reports to the Senior Manager of Production Operations.

This onsite position is based at Firestorm Labs' San Diego headquarters, working on the production floor and in the receiving area. It involves extended periods of standing, bending, and close visual inspection, including under magnification, and requires the ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Required PPE includes safety glasses and ESD protection. Occasional overtime may be needed to support customer commitments.

Compensation is $32.00–$42.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, plus a meaningful equity grant. The stated pay range is an estimate and may vary based on factors including experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, location, and business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
• U.S. Person status as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62 is required due to ITAR regulations; this includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals with asylee or refugee status.
• At least 5 years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, defense, UAS, electronics, or precision manufacturing.
• Experience with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, torque tools, and other standard inspection equipment.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, including basic GD&T, and inspection criteria.
• Strong attention to detail, objectivity, and disciplined documentation habits.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly and constructively with build and test teams.

Nice To Haves

• IPC-A-610 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification.
• Experience working within an AS9100-compliant quality management system.
• Experience with receiving inspection, First Article Inspection (AS9102), and NCMR/MRB processes.
• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT).
• Experience inspecting composite structures, cable harnesses, or electromechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with Jira or an ERP/MES system.

Responsibilities

• Perform receiving inspection of purchased parts and assemblies against purchase orders, drawings, and certificates of conformance.
• Perform in-process and final quality inspections of subassemblies and aircraft at defined router checkpoints before release to Flight Test.
• Verify dimensions, workmanship, wiring, solder joints, connectors, fasteners, torque, and markings using calibrated measuring equipment.
• Accept handoffs from Manufacturing and Test using the standard handoff log, confirming part number, quantity, MOT, and open items.
• Complete inspection records and router stamps accurately, maintaining full serial and lot traceability.
• Identify, tag, and segregate nonconforming material, and initiate NCMRs in Jira with clear defect descriptions and photos.
• Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities and verify rework and repair according to approved dispositions.
• Support First Article Inspection (AS9102) and supplier quality activities as directed by Quality Engineering.
• Ensure inspection tools and gauges are calibrated and used correctly.
• Share defect trends with the IPT and support root-cause and corrective-action efforts.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Equity grants for new hires.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Company holidays, including a holiday hiatus in July and December.
• Parental leave.
• Lifestyle Spending Account.
• FSA, DCFSA, and HSA.
• Hospital indemnity insurance.
• Critical illness insurance.
• Accident insurance.
• Basic life/AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance, fully covered by Firestorm.
• Option to purchase additional life insurance for employees and their families.
• Free 24/7 mental health resources, including therapy.
• Free legal and financial support.

What This Job Offers

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