Senior Quality Inspector

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

8d•$32 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm Labs is seeking a meticulous and dependable Senior Quality Inspector to join its quality team in San Diego. The inspector independently verifies that incoming material, in-process builds, and finished aircraft conform to drawings, specifications, and workmanship standards. The role is integrated within an Integrated Product Team supporting the Tempest, Squall, and Hurricane FPV aircraft lines. It 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. The role works onsite at Firestorm's San Diego headquarters, on the production floor and in the receiving area. It involves standing, bending, and close visual work, including under magnification, for extended periods, and lifting up to 30 pounds. Required PPE includes safety glasses and ESD protection. Occasional overtime may be needed to support customer commitments.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
U.S. Person as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status, as required due to ITAR regulations.
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.
Experience communicating 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 inspections of purchased parts and assemblies against purchase orders, drawings, and certificates of conformance.
Perform in-process and final QC 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 MRB activities and verify rework and repair per 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.
Generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July and December.
Generous 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, 100% covered by Firestorm; option to purchase additional life insurance for the employee and family.
Free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy, plus work-life services such as free legal and financial support.
Opportunities for career growth.