Quality Inspector

Vast is looking for a Quality/Receiving Inspector (1st and 2nd Shift), reporting to the Manager, Quality, to support the development and production of hardware for our human-rated space systems. This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located at our Long Beach facility.

Responsibilities

Perform receiving, in-process, and final inspections on components, subassemblies, and integrated hardware to verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.

Inspect mechanical, structural, electrical, and/or manufactured hardware for workmanship, configuration, dimensional accuracy, and conformance to requirements.

Use standard inspection and measurement equipment including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, pin gauges, borescopes, torque tools, and other precision measurement equipment.

Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and inspection plans to determine acceptance criteria.

Verify dimensional features, hardware installation, fasteners, torque requirements, surface conditions, and overall workmanship as applicable.

Support production and integration activities by performing inspections throughout the manufacturing and assembly process.

Identify, document, and communicate nonconformances and work cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to support disposition and resolution.

Accurately document inspection results and maintain required quality and traceability records.

Support First Article Inspections (FAI) and other inspection activities as required.

Maintain inspection equipment and ensure tools are within calibration requirements prior to use.

Maintain a clean and organized work environment while adhering to FOD control, contamination prevention, and applicable safety requirements.

Communicate inspection status, quality concerns, and production risks to supervisors and cross-functional stakeholders.

Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inspection methods, workmanship, quality processes, and production efficiency.

Train and mentor inspectors and technicians on inspection techniques, workmanship standards, and proper use of inspection equipment as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.

5+ years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, manufacturing, or another high-reliability production environment.

Experience performing dimensional and visual inspection of manufactured or assembled hardware.

Experience using precision measurement and inspection equipment.

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.

Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document inspection results.

Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with technicians, engineers, manufacturing teams, and other inspectors.

Preferred Skills & Experience

Experience inspecting aerospace or other high-reliability flight hardware.

Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

Experience inspecting machined components, welded assemblies, structures, tube assemblies, electrical/avionics hardware (IPC-610/620), or mechanical assemblies.

Familiarity with fastener installation, torque verification, thread inspection, surface condition evaluation, and general manufacturing processes.

Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) and AS9102 documentation.

Familiarity with AS9100 or other regulated quality management systems.

Experience identifying and documenting nonconforming hardware and supporting Material Review Board (MRB) processes.

Experience with inspection plans, workmanship standards, and configuration-controlled manufacturing environments.

Exposure to advanced metrology equipment such as CMMs, portable measurement arms, laser trackers, optical measurement systems, or similar equipment.

Experience working in a fast-paced production or hardware development environment.

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound inspection decisions with limited supervision.

Additional Requirements

Willingness to work 1st or 2nd shift based on business needs.

Willingness to work evenings, overtime, and/or weekends to support critical production and mission milestones.

Must be able to pass a background check and gain access to government facilities as required.

Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted.

Must be willing to travel up to 10%.

Must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces as required.

Pay Range: California

$33—$53 USD