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.