Senior Quality Control Inspector/Technician

About Us:

Made in America Manufacturing is a leading aerospace machine shop dedicated to precision, quality, and innovation. We specialize in machining complex components using 3, 4, and 5-axis machines and work extensively with exotic metals. Our commitment to excellence has earned us long-term partnerships with top-tier clients in the aerospace and defense industries.

Position Title:
Senior Quality Control Technician / Lead Inspector

Reports To:
Sr. Quality Engineer

Oversite:
Team of 3–5 QC Technicians / Inspectors

Job Description

The Senior Quality Control Technician / Lead Inspector is responsible for leading a team of 3–5 inspectors performing in-process, first article, and final inspections to ensure product conformity with engineering drawings, customer requirements, and AS9100 standards. This role balances hands-on inspection work with day-to-day leadership responsibilities, including assigning work, coaching team members, standardizing inspection methods, and driving disciplined documentation practices. The Lead Inspector works closely with machinists, engineers, and the Product Quality Manager to identify, document, and resolve quality issues early in the production process, while monitoring key quality metrics for their team such as defects, NCR trends, and rework.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining product integrity, traceability, and customer satisfaction through robust inspection processes, consistent team performance, and proactive communication across departments.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead a team of 3–5 QC Technicians / Inspectors, including assigning daily inspection tasks and balancing workload across the team.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for inspection-related questions from production, engineering, and management.
• Train and mentor inspectors on proper use of measurement tools, interpretation of drawings, GD&T, and documentation requirements.
• Review work performed by the team to ensure consistency, accuracy, and adherence to procedures.
• Provide input to the Product Quality Manager on team performance, training needs, and process gaps.
• Support onboarding and training of new inspectors to ensure they quickly align with company standards and expectations.

Inspection & Measurement

• Perform complex in-process, first article, and final inspections using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, height gages, bore gages, optical comparators, CMMs, and vision systems as applicable).
• Verify that parts meet dimensional, visual, and functional requirements as specified on engineering drawings and customer documentation.
• Establish and help standardize inspection methods, techniques, and setups to ensure consistency across the team.
• Support the development and review of inspection plans, checklists, and work instructions for new or complex parts.

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure the team completes all inspection documentation (FAI reports, in-process inspection sheets, and final inspection records) accurately and on time.
• Maintain traceability of all inspected parts and associated records in accordance with AS9100 and company procedures.
• Use JobBOSS or ERP system to record inspection data, update job status, and enter quality notes; verify team members are doing the same correctly.
• Monitor and summarize inspection results and trends for communication to the Product Quality Manager (e.g., common defects, high-risk features, repeat issues).

Collaboration & Issue Resolution

• Collaborate with machinists during setup and production to identify and resolve quality issues early in the process.
• Support corrective and preventive action activities by providing inspection data, participating in root cause analysis, and ensuring team adherence to new controls.
• Communicate inspection results and nonconformance findings promptly to the Product Quality Manager, Sr. Quality Engineer, and production leadership.
• Participate in cross-functional quality meetings and represent the inspection team's challenges, capabilities, and improvement ideas.

Nonconformance Control

• Ensure the team properly tags, segregates, and documents nonconforming product to prevent unintended use or shipment.
• Oversee issuance of Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) and review entries for completeness and accuracy.
• Support containment, rework verification, and disposition review as directed by the Product Quality Manager or Sr. Quality Engineer.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Ensure inspection and measurement activities are conducted in compliance with AS9100, customer, and internal quality procedures.
• Support calibration and maintenance of inspection equipment; ensure team members follow calibration and handling requirements.
• Identify and recommend process and documentation improvements to enhance inspection efficiency, repeatability, and throughput.
• Participate in and help lead quality-focused training and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen overall quality system performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or technical certification required; associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Quality, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in dimensional inspection or quality control in a precision machining or aerospace manufacturing environment, including experience as a lead, mentor, or go-to inspector.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, height gages, bore gages, optical comparators, and CMMs).
• Experience performing and documenting First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102 requirements.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and ITAR compliance standards.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems (JobBOSS preferred) and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to coach, train, and provide feedback to other inspectors.
• Excellent attention to detail, documentation accuracy, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple inspection priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Pay: $75, $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Quality control: 3 years (Required)
• Precision measuring instruments: 3 years (Required)
• Machining: 3 years (Required)
• GD&T: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person