Quality Control Technician

Quality Control Technician

Location: San Francisco, California; Onsite
Compensation: Competitive hourly rate with full benefits and onsite perks

We are a rocket manufacturing company producing complex, high precision hardware for launch vehicles and spacecraft systems. Our Quality Control team plays a central role in ensuring that every machined, welded or coated component meets the strict dimensional and quality requirements necessary for flight critical hardware. We are looking for a Quality Control Technician who brings strong inspection skills, deep familiarity with GD&T, and the ability to collaborate closely with machinists, engineers and production teams.

This position is a hands on individual contributor role reporting directly to our QC Manager. You will be the primary source of truth on inspection accuracy and dimensional verification and will help maintain the standard of precision required to build aerospace hardware.

Role Overview

As a Quality Control Technician, you will inspect complex parts produced in house and by vendors using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), vision measurement machines (VMMs) and precision hand tools. You will interpret engineering drawings, apply GD&T practices, execute inspection plans and document results with consistency and clarity. You will also contribute to improving shop processes, increasing efficiency and maintaining strong accountability and traceability across all inspected components.

This role requires a detail oriented mindset, a solid understanding of inspection methods and the ability to communicate clearly with engineering, machining and production teams.

Key Responsibilities

Dimensional Inspection and GD&T

• Inspect machined, welded and coated parts against engineering drawings and specifications
• Apply GD&T best practices to ensure accurate inspection setup and interpretation
• Use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, hard gauges and surface plates for precision measurement

CMM and VMM Programming

• Program and operate CMM and VMM equipment using software such as MODUS and CMM Manager
• Validate inspection routines and adjust programs to improve robustness and efficiency
• Support recurring jobs by creating repeatable inspection processes

Documentation and Nonconformity Handling

• Record inspection results with clarity and accuracy
• Document and manage nonconforming materials in accordance with established procedures
• Maintain traceability for all inspected components

Collaboration and Shop Support

• Work closely with machinists, engineers and quality personnel to resolve discrepancies
• Communicate insights clearly and professionally across all teams
• Support a shop culture focused on continuous improvement and mutual accountability

Lab Practices and Safety

• Maintain a clean, organized and safe inspection environment
• Understand and support tool calibration requirements and traceability
• Follow quality management system procedures and contribute to improvements

Required Experience

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Two or more years of experience in quality control inspection
• Ability to perform routine dimensional inspections using hand tools or CMMs
• Expert proficiency with precision instruments such as micrometers, calipers, gauges and surface plates
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T and fluency reading technical drawings
• Experience programming CMMs using MODUS, CMM Manager or similar software
• Ability to interpret inspection results, determine acceptability and make sound judgment calls
• Comfort handling nonconformities and following established disposition procedures
• Understanding of tool calibration, traceability and quality management systems
• Strong communication skills and comfort interacting with engineering and production teams
• Basic CAD proficiency and strong skills in Excel and Word
• Consistent professionalism and a well organized work style

Desired Multipliers

• Five or more years of experience in a lab or shop inspection environment
• Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)
• Experience in aerospace quality environments
• Experience with Faro Arms, laser scanning, X ray inspection or other advanced methods
• Coursework, certification or formal QA/QC training
• Background in an engineering or related technical discipline

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate aligned with experience
• Full medical, dental and vision coverage
• Equity and additional benefits depending on role and tenure
• Onsite perks including provided lunches and a well equipped shop environment

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade