Lead Quality Inspector

Job Title: Aerospace Quality Team Leader / Quality Inspector

Job Description

This hands-on Aerospace Quality Team Leader role drives station-level quality performance within aircraft component and subassembly manufacturing operations in Kinston, NC. You work directly on the shop floor as the primary quality leader, bridging quality, production, and engineering to ensure rigorous standards, reliable processes, and a strong quality culture. Beyond performing inspections, you coach and support team members, coordinate quality activities, and lead continuous improvement while remaining closely involved in day-to-day operations. This is a non-certifying position and does not include sign-off authority under Part 145.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate quality activities at the station level to ensure alignment with production objectives and schedules.

• Serve as the primary quality leader on the shop floor, providing real-time support, guidance, and direction to inspectors and operators.

• Perform in-process and final inspections, including visual, dimensional, and functional checks on aircraft components and subassemblies as needed.

• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to reinforce quality standards, best practices, and accountability.

• Ensure strict compliance with technical drawings, work instructions, and aerospace quality requirements throughout the manufacturing process.

• Identify, document, and track non-conformities, ensuring timely follow-up and effective containment actions.

• Support and participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities to prevent recurrence of quality issues.

• Monitor quality performance indicators, anticipate risks, and drive continuous improvement initiatives at the station level.

• Collaborate closely with production, engineering, and methods teams to resolve quality and process issues efficiently.

• Promote and enforce safety standards on the shop floor, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to foreign object debris (FOD) prevention practices.

• Contribute to building and sustaining a strong quality culture, fostering ownership and responsibility within the team.

• Maintain accurate quality records, inspection documentation, and reports in accordance with aerospace quality processes.

• Support the scaling and organization of the quality team as the operation grows from an initial core group to a larger workforce.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in aerospace quality inspection within a production or manufacturing environment.

• ,Previous experience in a lead, coordinator, or management level inspector role with a strong presence on the shop floor.

• Solid understanding of station-level and in-process inspection within production environments.

• Strong knowledge of aerospace quality standards and inspection techniques, including visual, dimensional, and mechanical inspections.

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications.

• Hands-on experience with quality inspection, quality assurance, and quality control in aerospace manufacturing.

• Familiarity with dimensional inspection and visual inspection methods.

• Knowledge of AS9100 and related aerospace quality frameworks.

• Strong problem-solving skills with experience supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and guide shop floor teams.

• Proactive, solution-oriented, and hands-on mindset with a high level of attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of First Article Inspection (FAI) processes is a plus.

• Experience with broader manufacturing quality processes and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bonus: military experience, particularly in technical, maintenance, or quality-related roles.

• Experience working within structured aerospace quality systems and documentation requirements.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity allows you to contribute directly to the manufacturing excellence of aircraft components and subassemblies for global aerospace programs. You join a growing operation where your leadership and ideas can have a visible impact on both quality performance and team culture. The environment values hands-on engagement, collaboration between quality and production, and continuous improvement, offering room for professional growth as the team and scope of work expand.

Work Environment

You work on-site in an aerospace manufacturing facility in Kinston, NC, closely integrated with production on the shop floor. The role begins with a small team of approximately 3–5 people, with the potential to grow to 10 or more as operations expand. The initial work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the possibility of schedule adjustments as the team grows. The environment is highly focused on safety, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict adherence to foreign object debris (FOD) prevention practices. You will work around aircraft components and subassemblies, using standard inspection tools and following aerospace quality standards and procedures in a structured, process-driven setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kinston, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

• Short and long-term disability

• Health Spending Account (HSA)

• Transportation benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kinston,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.