Quality Assurance Inspector

Quality Assurance Inspector

FMS Aerospace is seeking a highly organized and detail oriented Quality Assurance Inspector to join our Huntsville team. The QA Inspector is responsible for performing detailed inspection, verification, and documentation of aerospace components and assemblies to ensure compliance with AS9100 standards, engineering drawings, and customer specifications. This role reports directly to the Quality Manager and works alongside various departments, such as engineering, manufacturing, supply chain/procurement, and operations to support the organization's Quality Management System (QMS), as well as provide technical and engineering support related to product validation, design interpretation, and reverse engineering efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform dimensional, visual, and functional inspections of parts and assemblies.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications to verify compliance.
• Conduct receiving, in-process, and final inspections.
• Maintain accurate inspection documentation and quality records.

FARO Arm & 3D Scanning

• Operate FARO arm / portable CMM equipment for precision inspection.
• Perform 3D scanning, point cloud analysis, and deviation reporting in PolyWorks Metrology Suite.
• Create Autogenerated QA scanning inspections to increase productivity and reduce inspection times.
• Generate detailed inspection reports to support production and engineering teams.

SolidWorks & Reverse Engineering

• Utilize SolidWorks to analyze, review, and compare CAD models to physical parts.
• Support reverse engineering efforts by creating or modifying 3D models from scan data.
• Assist in developing models, drawings, and inspection aids based on physical components and scan results.

Engineering Support

• Provide direct support to Engineering in evaluating part design, manufacturability, and tolerances.
• Collaborate with engineers to identify and resolve design discrepancies, dimensional issues, and nonconformances.
• Assist in design validation and verification activities, including prototype inspection and testing.
• Support development and refinement of engineering drawings, models, and technical documentation.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives by providing feedback on product quality, inspection results, and production challenges.
• Aid in creating inspection plans, fixtures, and methods aligned with engineering requirements.

Quality Assurance Support

• Assist in maintaining compliance with AS9100 standards and internal procedures.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities per AS9102 Rev C, including documentation and validation.
• Verify Certificates of Conformance (CoC) and ensure traceability of materials and processes.
• Participate in audits and support corrective action initiatives.

Nonconformance & Corrective Actions

• Identify and document nonconforming products.
• Assist with root cause analysis and CAPA implementation.
• Ensure proper containment, segregation, and disposition of nonconforming material.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams.
• Provide technical feedback to improve product quality and manufacturability.
• Support training and continuous improvement initiatives.

Technical Skills

• Precision inspection tools, including calipers, radius gages, and CMMs.

Qualifications Education & Experience

• Associate degree or technical certification (or equivalent experience).
• 4-7 years in aerospace quality inspection or similar field.
• Experience in an AS9100 environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to excel in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active DoD Secret (or higher) Security Clearance.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of: GD&T (ASME Y14.5), reading mechanical drawings, AS9100 / ISO:9001 standards, FAA regulations and aerospace compliance requirements, quality auditing (internal and external), root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, etc.)
• Proficiency with: SolidWorks, FARO arm / portable CMM systems, PolyWorks Metrology Suite, 3D scanning and inspection software, First Article Inspection processes, CoC documentation, nonconformance and CAPA processes
• Experience with FAI documentation and CoC processes.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to bridge quality and engineering functions
• Effective communicator across technical teams
• Problem-solving mindset with focus on continuous improvement
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, regulated environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in aviation airframe modifications and/or the aerospace industry.
• DoD or military experience.
• Experience utilizing FARO scanning arm externally in the field.
• ASQ certifications (e.g., Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
• Experience and/or working knowledge with SolidWorks CAD software.
• Experience with Unanet software.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and quality management software.
• Experience supporting engineering or design teams
• Aerospace machining or manufacturing background

Working Conditions

• Office and manufacturing floor environment
• Occasional travel for supplier audits, customer visits, and certification audits (less than 20% of time)

FMS Aerospace Company Profile Founded in 2013, FMS is a growing, flexible, customer-driven aircraft structural engineering and flight test company with manufacturing capability. We have many opportunities with a variety of types of projects with both foreign and domestic governments and commercial customers across many types of aircraft. Our parent company, Bridger Aerospace is an aerial firefighting and critical infrastructure support company based in Belgrade, Montana. It was founded in 2014 to support front-line firefighters with world-leading technology and aerial fire suppression systems. Bridger Aerospace has grown from operating a single plane to commanding a significant Air Attack fleet, Special Missions Sensor Equipped Aircraft, and the largest privately operated Super Scooper fleet in the world. Located in Huntsville, AL within minutes of the cultural center of downtown Huntsville.

Benefits and Perks

• Industry-competitive compensation package
• Company performance-based bonus plan
• Equity stock-based compensation package
• Employer-funded comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• 401k with company match
• PTO & holiday pay
• Employer-funded life and disability insurance coverages

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings and its family of companies does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal or state law in matters of employment, promotion, services or activities it operates. All decisions on employment are made to further the principle of equal employment within FMS.