Quality Inspector

Job Description

Job Description

Role Name: Quality Inspector

Work Location:  Kinston, North Carolina (Onsite)

Role and Responsibilities:

The Quality Inspector (Quality Line Side - QLS) is responsible for performing line-side inspections on aerostructure assemblies and components to ensure compliance with engineering, manufacturing, regulatory, and customer requirements. The inspector works directly within the Kinston production environment supporting A350 programs, performing detailed inspections of fuselage panels, structural assemblies, finishes, fastener installations, and product conformity.

This role serves as a critical member of the Quality Operations team, responsible for identifying, documenting, and managing non-conformities while ensuring product integrity, traceability, safety, and compliance with Production Organization Approval (POA) and applicable aerospace regulations.

Key Responsibilities 

Aircraft Structure Inspection

Conduct Quality Line Side (QLS) inspections on aircraft structures including:

• Left and Right Panels
• Laterals
• Junctions
• Crown assemblies
• Forward Lower Shell assemblies
• Internal (IML) and External (OML) surfaces
• Verify structural conformity against manufacturing and quality requirements.

Paint and Surface Inspection

Perform OML paint inspections in accordance with process specifications, including:

• Global appearance and color verification
• Paint thickness measurement
• Specular gloss evaluation
• Orange peel assessment
• Surface condition inspection

Fastener Installation Inspection

Inspect and verify:

• Countersunk fastener dishing
• Fastener flushness
• Fastener collar and grip length
• Lockbolt installations
• Damaged collars and nuts
• Fastener angularity requirements
• Utilize calibrated gauges and measuring equipment in accordance with assembly instructions.

Structural Defect Assessment

Perform inspections and evaluations of:

• Surface damage
• Composite laminate conditions
• Structural deviations
• Contour and dimensional conformity
• Component condition of supply
• Support defect characterization and concession verification activities.

Non-Conformance Management

• Identify and contain product non-conformities.
• Create and process Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).
• Enter and maintain quality data within MES/SAP systems.
• Verify concessions and defect dispositions.
• Support corrective and preventive action activities.
• Participate in root cause investigations and problem-solving initiatives.

Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Prevention

• Verify removal of FOD from structures, cavities, and assemblies prior to release.
• Apply IAQG EN9146 FOD prevention principles.
• Support zero-defect and zero-FOD objectives.
• Promote product safety and workmanship excellence.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document inspection results accurately and completely.
• Maintain traceability records.
• Ensure compliance with quality processes and work instructions.
• Participate in operational surveillance activities and process adherence reviews.
• Support quality audits and customer inspections.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate Degree in Aerospace, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or Quality preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of quality inspection experience in aerospace manufacturing, aircraft assembly, composites, or aerostructures.
• Experience performing line-side inspections in a production environment.
• Experience with non-conformance management systems.
• Experience using MES, SAP, or equivalent manufacturing systems preferred.

Technical Requirements

Must Have Knowledge Of

• Aerospace manufacturing processes
• Aircraft structures and assemblies
• Composite and metallic aerostructures
• Fastener installation inspection
• Dimensional inspection techniques
• Product conformity verification
• FOD prevention programs
• Configuration management principles
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Inspection Tools & Equipment

Proficiency using:

• Calipers
• Micrometers
• Flushness gauges
• Height/Length gauges
• Magnifying devices
• Mirrors
• Flashlights
• Precision measuring equipment
• Calibrated inspection tools

Systems & Software

Experience using:

• SAP
• MES (Manufacturing Execution System)
• Microsoft Office
• Digital inspection applications
• MIRA inspection tools (preferred)
• Partner Portal applications (preferred)

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent visual inspection capability
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Root cause investigation capability
• Quality-focused mindset
• Strong written documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
• Effective communication skills
• Continuous improvement mindset

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb and safely work from elevated platforms.
• Ability to perform inspections in confined and restricted-access areas.
• Ability to meet visual acuity requirements for aerospace inspection activities.
• Ability to wear required PPE

Compliance

• 100% qualification and certification compliance.
• Participation in SQCDP routines.
• Support zero FOD incidents.
• Support continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Preferred Certifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)
• Aerospace Quality Training (AS9100)
• FOD Prevention Training
• Root Cause Analysis Training
• Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Training
• Work at Heights Certification

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