Mechanical Inspector

Mechanical Inspector (Composites)

Join a growing aerospace manufacturer as a Mechanical Inspector on a day shift schedule in a brand-new Santa Ana facility. In this role, you perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections of machined and injection-molded parts and composite assemblies, ensuring they meet stringent aerospace quality and documentation standards. You use precision measurement tools, follow AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements, and apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing principles to verify product quality and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspection of machined metal, plastic parts, and composite aircraft and aerospace parts, assemblies, and structures.
• Complete all In-Process and Final First Article Inspection Reports in accordance with the latest revision of AS9102.
• Utilize written inspection procedures, engineering drawings, specification sheets, and first article samples during inspection activities.
• Inspect laminated and molded structures during all phases of fabrication and assembly to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Use inspection hand tools and precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, thread gauges, rulers, templates, jigs, and fixtures to verify dimensional accuracy.
• Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles, including the x, y, z coordinate system, to interpret and verify engineering requirements.
• Conduct visual inspections of parts and assemblies for fissures, porosity, delaminations, contour issues, and other physical characteristics.
• Determine sample sizes for lots, pull random samples, and perform product audits to verify ongoing compliance.
• Identify and report nonconforming material, ensuring it is handled and controlled in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Verify and maintain traceability of product, materials, and calibration records throughout the inspection process.
• Ensure that all material received complies with purchase orders, specifications, and policies, and route it to appropriate locations.
• Perform receiving inspections on all incoming materials, including immediate visual examination of packaging for damage, and maintain nonconforming material in quarantine as required.
• Complete, maintain, and distribute appropriate quality records and documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Communicate effectively with purchasing, manufacturing, material control, and management personnel regarding inspection results, nonconforming material, missing documentation, material certifications, and incorrect materials.
• Alert production leads and/or supervisors promptly when quality issues or trends are identified.
• Calculate and record test and inspection results, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.
• Use inspection planning tools to organize and execute inspection activities efficiently.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on mechanical inspection experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the aerospace industry.
• Proficiency in performing incoming, in-process, and final inspections of machined and injection-molded parts and composite assemblies.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specification sheets.
• Strong knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), including familiarity with the x, y, z coordinate system.
• Ability to use precision measurement instruments such as micrometers, calipers, thread gauges, rulers, templates, jigs, and fixtures.
• Experience completing First Article Inspection Reports in accordance with AS9102.
• Solid understanding of basic mathematical operations and the ability to perform measurement conversions.
• Ability to utilize written inspection procedures and first article samples during inspection.
• Capability to identify, document, and report nonconforming material in accordance with established procedures.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with purchasing, manufacturing, material control, and management.
• Attention to detail and accuracy when calculating and recording test and inspection results.
• Ability to verify and maintain traceability of products, materials, and calibration records.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience inspecting aerospace components, including composite aircraft parts, assemblies, and structures.
• Skilled in inspecting laminated and molded structures during fabrication and assembly.
• Familiarity with conducting product audits and determining sample sizes for inspection lots.
• Experience working with quality control processes and documentation in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Comfort working with inspection planning tools and various inspection equipment, tools, fixtures, and measuring instruments.
• Ability to visually inspect for defects such as fissures, porosity, delaminations, and contour variations.
• Experience supporting complex aerospace programs or platforms is a plus.

Why Work Here?

You join a growing team in a modern, newly built facility, supporting a high-profile aerospace program with significant impact. The organization offers strong growth potential, providing opportunities to expand your skills, take on increased responsibility, and advance your career. You work in a culture that values quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement, where your expertise in inspection and quality control directly contributes to the success of critical aerospace projects.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, newly constructed manufacturing facility in Santa Ana, offering a clean, modern, and well-organized work environment. You work on a day shift schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., providing a consistent routine. The environment includes aerospace manufacturing and inspection areas equipped with precision measuring instruments, inspection tools, fixtures, and testing equipment. You collaborate closely with production, purchasing, material control, and management teams in a setting that is actively growing and expanding, creating ongoing opportunities for professional development and involvement in advanced aerospace projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Santa Ana, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $54080.00 - $60000.00/yr. medical, dental, 401k, sick pay, PTO

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Santa Ana, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 2026.