Lead Quality Inspector

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.

Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility - you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.

At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!

How You'll Make an Impact:

The Lead Quality Inspector serves as the technical leader of the inspection team, ensuring the consistent execution of inspection activities while supporting production, engineering, and quality objectives within a precision manufacturing environment. In addition to performing advanced inspections, this role provides day-to-day guidance to Quality Inspectors, coordinates inspection priorities, assists with quality investigations, supports audits, and promotes continuous improvement initiatives. The Lead Quality Inspector acts as a subject matter expert, helping maintain compliance with customer requirements, engineering specifications, AS9100 quality standards, and regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of quality and accountability.

What you'll be doing as a Lead Quality Inspector:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Simi Valley, CA location.
• Working a full-time, onsite position at our City, State location. (Edit for Job Ad Only)
• Perform advanced dimensional and visual inspections of raw materials, in-process components, assemblies, and finished products using precision measurement equipment.
• Coordinate daily inspection priorities and workflow to support production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to Quality Inspectors and support employee development.
• Serve as the primary resource for complex inspection questions, drawing interpretation, GD&T application, and measurement methodology.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, models, specifications, manufacturing plans, and work instructions in accordance with ASME Y14.5 GD&T requirements.
• Verify compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements, including AS9100, ISO standards, and customer-specific specifications.
• Utilize and verify the proper use and calibration status of inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, optical comparators, CMMs, and other precision instruments.
• Review and approve inspection documentation, traceability records, FAIR packages, and quality documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Lead or support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities and AS9102 documentation.
• Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming material while coordinating containment activities and disposition with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality leadership.
• Assist in root cause investigations, corrective actions, preventive actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits by preparing documentation and serving as a technical resource during audit activities.
• Monitor inspection processes and recommend improvements that increase quality, efficiency, and consistency.
• Ensure inspection staging areas, documentation, and product traceability are maintained throughout the inspection process.
• Communicate inspection results, production status, and quality concerns effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Promote compliance with company safety policies and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of quality inspection experience within aerospace, precision machining, or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership, mentoring, or coordinating inspection activities.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Advanced understanding of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proficiency using precision inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, height gauges, optical comparators, and related instruments.
• Experience completing First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and AS9102 documentation.
• Strong understanding of inspection methods, measurement techniques, shop mathematics, and blueprint interpretation.
• Ability to review and maintain accurate quality documentation and inspection records.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Experience programming or operating Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) using software such as Calypso, Mitutoyo MCOSMOS, Verisurf, PC-DMIS, or similar.
• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), Certified Quality Technician (CQT), or other relevant quality certification.
• Associate's degree or higher in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience leading corrective action investigations using root cause analysis methodologies.
• Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement tools.
• Experience supporting customer, internal, or regulatory audits.
• Experience reviewing inspection plans, manufacturing documentation, and quality procedures.
• Ability to coordinate inspection activities across multiple product lines while maintaining production priorities.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
• HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
• Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
• Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance

The Lead Quality Inspector Compensation range for onsite California applicants is $35- $40 per hour commensurate with experience. Some shifts may include shift differential pay rates. Other site ranges may differ.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required.


RTCA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA's Affirmative Action Plans, or those requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, should contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to access or use our career center due to a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources.

Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with Article 9, Chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code and applicable federal, state, and local laws.