Quality Inspector

Quality Inspector

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a Quality Inspector II, you will perform advanced inspection activities requiring technical expertise and independent judgment to ensure products and processes meet engineering specifications and customer quality standards. You will serve as a technical resource for production, engineering, and quality teams while supporting investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex receiving, in-process, first article, source, and final inspections.
• Interprets engineering drawings, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements, specifications, and customer quality standards.
• Programs, operates, and troubleshoots Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) equipment and advanced inspection systems.
• Analyzes inspection and test data to identify trends, risks, and process deviations.
• Leads or supports nonconformance investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation.
• Validates inspection methods and evaluates measurement system effectiveness.
• Reviews quality records and inspection packages for completeness and compliance.
• Provides technical guidance to production, engineering, and quality teams while training and mentoring other Quality Inspectors.
• Supports customer, regulatory, and third-party audits, as well as new product introductions, qualification activities, and process validation.
• Recommends improvements to inspection processes, procedures, and quality systems.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2-4 years of Quality Inspector experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Aerospace, Space, and Defense industry experience.
• Advanced Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) experience.
• Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), engineering drawings, and inspection methodologies.
• Working knowledge of root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, and customer quality requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

- Technical certification.

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing, walking, or sitting for at least 8 hours.
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying up to 50 lbs, minimum 35 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of repetitive movement.
• Constant holding, grasping, turning, or using hand(s).
• Occasional overhead, shoulder-level, and below-shoulder reaching.
• The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.