Principal Manufacturing Quality Inspection Lead

Lead with precision. Build confidence in every part.

As the Principal Manufacturing Quality Inspection Lead, you set the bar for product conformity and documentation integrity across aerospace and precision manufacturing programs. Your leadership keeps inspections accurate, records complete, and improvements moving.

Your responsibilities

• Execute mechanical inspections using hand tools and advanced systems: portable CMMs (Hexagon Arm with PC-DMIS), optical comparators, profilometers, and hardness testers.
• Qualify raw materials and components: extrusions, sheet metal, castings, and purchased items.
• Own in-process, final, and source inspections to verify compliance to drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Create, review, and maintain documentation: FAA records, AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports, and FAIRs in Net-Inspect or equivalent platforms.
• Conduct internal audits and generate thorough audit reports; drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Review purchase orders and certification packages to confirm traceability and compliance.
• Initiate and manage non-conformance reports (NCRs); collaborate with the Quality Manager on quality improvement projects.
• Champion safety and 5S practices; maintain an orderly, safe inspection environment.

Capabilities we value

• Education/Experience: Technical certificate/degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Domain Expertise: In-depth knowledge of FAA regulations and aerospace manufacturing standards; DMIR experience is advantageous.
• Technical Literacy: Comfortable reading engineering drawings, contracts, purchase orders, safety rules, and work instructions.
• Communication: Strong reporting and correspondence skills using Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; confident interfacing with teams, customers, and management.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Apply geometry, trigonometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to measurement and analysis.
• Reasoning: Diagnose issues where limited standardization exists; interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, and schedule-based guidance.

Physical requirements

• Regular verbal communication and hearing; frequent standing, walking, handling, and reaching; occasional sitting.
• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Visual capabilities: close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Compliance notes

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to outdoor conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.