Quality Inspector – Aerospace & Defense

Thunderstrike Aviation is expanding its Quality organization and seeking a Quality Inspector to perform inspection, verification, and release activities across all stages of our unmanned aerial system (UAS) lifecycle. This includes a wide range of inspected items such as parts, materials, assemblies, systems, configurations, test articles, and flight articles.

You will play a key role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and flight readiness of advanced unmanned aerospace systems while helping shape and scale quality processes in a fast-growing aerospace company.

This is a hands‑on, detail‑critical role within a fast‑growing aerospace startup. You will actively perform inspections, document results, raise nonconformances, and support investigation and resolution activities in close cooperation with Quality Engineering, Production, Engineering, and Test teams. The role requires adaptability and the ability to work effectively in a fast-moving startup environment where products and processes evolve rapidly.

Role Overview

The Quality Inspector is responsible for executing inspection and verification activities to confirm conformity, configuration accuracy, and readiness of inspected items for manufacturing, testing, operation, or flight. Inspections support activities ranging from early R&D and prototype development through pilot builds, low‑rate initial production (LRIP), and full‑rate production (FRP).

As part of a startup organization, the scope of inspections spans multiple item types and lifecycle phases, requiring a broad inspection skillset, strong documentation discipline, and the ability to support changing priorities and responsibilities over time.

What You’ll Do

🔹 Inspection & Verification Activities

• Perform incoming, in‑process, and final inspections across a wide range of items, materials, and configurations in accordance with defined inspection criteria.
• Execute inspections supporting different lifecycle stages, from experimental and development items to production‑ready deliverables.
• Perform visual, dimensional, and functional inspections using calibrated inspection and measurement tools.
• Verify conformity, workmanship, completeness, and configuration against controlled documentation such as drawings, specifications, models, procedures, and revisions.
• Maintain, handle, and use inspection tools, gauges, and measurement equipment in accordance with defined practices and status requirements.

🔹 Flight Line & Test Support

• Perform pre‑test and pre‑flight inspections to verify configuration, documentation, safety‑critical items, and release status.
• Conduct post‑test and post‑flight inspections to identify damage, wear, anomalies, or deviations.
• Support ground, environmental, functional, endurance, and flight test activities by verifying inspected items and documenting results.
• Confirm and record configuration status of test and flight articles between test phases or operational states.

🔹 Documentation & Traceability

• Complete inspection records, checklists, and conformity documentation with a high level of accuracy and traceability.
• Review and verify certificates, material records, supplier documentation, and associated traceability data.
• Record inspection outcomes, release decisions, and nonconformances within PLM/MRP/ERP systems.
• Support AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) activities by collecting and recording inspection and measurement data.

🔹 Nonconformance Management

• Identify, document, and raise nonconformances (NCRs) with clear evidence and references.
• Support containment, segregation, and identification of nonconforming items.
• Provide inspection data, observations, and factual input to Quality Engineering during investigation, root cause, and corrective action activities.
• Support MRB activities through accurate inspection findings and condition assessments.

🔹 Process & Quality Support

• Provide feedback on inspection findings, recurring issues, and observed trends to Quality Engineering and Production.
• Support development and refinement of inspection checklists, visual standards, and quality gates.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to improve inspection effectiveness, tool usage, and overall quality performance.
• Contribute to disciplined execution of an AS9100‑aligned Quality Management System.
• Perform additional duties as required to support evolving organizational and program needs.

What We’re Looking For

✔ Experience performing quality inspection or technical inspection in aerospace, defense, UAS, electronics, or other regulated engineering or manufacturing environments.

✔ Hands‑on experience executing inspections across a variety of item types, configurations, and lifecycle stages.

✔ Experience using and managing inspection tools, gauges, and measurement equipment.

✔ Ability to read and interpret technical documentation such as drawings, specifications, GD&T, procedures, and assembly or test documentation.

✔ Understanding of AS9100 principles, AS9102 First Article Inspection practices, or equivalent conformity standards.

✔ Experience identifying and documenting nonconformances and supporting investigation activities.

✔ Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and ability to work independently.

✔ Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced startup environment with evolving processes and responsibilities.

✔ Experience working with ERP/PLM systems and digital inspection records.

Key Skills

• Hands‑on inspection execution across product lifecycles
• Visual, dimensional, and functional inspection
• Engineering documentation interpretation
• Test, configuration, and flight readiness inspections
• Nonconformance identification & documentation
• Inspection tool & gauge handling discipline
• Strong traceability and record accuracy
• PLM / ERP inspection participation
• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Flexibility in a startup aerospace environment

Apply here: Quality Inspector – Aerospace & Defense | Thunderstrike Aviation | LinkedIn