Quality Inspector

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The Quality Inspector (Incoming & CMM Operator) is responsible for verifying the quality and conformance of incoming materials, components, and assemblies, while operating Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) using pre-programmed routines. This role ensures that all incoming product meets engineering, customer, and regulatory requirements prior to release into production.

Positioned between a Quality Lead and a CMM Programmer, this role combines hands-on inspection capability with strong print interpretation and requirements understanding, while executing structured measurement processes using calibrated inspection equipment.

This position reports to the Quality Manager or Quality Lead and works closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supplier Quality to ensure incoming quality, traceability, and compliance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Incoming Inspection & Verification

• Perform inspection of incoming materials, components, and assemblies against:

• Engineering drawings and specifications

• Purchase order requirements

• Customer and regulatory standards (AS9100)

• Verify dimensional, visual, and documentation compliance prior to acceptance

• Ensure all incoming product is properly identified, tagged, and traceable

• Support receiving inspection processes aligned to MP&L and Supply Chain

• Final inspection of product & assist in generating certificates of conformity

• Validating processes and maintaining adherence to aerospace standards, for complete serial-number and lot-level traceability

CMM Operation (Pre-Programmed)

• Operate CMM equipment using pre-existing inspection programs
• Load, fixture, and align parts for accurate measurement execution
• Execute inspection routines and verify output data integrity
• Identify out-of-tolerance conditions and escalate appropriately
• Ensure proper handling, calibration awareness, and care of inspection equipment

Print Reading & Requirements Interpretation

• Interpret engineering drawings including:

• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)

• Critical-to-quality characteristics

• Dimensional and tolerance requirements

• Understand part requirements and inspection criteria

• Validate inspection results against defined acceptance criteria

Documentation & Data Entry

• Record inspection results in:

• Inspection reports

• First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation (AS9102 support)

• QMS systems (UniPoint) and/or ERP/PLM systems

• Maintain accurate, complete, and traceable inspection records

• Ensure inspection data is aligned to part configuration and revision

Nonconformance Identification & Control

• Identify and document nonconforming material
• Support containment activities including segregation and tagging
• Generate or support Nonconformance Reports (NCRs)
• Interface with Quality Engineer and Supplier Quality Engineer on disposition

Cross-Functional Support

• Interface with:

• Supply Chain / Receiving – incoming material flow and documentation

• Manufacturing – acceptance of parts into production

• Engineering – clarification of drawing/specification requirements

• Quality Engineering – root cause and corrective action support

• Ensure alignment between inspection results and operational needs

Equipment & Calibration Awareness

• Ensure use of calibrated inspection tools and equipment
• Follow calibration control processes and equipment handling procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and proper setup of inspection areas and equipment

Continuous Improvement & Quality Discipline

• Support improvements in incoming inspection processes and workflows
• Identify recurring supplier or part issues and escalate trends
• Reinforce standard work and inspection consistency
• Support AS9100 compliance and audit readiness

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct supervisory responsibility
• Works under direction of the Quality Manager / Quality Lead

Experience And Skills KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Required

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Hands-on experience with inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc.)
• Ability to operate CMM equipment using pre-programmed routines
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Understanding of inspection processes and quality requirements
• Ability to document and communicate inspection results clearly
• Basic computer skills (Excel, data entry systems)

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace or AS9100-regulated environment
• Familiarity with UniPoint (QMS) and/or Costpoint ERP
• Experience supporting FAI (AS9102) documentation
• Basic understanding of CMM programming concepts (not required to program)
• Exposure to root cause and corrective action processes

Required EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2–5 years of inspection or quality experience in manufacturing environment

Preferred

• Technical training or certification in inspection or metrology
• Experience in precision machining or aerospace components

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Shop floor and quality lab environment
• Frequent interaction with parts, components, and inspection equipment
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift materials or components up to 40 lbs
• Requires precision hand movement and attention to detail

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Minimal (

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

EEO/M/F/D/V

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

EEO Is The Law Disability Accessibility Accommodation If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [email protected] or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

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