Quality Inspector III at Howmet Aerospace in Torrance, CA

Summary:

Directly involved in the inspection of products in the in-process and final inspection areas. Uses precision inspection tools and equipment, manufacturing drawings (blueprints), and procedures and instructions to verify product acceptance to specifications and requirements. Performs and maintains a thorough understanding of all inspection processes, including MRB, receiving, in-process, and final inspection, and supports accurate and timely product acceptance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independent Inspection: Independently performs dimensional inspection of all characteristics of manufactured products and ensures product acceptance to specifications and requirements with minimal supervision.

• Advanced Blueprint & Specification Interpretation: Reads and interprets work instructions, routers, blueprints, drawings, specifications, and inspection requirements to determine product conformance and make appropriate inspection decisions.

• First Article Inspection: Performs First Article inspections under compressed delivery schedules and applies AS9102 requirements to verify part acceptability. The position combines technical drawing interpretation, AS9102 compliance, inspection execution prior to ship, quality documentation, customer acceptance and approval management.

• Customer portal and Net Inspect submissions: Obtains and sustains the necessary customer portal credentials and accesses via training and annual surveillance audits. Maintains a unique customer provided inspection stamp for sourcing.

• Quality Documentation & Rejections: Prepares required inspection documentation and writes internal rejections for Quality, Manufacturing, and vendors when product does not meet requirements.

• MRB & Nonconformance: Evaluates MRB dispositions for accuracy and acceptability and applies knowledge of the nonconformance process when determining appropriate quality actions.

• Product & Process Expertise: Maintains a thorough understanding of applicable product-line inspection standards, manufacturing operations, material and coating specifications, and departmental identification methods and requirements.

• NDT Inspection: Performs applicable NDT inspection, including black light inspection to identify discontinuities, inclusions, piping, grinding checks, cracks, and other defects. Completes required NDT training and cross-trains in additional Quality activities.

• Problem Solving & Process Improvement: Uses problem-solving techniques to identify quality issues and actively participates in process improvement initiatives and corrective activities.

• Training & Knowledge Sharing: Trains Quality Technicians I–III and new inspection employees as required and provides guidance on inspection methods, requirements, and procedures.

• Cross-Functional Support: Works directly with Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, and other departments to communicate Quality Assurance requirements, resolve inspection concerns, and support manufacturing operations.

• Independent Work & Prioritization: Performs routine duties with minimal supervision, prioritizes multiple tasks, and manages workload effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Team & Department Support: Participates in proactive team efforts, supports departmental and company goals, and performs other duties as assigned.

• Safety & Compliance: Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly work area; complies with all safety policies, procedures, and practices; and reports unsafe activities or conditions.

• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 3-5 years of quality experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, policies, procedures, safety rules, and operating instructions in English.

• Familiarity with First Article requirements per AS9102.

• Understanding of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and their impact.

• Ability to evaluate MRB dispositions for accuracy and acceptability.

• Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions and apply problem-solving techniques.

• Ability to train and provide guidance to other employees.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Basic shop math skills, including algebra.

• Demonstrates accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.

• Ability to plan work activities, use time efficiently, and complete work in a timely manner.

• Demonstrates awareness of and compliance with EHS safety and security guidelines.

• Manual dexterity is sufficient to perform inspection activities and train others.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.