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.

The Quality Inspector I helps ensure products and materials meet established specifications and industry requirements throughout the production process. This role performs inspections and analyses, evaluates test results, maintains quality documentation and measurement equipment, and identifies quality issues to support consistent, compliant production.

Responsibilities

• Conducts routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.

• Interprets test results, compares outcomes against specifications and control limits, and recommends next steps.

• Performs visual inspections of finished and unfinished products.

• Completes documentation supporting testing procedures, including data forms, equipment logbooks, and inventory records.

• Calibrates, validates, and maintains laboratory and measurement equipment.

• Participates in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommends corrective actions.

• Supplies quality control data needed for regulatory or compliance submissions.

• Receives and inspects raw materials and reports questionable results.

• Maintains laboratory cleanliness and adherence to safety standards.

• Identifies quality issues and recommends solutions.

Required Qualifications

• 1-2 years of Quality Inspector experience.

• Aerospace, space, or defense industry experience.

• Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) experience.

• Ability to use and calibrate measurement tools such as height gauges and calipers.

• Knowledge of basic mathematics, including algebra and geometry.

• Broad understanding of engineering principles.

• Knowledge of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 and Aerospace Standard 9100 (AS9100) standards.

• Strong problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent oral and written comprehension.

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing, walking, or sitting for at least 8 hours.

• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying up to 50 pounds, minimum 35 pounds.

• Prolonged periods of repetitive movement.

• Constant holding, grasping, turning, or using the hands.

• 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.