Possible 3 Month CTH
Role name: Quality Inspector
Work Location: Kinston, North Carolina
Start date: Immediate availability.
Background check MANDATORY
Role and responsibilities:
The Quality Inspector (Quality Line Side - QLS) is responsible for performing line-side inspections on aerostructure assemblies and components to ensure compliance with engineering, manufacturing, regulatory, and customer requirements. The inspector works directly within the Kinston production environment supporting A350 programs, performing detailed inspections of fuselage panels, structural assemblies, finishes, fastener installations, and product conformity.
This role serves as a critical member of the Quality Operations team, responsible for identifying, documenting, and managing non-conformities while ensuring product integrity, traceability, safety, and compliance with Production Organization Approval (POA) and applicable aerospace regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Aircraft Structure Inspection
Conduct Quality Line Side (QLS) inspections on aircraft structures including:
Left and Right Panels
Laterals
Junctions
Crown assemblies
Forward Lower Shell assemblies
Internal (IML) and External (OML) surfaces
Verify structural conformity against
manufacturing and quality requirements.
Paint and Surface Inspection
Perform OML paint inspections in accordance with process specifications, including:
Global appearance and color verification
Paint thickness measurement
Specular gloss evaluation
Orange peel assessment
Surface condition inspection
Fastener Installation Inspection
Inspect and verify:
Countersunk fastener dishing
Fastener flushness
Fastener collar and grip length
Lockbolt installations
Damaged collars and nuts
Fastener angularity requirements
Utilize calibrated gauges and measuring equipment in accordance with assembly instructions.
Structural Defect Assessment
Perform inspections and evaluations of:
Surface damage
Composite laminate conditions
Structural deviations
Contour and dimensional conformity
Component condition of supply
Support defect characterization and concession verification activities.
Non-Conformance Management
Identify and contain product non-conformities.
Create and process Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).
Enter and maintain quality data within MES/SAP systems.
Verify concessions and defect dispositions.
Support corrective and preventive action activities.
Participate in root cause investigations and problem-solving initiatives.
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Prevention
Verify removal of FOD from structures, cavities, and assemblies prior to release.
Apply IAQG EN9146 FOD prevention principles.
Support zero-defect and zero-FOD objectives.
Promote product safety and workmanship excellence.
Documentation & Compliance
Document inspection results accurately and completely.
Maintain traceability records.
Ensure compliance with quality processes and work instructions.
Participate in operational surveillance activities and process adherence reviews.
Support quality audits and customer inspections.
Required Qualifications
Education
High School Diploma or GED required.
Associate Degree in Aerospace, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or Quality preferred.
Experience
Minimum 3 years of quality inspection experience in aerospace manufacturing, aircraft assembly, composites, or aerostructures.
Experience performing line-side inspections in a production environment.
Experience with non-conformance management systems.
Experience using MES, SAP, or equivalent manufacturing systems preferred.
Technical Requirements
Must Have Knowledge Of
Aerospace manufacturing processes
Aircraft structures and assemblies
Composite and metallic aerostructures
Fastener installation inspection
Dimensional inspection techniques
Product conformity verification
FOD prevention programs
Configuration management principles
Quality Management Systems (QMS)
Inspection Tools & Equipment
Proficiency using:
Calipers
Micrometers
Flushness gauges
Height/Length gauges
Magnifying devices
Mirrors
Flashlights
Precision measuring equipment
Calibrated inspection tools
Systems & Software
Experience using:
SAP
MES (Manufacturing Execution System)
Microsoft Office
Digital inspection applications
MIRA inspection tools (preferred)
Partner Portal applications (preferred)
Competencies
Strong attention to detail
Excellent visual inspection capability
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Root cause investigation capability
Quality-focused mindset
Strong written documentation skills
Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
Effective communication skills
Continuous improvement mindset
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to climb and safely work from elevated platforms.
Ability to perform inspections in confined and restricted-access areas.
Ability to meet visual acuity requirements for aerospace inspection activities.
Ability to wear required PPE
Compliance
100% qualification and certification compliance.
Participation in SQCDP routines.
Support zero FOD incidents.
Support continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
Preferred Certifications
ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)
Aerospace Quality Training (AS9100)
FOD Prevention Training
Root Cause Analysis Training
Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Training
Work at Heights Certification