First Article Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About VetPowered:
VetPowered, LLC, named Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year in the United States is a rapidly growing San Diego based corporation specializing in manufacturing, welding, fabrication, machinery repair and customized training under private and US Government contracts. VetPowered employs a highly trained workforce that uses the latest in cutting edge CNC equipment. VetPowered is dedicated to bringing advanced manufacturing back to America.
Key Job Functions:
At VetPowered, the Senior Quality Inspector will play a critical role in ensuring that manufactured components and assemblies meet customer specifications, aerospace quality standards, and internal inspection requirements. This role will perform detailed inspections of machined parts and assemblies, support first article inspections, and help maintain quality documentation in accordance with AS9100 standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Inspection and Verification
• Perform detailed inspections of machined components, assemblies, and fabricated parts using precision measuring tools.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, blueprints, and specifications to verify dimensional accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct in-process, first article, and final inspections on manufactured components.
First Article Inspections
• Coordinate and perform first article inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 standards.
• Compile and review inspection data and documentation to ensure compliance with customer requirements.
Measurement and Equipment
• Utilize precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).
• Maintain and ensure calibration compliance for inspection tools and measuring devices.
Documentation and Reporting
• Maintain accurate inspection records and documentation for internal quality systems.
• Document non-conforming materials and communicate findings to production and quality leadership.
• Assist with the completion and maintenance of inspection reports and quality documentation.
Collaboration with Manufacturing
• Work closely with machinists and manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues and improve product quality.
• Provide guidance to production personnel regarding quality standards and inspection expectations.
Continuous Improvement
• Identify trends in inspection results and support root cause investigations for quality issues.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
Other duties as required in support of the department and company goals.
Qualifications & Work Experience:
To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily (with or without an accommodation). The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Technical certification or associate degree in manufacturing, machining, or quality assurance preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in quality inspection within a manufacturing or aerospace environment.
• Strong understanding of blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience conducting first article inspections and familiarity with AS9102 documentation requirements.
• Experience working within AS9100 quality systems preferred.
• Experience with CMM inspection equipment (Zeiss preferred) is highly desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple inspection tasks.
• Experience using UniPoint and JobBoss (a plus).
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Mission and Values
Contribute to achievement of the Mission and Vision of our organization by:

• Attention to Detail- The ability to accomplish a task while demonstrating a thorough concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small.
• All In-Brings their whole self to work and giving it their all no matter how difficult the job or situation.
• Accountable- Taking personal responsibility for their work, owns mistakes, communicate honestly rather than hiding the truth, does not blame others or make excuses.
• Adaptable- Easily adjusts to changing circumstances.
• Always Improving- A constant, ongoing effort to improve something. This 'something' can be a product, a service, one's skill set, or a team's way of working.

Important Notes
Position Details: This is a full-time salary (exempt) position (40+ hours/week).
Schedule: This position is Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm. Occasional weekends, and shift changes may be necessary from time to time in order to support Company goals and production needs.
Pay: This pay does not include any opportunity for incentive compensation and is only reflective of the base pay for this position.
The range of pay for this California-based position is $78,000.00 - $88,000.00 annually.
Incentive Compensation: Potential for bonus/incentives after one full year of employment.
Benefits and Perks: VetPowered makes available comprehensive benefits the 1st of the month, following the date of hire. Options include Medical (50% employer contribution), dental and vision coverage (100% employer contribution), a 401k program with employer match up to $1,000 per year, 8 paid holidays, and paid time off.
Dress code: Position is provided VetPowered uniforms, and laundry service.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to push, move, lift or otherwise bear 10-30lbs. Applications may include but are not limited to repetitive work using a computer keyboard, mouse and headphones while sitting and/or standing at an assigned work desk area.
Work Environment: The employee works in a contract manufacturing facility in an urban industrial neighborhood. Other areas within the facility are mixed use such as administration, classrooms, welding, and machining areas.
Employee may have additional environmental hazards such as: chemical, electrical, flammable, or mechanical in nature.
E-Verify Compliance Statement:
VetPowered, LLC participates in the E-Verify program. We ensure employment eligibility of all employees by using the E-Verify electronic verification system.
Policy for Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Prevention:
VetPowered, LLC is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristic, and an environment free from retaliation for participating in any protected activity covered by this policy.
VetPowered, LLC employees are expected to assume responsibility for maintaining a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Employees are encouraged to promptly report conduct that they believe violates this policy so that we have an opportunity to address and resolve any concerns. Managers and supervisors are required to promptly report conduct that they believe violates this policy. We are committed to responding to alleged violations of this policy in a timely and fair manner and to taking appropriate action aimed at ending the prohibited conduct.
EEO Statement:
VetPowered, LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, unpaid interns, and volunteers without regard to actual or perceived: race (including hair texture or protected hairstyles, e.g. braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin (including language use restrictions), ancestry, citizenship, disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, family and medical leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
All openings are subject to change without notice, due to the volume of applications / resumes received, we are unable to respond to status inquiries. Please be assured that your information is being properly handled and forwarded to the appropriate hiring staff. If your skills and qualifications meet the needs of the job, you will be contacted.