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Inspection Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Visual Inspector - CWI

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$51.92 - $82.69/hr

... inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring ...

Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics to extract inspection requirements, tolerances, and GD&T callouts. * Define and refine inspection processes as production scales ...

Senior Engineering Inspector

Fresno, CA · On-site

$84K - $103K/yr

High school diploma or GED equivalent, AND Three (3) years of experience in engineering inspection or contract administration of public works construction projects. Possession of a valid California ...

Senior Engineering Inspector

Fresno, CA · On-site

$84K - $103K/yr

High school diploma or GED equivalent, AND Three (3) years of experience in engineering inspection or contract administration of public works construction projects. Possession of a valid California ...

Showing results 41-60

Inspection Engineering information

See California salary details

$35K

$62K

$86.4K

How much do inspection engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for inspection engineering in California is $61,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $69,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is inspection engineering?

Inspection engineering is a specialized field focused on evaluating and ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of equipment, structures, or systems through systematic inspections and assessments. Inspection engineers use various techniques—such as visual checks, non-destructive testing, and data analysis—to identify defects, wear, or non-compliance with standards. Their work is essential in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, construction, and transportation, where safety and quality are critical. They often also recommend repairs, maintenance, or improvements based on their findings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inspection engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inspection Engineer, a solid background in engineering principles, materials science, and quality assurance—often supported by a relevant engineering degree and certifications like API or NDT—is essential. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and documentation systems like computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help Inspection Engineers excel in identifying and reporting issues. These competencies ensure the integrity, safety, and compliance of equipment and structures, ultimately minimizing risks and operational downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by inspection engineers and how can they be addressed?

Inspection engineers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly changing regulatory standards, working in physically demanding environments, and accurately documenting inspection results under tight deadlines. To address these, staying updated through regular training, using advanced inspection technologies, and maintaining clear communication with other engineering and safety teams can be highly beneficial. Building strong relationships with colleagues and prioritizing safety protocols also help ensure thorough and compliant inspections.

What is the difference between Inspection Engineering vs Quality Assurance Engineering?

AspectInspection EngineeringQuality Assurance Engineering
CertificationsASNT, API, NDT certificationsASQ CQE, Six Sigma, ISO certifications
Work EnvironmentField inspections, plant sites, manufacturing facilitiesOffice-based, process development, audits
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, oil & gas, aerospaceManufacturing, software, healthcare

Inspection Engineering focuses on the direct examination and testing of products or materials to ensure compliance with standards. Quality Assurance Engineering involves developing and implementing processes to prevent defects and improve quality across production. While both roles aim for quality, Inspection Engineering is more hands-on and inspection-focused, whereas Quality Assurance Engineering emphasizes process improvement and system audits.

What does an inspection engineer do?

An inspection engineer evaluates materials, components, and systems to ensure they meet quality and safety standards. They perform inspections using tools like non-destructive testing equipment, review technical documentation, and ensure compliance with industry regulations, often working in manufacturing, construction, or energy sectors. Certification and attention to detail are important in this role.

What job categories do people searching Inspection Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Inspection Engineering jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Inspection Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,965 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Automation Inspection Manufacturing Engineer.

FormFactor, Inc.

Livermore, CA • On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


FormFactor rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Forming Our Future together
FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product life cycle - from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug, to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor's products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Rooted in our core values - Focus on the Customer, Ownership & Accountability, Respectfully & Effectively Communicate, and Motivate & Develop People - we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Everyone can make an impact here. Whether it's improving products, supporting customers, or positively influencing peers and the community, the contributions of our people matter.
Shift:
The regular hours for this position are day shift.
Job Description:
The Automation Inspection Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining automated inspection solutions for probe feature inspection while driving manufacturing automation initiatives that improve quality, productivity, and cycle time. This position will lead the development of automated probe inspection and storage processes, eliminate manual back-end inspection activities, and provide engineering support for automated probe insertion equipment. The engineer will work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Product Engineering, and Wafer Engineering to implement innovative automation technologies and support New Product Introductions (NPI).
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement automated inspection solutions for probe feature inspection.
  • Design, optimize, and sustain automated probe storage and handling processes.
  • Support the elimination of manual back-end inspection processes through automation.
  • Provide engineering support for automated probe insertion equipment, including process development, equipment qualification, troubleshooting, and production support.
  • Develop, optimize, and sustain semiconductor manufacturing processes to improve yield, quality, productivity, and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Support process qualification, validation, and implementation for new and existing products.
  • Establish and maintain robust process controls using Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability analysis, and data-driven decision making.
  • Analyze manufacturing data to identify process improvement opportunities and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation, including work instructions, process specifications, FMEAs, control plans, and manufacturing procedures.
  • Support engineering change implementation (ECO/ECCB) and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
  • Train manufacturing technicians and operators on new equipment, automation systems, manufacturing processes, and best practices.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Product Engineering, and Wafer Engineering to resolve technical issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Provide hands-on support during equipment qualification, production ramp, process validation, and troubleshooting activities.
  • Lead continuous improvement projects focused on automation, process capability, quality, throughput, and cost reduction.

Skills:
Automation Engineering, Automation Systems, Defect Metrology, Dimensional Metrology, Engineering Process, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Process Engineering, Measurement Analysis, Optical Metrology, Precision Metrology, Problem Resolution, Semiconductor Engineering, Technical Troubleshooting, Troubleshooting, Work Instructions, Writing Work Instructions
Education & Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work | Required
Pay Range:
$110,700.00 - $145,320.00
Pay Range Explained:
This role in Livermore, California pays between $110,700.00 and $145,320.00 per year, depending on your experience, skills, and background. Pay may vary in other locations. We offer a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, a 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), and paid time off. You'll also be eligible for quarterly profit-sharing bonuses and flexible spending or savings accounts.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
FormFactor is an equal opportunity employer. FormFactor complies with all national, state, and local laws that seek to promote equal opportunities for any applicant or employee without regard to age, race, color, gender, gender identity/expression, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, military service, or any other legally protected characteristics. These protections apply to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and compensation.
For roles that are designated as remote-eligible, employees cannot be located in: AL, AK, AR, DE, GA, HI, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, WV, WI, WY. This list is continuously evolving and being updated, please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list. A role is remote-eligible only when it is listed as "Remote" in the job location.

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