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Quality Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast is looking for a Quality Inspection Specialist , reporting to the E-2 Principal Engineer, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and ...

Vast is looking for a Quality Inspection Specialist , reporting to the E-2 Principal Engineer, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and ...

Manages inspection activities within Production areas to ensure product quality standards are maintained and customer requirements are met. Provides overall guidance of inspection activities to ...

Record inspection and test results accurately and maintain quality documentation. * Operate inspection, test, and measurement equipment safely and effectively. * Review manufacturing and quality ...

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Quality Inspector

Westminster, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Complete required inspection documentation. Requirements * High school diploma or equivalent. * 1-2 years of manufacturing quality inspection experience. * Ability to read blueprints and use ...

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Quality Inspector 2

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$20.80 - $26/hr

Quality Inspector 2 Part-time Simi Valley, CA Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with ... Use gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other inspection tools to verify parts and sensor components

Quality Inspector 2

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$20.80 - $26/hr

Quality Inspector 2 Part-time Simi Valley, CA Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with ... Use gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other inspection tools to verify parts and sensor components

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This position is responsible for advanced levels of inspection. The Quality Specialist must be able to conduct external and internal audits, help managing supplier and customer quality interactions ...

Quality Inspector 2

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$20.80 - $26/hr

Quality Inspector 2 Full-time Simi Valley, CA, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared ... Use gauges, calipers, micrometers, torque ranges, and other inspection tools to verify dimensions ...

Quality Inspector 2

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$20.80 - $26/hr

Quality Inspector 2 Full-time Simi Valley, CA, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared ... Use gauges, calipers, micrometers, torque ranges, and other inspection tools to verify dimensions ...

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Quality Inspector

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $22/hr

Document inspection results, manufacturing processes, and quality records. * Identify and segregate nonconforming materials. * Report quality issues and support corrective actions. * Maintain ...

Quality Inspector II

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$22.01 - $37.63/hr

Minimum of 3 years of experience in a quality inspection role within a manufacturing environment. * Proficiency in using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and optical ...

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Quality Inspection information

See California salary details

$12

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$31

How much do quality inspection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality inspection in California is $20.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Quality Inspector typically collaborate with production and engineering teams to resolve product issues?

Quality Inspectors work closely with both production and engineering teams to identify, document, and address product defects or process deviations. They communicate inspection findings, participate in root cause analyses, and help implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. This collaboration often involves regular meetings, sharing detailed reports, and providing feedback on product quality, ensuring that quality standards are maintained throughout the manufacturing process.

How much do quality inspectors earn?

Quality inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level inspectors may earn less, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, often working in manufacturing, aerospace, or food safety environments.

What do quality inspectors do?

Quality inspectors examine products, materials, or processes to ensure they meet specified standards and quality requirements. They perform inspections using tools like gauges and measurement devices, document findings, and may recommend corrective actions to prevent defects. This role often requires attention to detail, knowledge of quality standards, and sometimes certification in quality management systems.

What are the 4 types of quality inspection?

In quality inspection roles, the four main types are incoming inspection, in-process inspection, final inspection, and sampling inspection. These methods help ensure products meet quality standards at different stages of production and often involve the use of checklists, measurement tools, and quality control techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Quality Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quality Inspector, you need a solid understanding of quality assurance principles, attention to detail, and experience with measurement and inspection processes, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with tools like calipers, micrometers, CMM machines, and knowledge of ISO standards or Six Sigma certification are typically required. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help Quality Inspectors excel in identifying and addressing defects. These skills ensure that products meet safety and quality standards, reducing errors and maintaining customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Quality Inspection vs Quality Control Technician?

AspectQuality InspectionQuality Control Technician
CertificationsISO 9001, ASQ certificationsISO 9001, ASQ certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, warehousesManufacturing plants, labs
Primary FocusInspecting products for defectsTesting and verifying quality processes
Employer UsageManufacturers, suppliersManufacturers, quality departments

Quality Inspection and Quality Control Technician roles both involve ensuring product quality, often requiring similar certifications. However, Quality Inspection primarily focuses on visually inspecting products for defects, while Quality Control Technicians perform testing and analyze processes to prevent defects. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in scope and daily tasks.

What are quality inspection jobs?

Quality inspection jobs involve evaluating products, materials, or processes to ensure they meet defined standards and specifications. Inspectors use various tools and techniques to identify defects, measure dimensions, and test functionality. Their goal is to maintain product quality, prevent defects from reaching customers, and support continuous improvement in manufacturing or production environments. These roles often require attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of industry regulations.

What is the highest paid inspection job?

The highest paid inspection jobs are often senior roles such as Quality Control Managers or Lead Inspectors, especially in industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or manufacturing, where specialized certifications and extensive experience are required. These positions can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, depending on the industry and location.
What job categories do people searching Quality Inspection jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Inspection jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Quality Inspection jobs? Cities in California with the most Quality Inspection job openings:
Infographic showing various Quality Inspection job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,862 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Quality Inspection Specialist

Quality Inspection Specialist

Vast

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$41 - $59/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Vast is looking for a Quality Inspection Specialist, reporting to the E-2 Principal Engineer, to create the world's highest performing engine for small launchers, while optimizing for production and low cost. In this role, you will join a team with exciting momentum that has produced and successfully tested fully integrated engine development samples. You will be a key member who will help transition the system from development to production. 

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Hawthorne location. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Hands on dimensional inspection skills using mechanical tools.
  • Define and execute quality methodologies to support full product traceability.
  • Collaborate with responsible engineers, manufacturing  engineers and technicians to review designs and drawings
  • Assess, define, improve and communicate inhouse inspection capabilities
  • Identify and track manufacturing non-conformities and proactively work with manufacturing and engineering to address them
  • Develop, approve and execute process inspection controls to regulate acceptance of critical characteristics.
  • Use expertise to contribute to the prevention of defects and non-conformities, ultimately reducing the likelihood of recalls and/or customer complaints.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing quality data, identifying trends, and implementing corrective and preventive actions to enhance the overall quality of our products and reduce costs.
  • Recommend technical product improvements to reduce risk and potential defect opportunities and provide feedback as appropriate on manufacturing methods and technologies.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 5+ years experience with demand fast paced companies working on quality, manufacturing or responsible engineer roles.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Knowledge and experience in GD&T, Tooling, AS9100, AS9102.
  • Proficient in Blueprint Reading and First Article Inspection (FAI) and interpretation of Engineering Process Specifications. 
  • Certified Black / Green belt lean and Six-Sigma quality engineering methodologies.
  • Experience with Quality Management Systems (ISO 9000 / AS9100 / AS6500 / NADCAP).
  • Experience in statistical controls and methods (e.g. MSA, GR&R, Design of Experiments, Six Sigma, etc.).
  • Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment. 
  • Effective written, verbal and presentation communication skills
  • Experience with NDT.

Pay Range: 

  • Quality Inspection Specialist I: $41.00 - $59.00 
  • Quality Inspection Specialist II: $45.00 - $62.00