Quality Inspector III @ General Atomics

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for inspecting a wide variety of parts, assemblies, sub-components, material, and end items to ensure compliance with customer requirements, specifications, drawings and the quality system. Inspects new and reworked aircraft, ground control stations, and ground data terminals for conformance to engineering drawings and technical specifications. Maintains, processes, and compiles a variety of confidential and sensitive electronic and hard copy reports, records and statistics. Assignments are typically non-routine where judgment and assessment are required to resolve moderately complex issues. May conduct inspections at customer or vendor sites.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Inspects aircraft, ground control stations (GCS), ground data terminals (GDT), machined parts, components, sub-components, assemblies and materials to ensure compliance with appropriate regulatory guidelines (Military Standards, ASTM and ANSI, and ASME Code). Provides various electronic and hard copy reports of inspections and notifies appropriate parties.
• Interfaces with Flight Operations Manufacturing and Test Ops, Systems Test, Engineering, and Program Management to communicate and resolve product quality issues.
• Observes acceptance testing, records results and provides oversight, as necessary, to verify compliance with requirements.
• Verifies proper aircraft, GCS, and GDT end item deliverable configurations.
• Inspects Customer Mandated Inspections (CMI), Mandatory Government Inspections (MGI) and modification maintenance items IAW Customer and Company directives prior to DCMA QA, DOD Product Assurance, or other customer oversight functions.
• Assists with the execution of Quality inspections/evaluations and reports findings as required by Company policy and Customer requirements (AFI 21-101; T.O. 00-20-1; DCMAI 8210.1). May interact with and provide responses to regulatory agencies and customers during their audits and review of company inspection, integration, modification, and test activities.
• May travel between flight operation sites as required.
• May monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures.
• May gather and interpret data through inspections, input data using computer programs and create reports using trend analysis.
• Must be able to attend production meetings and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Must be able to adapt to various working conditions such as heights or inclement weather.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and two or more years of progressive experience in electrical, mechanical, electromechanical or metrology inspection and calibration.
• Preferred background in Military training in quality inspections on aircrafts or certification by a professional group such as ASQ or AWS.
• Strongly desired A&P license and ability to read and understand engineering drawings and specifications, and perform mathematical computations.
• Good communication skills to effectively interface with all levels of employees including management and government oversight functions.
• Ability to interpret non-routine information and respond to non-routine issues; ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information; and good computer skills.
• Experience with avionics systems, military flight line and back shop maintenance, military aviation systems and practices, GCS components and systems, aviation quality assurance and quality control, ISO9001, AS9100, DCMAI 8210.1 and safety and flight concepts are desirable.
• Experience with military aviation documentation practices, 781 series forms (T.O. 00-20-1), IMDS; as well as, the ability to read and understand government technical manuals, forms, instructions and regulations.
• Working knowledge of aircraft manufacturing, assembly, integration, modification, maintenance, and flight test operations, including the ability to identify and evaluate product nonconformances.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex inspections with minimal supervision while exercising sound technical judgment in determining product conformity to engineering and contractual requirements.
• Ability to identify, document, and communicate nonconforming conditions and ensure appropriate corrective actions are completed before product acceptance.
• Knowledge of Foreign Object Damage (FOD) prevention, tool control, aircraft safety practices, and general flight line safety requirements.
• Ability to effectively prioritize inspection activities in a dynamic production and flight operations environment while maintaining compliance with established quality requirements.
• Familiarity with First Article Inspection (FAI), receiving inspection, in-process inspection, final inspection, and end-item acceptance requirements.
• Willingness and ability to support multiple Flight Operations facilities, aircraft platforms, and changing program priorities as operational requirements dictate.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to less experienced Quality Inspectors while promoting consistent inspection practices and adherence to quality standards.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), military aircraft, or aerospace manufacturing and flight test environments.
• Familiarity with MQ-9, MQ-9B, MQ-1C, or comparable military aircraft platforms and associated ground control systems.
• Experience supporting aircraft customer acceptance, government source inspections, and DD Form 250 documentation processes.
• Knowledge of aircraft maintenance documentation, configuration control, airworthiness requirements, and applicable military technical orders.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting multiple aircraft programs or customer contracts with differing quality, inspection, and acceptance requirements.

Must possess

• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and specifications, and perform mathematical computations;
• Good communication skills to effectively interface with all levels of employees including management;
• Ability to interpret non-routine information and respond to non-routine issues;
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.;
• Good computer skills.