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.
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:
Systems & Software:
Experience using:
The pay range that the employer in good faith reasonably expects to pay for this position is $23.11/hour - $36.12/hour. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Tundra Technical Solutions is among North America’s leading providers of Staffing and Consulting Services. Our success and our clients’ success are built on a foundation of service excellence. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Unincorporated LA County workers: we reasonably believe that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: client provided property, including hardware (both of which may include data) entrusted to you from theft, loss or damage; return all portable client computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon completion of the assignment, and; maintain the confidentiality of client proprietary, confidential, or non-public information. In addition, job duties require access to secure and protected client information technology systems and related data security obligations.
