Modus Advanced, Inc. Location: Livermore, CA Pay: $55-65/hour depending on experience
Hiring for multiple shifts:
- Shift A: M-Th, 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Shift B: M-Th, 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM (10% shift pay differential)
- Shift C: F/Sa/Su, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (15% shift pay differential)
Position Overview
Join the Modus Advanced team as a Quality Inspector Level 3 and serve as a senior technical contributor in our quality department. In this role, you'll program and operate state-of-the-art coordinate measuring machines and all department inspection equipment to verify that our manufactured components meet the exacting specifications required for life-saving medical devices, critical defense systems, and aerospace innovations.
At Modus Advanced, precision isn't just about meeting specifications — it's about enabling innovations that save and protect lives. Every measurement you take, every program you create, and every quality decision you make directly impacts our ability to deliver components that perform flawlessly when it matters most. One day matters, and your expertise helps our partners bring life-changing products to market sooner.
What Success Looks Like
As a Quality Inspector Level 3, you are the most technically capable inspector on the floor. You can do everything a Level 2 Inspector does and program all department equipment — CMMs, laser measurement systems, and other inspection tools. You work in Inspection Manager, help with setup parts, and collaborate directly with machinists because your inspection programming parallels the way they work with machining programs.
A successful Level 3 Inspector has mastered all equipment usage and programming. They've demonstrated their skills as a team player who jumps in to help wherever needed. They have excellent time management and don't need to be reminded to stay on top of projects. They demonstrate basic supervisory skills and can help lead the rest of the team in the direction established by quality management.
The key differentiator from a Level 2: a Level 2 Inspector can operate all department equipment but cannot program it. You create and modify the measurement programs. When a new part comes through that needs an inspection routine built from scratch, you're the one who makes it happen. When a machinist needs first article support on a setup part, you're their direct partner.
Key Responsibilities:
CMM Programming and Measurement Operations
- Create, modify, and optimize CMM programs for Zeiss systems based on engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, and customer requirements
- Execute measurement routines according to engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, and customer requirements
- Perform complex dimensional analysis including position, profile, concentricity, and surface finish verification
- Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and in-process quality control measurements
- Verify critical dimensions for tight tolerance components (+/- 0.0001" typical)
- Troubleshoot out-of-specification measurements and determine root causes
- Generate detailed measurement reports and coordinate with engineering team on findings
- Work in Inspection Manager to support documentation and reporting requirements
- Work directly with machinists on setup parts, providing inspection programming that parallels machining programs
Quality Control and Documentation
- Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and GD&T symbols
- Create and modify CMM programs for new parts and measurement requirements
- Maintain accurate measurement records in compliance with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards
- Identify non-conforming parts and initiate corrective action procedures
- Support continuous improvement initiatives through statistical process control (SPC)
- Collaborate with engineering team to resolve dimensional and quality issues
- Review production packages thoroughly to ensure all documentation meets requirements before shipment
Equipment Maintenance and Calibration
- Perform daily machine checks and routine maintenance on CMM equipment
- Conduct probe calibration and machine accuracy verification
- Maintain measurement tools and fixtures in proper working condition
- Support equipment qualification and validation activities
- Ensure proper environmental controls for measurement accuracy
Process Improvement and Compliance
- Participate in quality audits and continuous improvement activities
- Support CMMC compliance initiatives through proper documentation and procedures
- Contribute to design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews with engineering team
- Maintain chain of custody documentation for ITAR-controlled materials
- Follow all safety protocols and quality management system requirements
Team Support and Leadership
- Assist with training and mentoring Level 1 and Level 2 Inspectors
- Jump in to support any inspection station when production demands require it — seniority means flexibility, not specialization
- Communicate effectively with quality leadership, keeping them informed of floor issues without requiring micromanagement
- Help lead the team in the direction established by quality management
Required Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or certification preferred
- Must be a US Citizen
- 1-2 years of CMM programming experience required
- Experience with Zeiss Calypso or similar CMM software preferred
- Background in precision manufacturing environment (aerospace, medical, or defense)
Technical Skills
- Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T specifications
- Experience with CMM programming and measurement routine development
- Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and measurement uncertainty
- Understanding of coordinate systems, datum references, and measurement principles
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality management software
Specialized Knowledge
- Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and ITAR quality requirements
- Understanding of surface finish measurement and analysis
- Knowledge of measurement best practices for tight tolerance components
- Experience with failure analysis and troubleshooting
- Experience with probe selection and measurement strategy development
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods and work in temperature-controlled environment
- Manual dexterity for handling precision components and measurement tools
- Visual acuity to read fine print on engineering drawings and measurement displays
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
Personal Attributes
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Excellent time management — self-directs work without being micromanaged
- Good judgment on part acceptability — understands that minor manufacturing imperfections are inherent and can evaluate whether they affect customer intent and drawing requirements
- Not afraid to stop and escalate when something isn't right, while also understanding the difference between flagging a concern and making a judgment call at this experience level
- Excellent communication skills for collaborating with engineering team, machinists, and quality leadership
- Continuous learning mindset and adaptability to new technologies
- Understanding of the critical nature of precision measurement in life-saving applications
- Emerging leadership skills — other team members trust and seek your guidance
Important Note
We don't hire into a separate CMM Programmer title — CMM programming is a core capability of the Level 3 Quality Inspector. This ensures our senior inspectors maintain full department versatility rather than being siloed into a single function. When there's a fire somewhere else in the department and we need our most experienced person to jump in, Level 3 Inspectors can help anywhere because they have the broadest skill set.
What We OfferComprehensive Benefits Package
- Competitive hourly rate commensurate with experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
- Paid time off and holiday pay
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance coverage
- Professional development opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement program
Growth Opportunities
- Cross-training opportunities in other metrology and quality processes
- Participation in equipment selection and process improvement initiatives
- Mentorship from experienced quality engineers
- Access to industry training and ASQ certifications
- Career path to Quality Team Lead for those who demonstrate supervisory capabilities, or Quality Engineer for those with the educational background and systems-thinking to move into quality systems and customer interface
Work Environment
- Modern CMM equipment including Zeiss and Keyence systems
- Strong safety culture with comprehensive training programs
- Collaborative environment with direct access to engineering team
- Opportunity to work on mission-critical projects for aerospace, defense, and medical device customers
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Modus Advanced, we maintain the highest standards of quality and precision. Our AS9100 and ISO 9001 certifications reflect our commitment to excellence in everything we do. The majority of our staff are engineers, ensuring you'll have the technical support and expertise needed to succeed.
As a Quality Inspector Level 3, you'll be an integral part of our quality system, working with cutting-edge measurement technology to ensure every component meets the exacting standards our customers require. You'll contribute directly to our mission of helping partners accelerate the process of designing and manufacturing tomorrow's innovations.
We're looking for team members who understand that in our world, every measurement matters. When your precision helps validate a component for a life-support system or a critical defense application, you're not just doing quality control — you're helping ensure that these innovations perform flawlessly when lives depend on them.
Ready to join our team? Apply today and become part of a company that's accelerating tomorrow's innovations.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55.00 - $65.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you a US Citizen?
- Do you have experience inspecting machined parts?
- Are you able and willing to work the following shift: M-Th, 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Language:
Work Location: In person
