Quality Inspector

About the role

The is responsible for establishing the foundational inspection framework that ensures every component leaving the facility meets stringent aerospace and defense standards. You will be one of the first permanent inspectors on-site, tasked with building inspection methodology from the ground up rather than following an existing playbook. This role demands a hands-on partnership with manufacturing teams to translate design intent into tangible, measurable acceptance criteria for every part. You will own the complete inspection lifecycle, protecting the integrity of the supply chain from raw material to final assembly. The position requires relentless attention to detail and the discipline to document every decision in a way that withstands rigorous audit and review. You will serve as the primary link between the machine shop floor and the quality engineering function, ensuring alignment on dimensional control and process repeatability. Ultimately, your work will directly enable the rapid iteration and high-speed production that defines Hermeus mission to deliver unmatched aviation capabilities.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute incoming verification routines for all received material against prints and reference samples to confirm conformance before staging.
• Design initial gauging strategies and fixture concepts for prototype components prior to the first machining run to validate approachability.
• Coordinate measurement activities with machine shop staff during active builds to validate dimensions in real time and reduce scrap.
• Document each inspection decision within controlled records, creating traceable evidence that supports design reviews and production audits.
• Approve or reject parts based strictly on dimensional and process conformance, recording observed conditions with clear, factual language.
• Partner with engineering to update specifications and inspection methods when practical techniques evolve during the development cycle.
• Lead process capability reviews using production data to identify trends and drive tighter process controls that improve first-time yield.
• Confirm that all final assemblies meet specified requirements before release to higher level integration or flight-critical test programs.
• Establish and maintain the documentation structure required for regulatory audits, ensuring all records are complete, retrievable, and accurate.
• Train shop floor personnel on new inspection procedures and measurement techniques to ensure consistent execution across the team.
• Perform root cause analysis for rejected parts, working with manufacturing to implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
• Monitor tool wear and calibration status to ensure measurement devices remain within acceptable tolerance bands at all times.
• Support the development of standard work instructions that define inspection checkpoints for every major production milestone.
• Liaise with supply chain partners to resolve discrepancies in raw material specifications before they impact the production schedule.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance inspection efficiency without compromising the accuracy or reliability of results.

Requirements

Applicants must hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent certificate of education. Hands-on experience with calipers, micrometers, and basic gauging tools is necessary in daily work. The ability to interpret engineering prints, apply geometric tolerancing, and maintain documentation is required. Three years of related inspection background in a machine shop or similar environment is mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate strict adherence to safety protocols and quality procedures without exception. The role requires the physical capability to stand for extended periods and manipulate precision tools repeatedly. All personnel in this position must be eligible to obtain the necessary security clearances as dictated by defense contracts. Compliance with export control regulations and data handling policies is non-negotiable. Any candidate selected must pass background checks and drug screening as standard hiring practice. The individual must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship during the initial engagement period.

Nice to have

Experience with optical comparators or coordinate measuring machines is preferred when available.

Practical notes

Please What you'll do

We reclaim the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build fast and powerful aircraft on relevant timelines. Our teams design and test high-speed systems that give our nation and its allies clear advantage in the sky. We focus on deterring global threats through disciplined engineering, repeatable experimentation, and reliable execution.

You will refine designs, validate performance, and turn ideas into flying hardware quickly and safely.