Quality Inspector

Luna Innovations is hiring a Quality Inspector to join our Quality team in Chino, California. You'll be the hands-on quality gatekeeper for the optical components, optical test & measurement instruments, and terahertz measurement systems we design and manufacture-verifying that every incoming material, every in-process assembly, and every piece of calibrated equipment meets the exacting standards our customers expect.

The photonics industry is in the middle of a historic growth cycle. Demand for high-performance optical components and precision test and measurement platforms is accelerating as AI datacenters scale, silicon photonics matures, and next-generation optical networks come online. Luna's products are at the center of that momentum-and this role ensures they leave our facility ready to perform.

When a customer uses a Luna instrument to characterize a photonic integrated circuit or validate a 400G transceiver, they're trusting that every component inside was built and inspected to specification. That trust starts with you. You'll inspect incoming optical and mechanical components, verify in-process assemblies against engineering drawings and specifications, and manage the metrology and calibration programs that keep our measurement capability traceable and audit-ready.

Your work is the foundation of product quality at Luna.

• Perform incoming inspection of optical components, mechanical parts, electronic assemblies, and raw materials against engineering drawings, purchase order requirements, and approved vendor specifications.
• Conduct in-process inspections at key manufacturing stages ensuring conformance to work instructions and quality plans.
• Use precision measurement instruments (micrometers, calipers, optical power meters, multimeters, etc.) to verify dimensional, electrical, and optical specifications.
• Document inspection results accurately, generate inspection reports, and disposition non-conforming material through the NCR (Non-Conformance Report) process.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues at the point of discovery, minimizing downstream impact.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to conduct Final Inspections or verify their proper completeness and adherence to appropriate inspection records, verifying Final Test parameters, and completion of CoC documentation.
• Support First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102 for new components and revised designs.

• Assist the Process Engineering team with the calibration program for inspection, test, and measurement equipment, ensuring all items are properly calibrated, labeled, and traceable to NIST or equivalent national standards.
• Assist with performing in-house calibrations where applicable.
• Evaluate measurement system capability (Gage R&R, measurement uncertainty analysis) and recommend improvements to inspection methods and tooling.
• Support the selection and procurement of new inspection equipment as product lines evolve.

• Support internal and external audits by providing inspection records, NCR data, and process documentation.
• Contribute to CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) investigations by providing inspection data and root cause analysis input.
• Identify trends in incoming and in-process quality data and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Help maintain and improve inspection procedures, work instructions, and acceptance criteria as products and processes evolve.

• Associate's degree or technical certification in Quality, Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field-or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably as a quality inspector in optics, photonics, electronics, or precision instrumentation.
• Proficiency with precision measurement tools including calipers, optical power meters, and digital multimeters.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), and optical specifications.
• Experience with non-conformance reporting, material disposition, and corrective action processes.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications (Microsoft Office, ERP/MRP systems for quality transactions).

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality management system requirements.
• Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.
• Experience inspecting optical and electronic components or assemblies-lenses, filters, fiber optic connectors, or printed circuit boards.
• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification.
• Hands-on calibration experience with optical and electronic measurement equipment.
• Exposure to cleanroom or ESD-controlled manufacturing environments.

Luna Innovations isn't just another tech…