Mechanical Aviation Inspector

As a Mechanical Aviation Inspector, you’ll be operating within QinetiQ’s Aviation Engineering Centre’s (AEC) and responsible for ensuring all incoming components, in-process assemblies, and finished aerospace products strictly adhere to aviation regulations, quality standards, and customer specifications.

Day-to-day, you’ll will conduct physical and electrical inspections, manage non-conformances, and guide production teams to guarantee compliance. This pivotal role ensures the safety, quality, and regulatory integrity of all safety-critical products within an exciting and growing business area.

• Perform detailed visual, dimensional, and physical inspection of mechanical machined parts, fabricated components, and complex electrical assemblies like wiring looms, harnesses, and PCBs
• Interpret aerospace engineering drawings, circuit diagrams, schematics, Bill of Materials (BOM) and CAD data to verify product compliance
• Utilise a wide range of inspection tools including verniers, micrometers, height gauges, digital multimeters, insulation testers, and crimp pull-testers
• Verify supplier documentation, Certificates of Conformity (CoC), and material test reports, and support the preparation of Authorized Release Certificates
• Identify, segregate, and document product defects (NCRs), leading root cause analysis investigations to implement robust corrective and preventive actions
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits while providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior inspection and manufacturing staff

• Proven experience as an Inspector within an active aerospace design and manufacturing environment
• Ability to make critical, high-pressure quality and compliance decisions independently with minimal supervision
• Strong working knowledge of civil aviation regulations and aerospace quality management systems
• Attention to detail with the ability to spot subtle defects in high-precision, safety-critical aerospace components
• Proficiency in using modern ERP/MRP systems (Oracle experience is desirable), dedicated Quality Management Software (QMS) and Microsoft Office

• Engineering apprenticeship or equivalent technical qualification (NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, HNC) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you.

This role is 37 hours per week based at our Boscombe Down. Flexible working available with an early finish on Fridays.

MOD Boscombe Down is a unique operational site featuring the longest military runway in the UK. Primarily focusing on providing testing, evaluation and support services for aviation and aerospace systems. Renowned for its extensive flight testing capabilities the site plays a vital role in the UK’s aviation defence contributing to the development, testing and airworthiness of military aircraft enhancing operational readiness and effectiveness.

At QinetiQ we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a diverse mix of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for our people, customers and communities. We encourage applications from all candidates and are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing .

One of our recruitment team…