Senior Quality Inspector

Firestorm Labs is seeking a meticulous and dependable Senior Quality Inspector to join our growing quality team in San Diego. At Firestorm Labs, we are building the future of distributed, mission-adaptive airpower for the modern warfighter. You will be responsible for independently verifying that incoming material, in-process builds, and finished aircraft conform to drawings, specifications, and workmanship standards.

You will be integrated within one of our Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) supporting the Tempest, Squall, and Hurricane FPV aircraft lines. You will perform receiving, in-process, and final inspections, ensure only conforming product moves forward to Flight Test and our customers, and keep every inspection documented and traceable. You will be reporting to the Senior Manager of Production Operations.

• Perform receiving inspection of purchased parts and assemblies against purchase orders, drawings, and certificates of conformance.
• Perform in-process and Final QC inspection of sub-assemblies and aircraft at defined router checkpoints before release to Flight Test.
• Verify dimensions, workmanship, wiring, solder joints, connectors, fasteners, torque, and markings using calibrated measuring equipment.
• Accept handoffs from Manufacturing and Test using the standard handoff log, confirming part number, quantity, MOT, and open items.
• Complete inspection records and router stamps accurately, maintaining full serial and lot traceability.
• Identify, tag, and segregate nonconforming material, and initiate NCMRs in Jira with clear defect descriptions and photos.
• Support MRB activities and verify rework and repair per approved dispositions.
• Support First Article Inspection (AS9102) and supplier quality activities as directed by Quality Engineering.
• Ensure inspection tools and gauges are calibrated and used correctly.
• Share defect trends with the IPT and support root cause and corrective action efforts.
• Performed other duties as directed

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent education
• 'U.S. Person' as defined by 22 CFR § 120.62 required due to ITAR regulations, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or protected individuals under asylee or refugee status
• 5+ years of quality inspection experience in aerospace, defense, UAS, electronics, or precision manufacturing.
• Experience with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, torque tools, and other standard inspection equipment.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, including basic GD&T, and inspection criteria.
• Strong attention to detail, objectivity, and disciplined documentation habits.
• Experience communicating findings clearly and constructively with build and test teams.

• IPC-A-610 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification.
• Experience working within an AS9100-compliant quality management system.
• Experience with receiving inspection, First Article Inspection (AS9102), and NCMR/MRB processes.
• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT).
• Experience inspecting composite structures, cable harnesses, or electromechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with Jira or an ERP/MES system.

• The position is working onsite at Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
• Will be working on the production floor and in the receiving area.
• Standing, bending, and close visual work, including under magnification, for extended periods; ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Use of required PPE, including safety glasses and ESD protection.
• Occasional overtime to support customer commitments.

• Hourly Base: $32.00 -$42.00 an hour base, commensurate with experience
• Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company

The posted…