Quality Inspector

ABOUT THE TEAM

 

The Rocket Motor Systems (RMS) Quality team is building something from the ground up. We are standing up inspection capabilities for solid rocket motor manufacturing at our McHenry, Mississippi facility—and the inspectors we bring on now will define how quality is done here. 

This is not a sustainment role. You will help develop the inspection processes, establish the standards, and shape the quality culture for a growing production line that delivers critical propulsion systems to the warfighter.

 

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Dimensional/Visual Inspector on the RMS Quality team, you will be one of the first inspectors embedded in our solid rocket motor manufacturing operations. You'll work alongside manufacturing, engineering, and quality leadership to build and execute inspection processes for propellant, casings, nozzles, liners, igniters, and completed motor assemblies. 

You'll have a direct hand in developing work instructions, defining acceptance criteria, and driving continuous improvement from day one—not inheriting someone else's playbook, but writing your own. This role requires someone with sharp attention to detail, the initiative to identify gaps before they become escapes, and a relentless drive to make the process better every day.

 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

 

• Perform dimensional and visual inspections of solid rocket motor components and assemblies, including propellant grains, composite and metallic casings, nozzle assemblies, liners, insulators, and igniters.
• Develop, refine, and document inspection procedures, work instructions, and acceptance criteria in collaboration with quality and manufacturing engineering.
• Inspect incoming materials and components to verify conformance to engineering drawings, specifications, and purchase order requirements.
• Interpret and apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5 to complex aerospace hardware.
• Operate and maintain calibrated inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, optical comparators, and CMMs.
• Conduct First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102 and support process validation activities.
• Identify and document nonconformances accurately, participating actively in root-cause analysis and corrective action.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, and supplier quality to resolve quality issues and drive process improvements.
• Support the maturation of the Quality Management System (QMS) at the McHenry facility.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

• 2+ years of hands-on inspection experience in aerospace, defense, or propulsion manufacturing.
• Proficiency with calibrated measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, optical comparators, CMMs).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience in a facility operating under AS9100 or a similar aerospace QMS standard.
• Familiarity with military specifications and standards applicable to propulsion or energetics manufacturing (e.g., MIL-STD-1576, MIL-STD-414, or similar).
• Demonstrated attention to detail and a commitment to doing things right, not just doing them fast.
• Must be a U.S. Person as this position requires access to export-controlled data.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of inspection experience in solid rocket motor, propellant, or energetics manufacturing.
• Experience with composite structures, bonded assemblies, or specialty materials (ablatives, thermal protection systems).
• Deep knowledge of First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements per AS9102.
• Technical degree or certificate in quality, manufacturing, mechanical, or aerospace engineering technology.
• Experience developing inspection processes or work instructions in a greenfield or early-stage production environment.
• Familiarity with manufacturing systems (MES, ERP, Teamcenter, or similar).
• Self-starter who thrives with autonomy and is comfortable building structure where little exists.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.