Quality Inspector Jobs in California
Quality Inspector jobs in California are in high demand, with active hiring in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, medical devices, and food and beverage production, at levels from entry-level inspection technician through senior quality engineer. The largest concentrations of openings are in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Jose area, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Medtronic, and Intel maintain large manufacturing and engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties include aerospace inspection to AS9100 standards, FDA-regulated medical device inspection, and semiconductor process quality. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 271+ Quality Inspector jobs
About Machina Labs
Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet.
Machina Labs is changing that. We build intelligent, software-defined factories that produce complex metal structures directly from digital design. By integrating advanced metal forming, robotics, and automated production inside a flexible factory architecture, we enable customers to move from prototype to production in weeks, not years.
Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we're building the manufacturing infrastructure that defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility programs will run on.
If you want to work on hard problems that matter and see them fly, drive, and defend, this is the place.
Job Description:
Machina Labs is seeking a detail-oriented Quality Inspector to support the production of high-precision, flight-critical components. In this role, you will be responsible for performing receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections to ensure all parts meet engineering specifications and quality standards.
You will work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to uphold product integrity, support production readiness, and drive continuous improvement across our robotic manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform receiving, in-process, and final inspection on sheet metal, formed, and welded hardware, plus incoming machined parts from our suppliers.
- Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to verify conformance.
- Use precision measurement tools including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and surface finish comparators.
- Aid in completing AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR).
- Identify and document nonconformances (NCRs) and support MRB dispositioning.
- Maintain accurate inspection records within MES system.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Ensure high standards of quality, traceability, and compliance across all production activities.
- Follow required PPE, material handling, housekeeping, FOD, and best safety practices.
- This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.
Required Background & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 1 to 3 years of inspection, machine shop, fabrication, or manufacturing experience.
- Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools.
- Able to read engineering drawings and basic GD&T on routine parts.
- Experience with inspection documentation and data entry systems (MES/ERP).
- Accurate, legible, complete recordkeeping habits, and the discipline to record findings without omission.
- Must meet U.S. export control (ITAR) requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3+ Aerospace and Defense inspection background
- Experience operating portable CMMs and laser scanning for large components. .
- Experience supporting MRB, NCRs, and corrective action processes.
- Exposure to supplier quality and aerospace prime requirements.
- Exposure to AS9100 and AS9102 first article inspection.
Work Environment & Requirements
- Availability for 1st shift (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM).
- Ability to work in a shop environment with exposure to noise and manufacturing conditions.
- Capable of performing repetitive movements and handling inspection tools.
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and work around large assemblies.
- Flexibility to support extended hours or weekends as needed.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
About Machina Labs
Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet.
Machina Labs is changing that. We build intelligent, software-defined factories that produce complex metal structures directly from digital design. By integrating advanced metal forming, robotics, and automated production inside a flexible factory architecture, we enable customers to move from prototype to production in weeks, not years.
Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we're building the manufacturing infrastructure that defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility programs will run on.
If you want to work on hard problems that matter and see them fly, drive, and defend, this is the place.
Job Description:
Machina Labs is seeking a detail-oriented Quality Inspector to support the production of high-precision, flight-critical components. In this role, you will be responsible for performing receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspections to ensure all parts meet engineering specifications and quality standards.
You will work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to uphold product integrity, support production readiness, and drive continuous improvement across our robotic manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform receiving, in-process, and final inspection on sheet metal, formed, and welded hardware, plus incoming machined parts from our suppliers.
- Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to verify conformance.
- Use precision measurement tools including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and surface finish comparators.
- Aid in completing AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR).
- Identify and document nonconformances (NCRs) and support MRB dispositioning.
- Maintain accurate inspection records within MES system.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Ensure high standards of quality, traceability, and compliance across all production activities.
- Follow required PPE, material handling, housekeeping, FOD, and best safety practices.
- This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.
Required Background & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 1 to 3 years of inspection, machine shop, fabrication, or manufacturing experience.
- Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools.
- Able to read engineering drawings and basic GD&T on routine parts.
- Experience with inspection documentation and data entry systems (MES/ERP).
- Accurate, legible, complete recordkeeping habits, and the discipline to record findings without omission.
- Must meet U.S. export control (ITAR) requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3+ Aerospace and Defense inspection background
- Experience operating portable CMMs and laser scanning for large components. .
- Experience supporting MRB, NCRs, and corrective action processes.
- Exposure to supplier quality and aerospace prime requirements.
- Exposure to AS9100 and AS9102 first article inspection.
Work Environment & Requirements
- Availability for 1st shift (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM).
- Ability to work in a shop environment with exposure to noise and manufacturing conditions.
- Capable of performing repetitive movements and handling inspection tools.
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and work around large assemblies.
- Flexibility to support extended hours or weekends as needed.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See All 271+ Quality Inspector Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Inspector JobsQuality Inspector Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Inspector Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace & Defense
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Retail
- Automotive
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality inspector jobs across California.
- High school diploma or equivalent required, associate or bachelor's degree preferred by most California employers
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications
- Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or FDA 21 CFR Part 820
- Hands-on proficiency with dimensional measurement tools including calipers, micrometers, and CMMs
- Knowledge of inspection sampling methods and statistical process control techniques
- ASQ Certified Quality Inspector credential recognized as a strong differentiator in California listings
Quality Inspector Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality inspector in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as a quality inspector, so the path runs through education and industry credentials. Most employers expect at least a high school diploma, and an associate degree in manufacturing technology, industrial technology, or a related field strengthens your application. Earning an ASQ Certified Quality Inspector designation signals competence to California aerospace, medical device, and semiconductor employers and is widely recognized across the state's major hiring industries.
Which companies hire quality inspectors in California?
Employers hiring quality inspectors in California right now include SQA Services, Karman Space & Defense, and Precision CastParts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, FDA-regulated medical device manufacturers, and semiconductor fabs means hiring is steady across Southern California defense corridors and the Bay Area technology hub throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most quality inspector jobs?
Torrance, San Diego, and Chatsworth have the most quality inspector openings in California. Los Angeles anchors demand through its aerospace and defense manufacturing base, San Diego draws on medical device and biotech production, and San Jose reflects the dense concentration of semiconductor and electronics manufacturers in Silicon Valley, each bringing consistent inspection staffing needs tied to regulated and precision-critical production environments.
Are there remote quality inspector jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Quality inspection is fundamentally a hands-on, on-site discipline requiring physical access to parts, production lines, and measurement equipment, so most roles are facility-based. About 1% of quality inspector openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve document control, supplier quality auditing, or quality management system administration rather than direct product inspection.
How can I get hired as a quality inspector in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for inspection technician or quality control associate roles at contract manufacturers and staffing firms that supply California's aerospace and medical device industries. Large California employers such as Northrop Grumman and Medtronic run structured new-hire training programs that onboard candidates without prior inspection experience. Completing an ASQ Certified Quality Inspector prep course, building familiarity with blueprint reading, and targeting adjacent roles like production assembler or receiving inspector creates a credible starting point.
Where can I find and apply to quality inspector jobs in California?
You can find and apply to quality inspector jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience, location, and industry focus, then apply directly to each one.
See All 271+ Quality Inspector Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Inspector Jobs