Qa engineering tech i (outline/shipping inspection)

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components.

Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.

Kearfott offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401K, and Tuition Reimbursement. We offer a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.

We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class work force. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service’ provider.

For more information, visit our website at www.kearfott.com

Position Description:

The QA Engineering Tech I is a senior technical quality resource who will support advanced inspection, metrology, calibration, automation, and process activities across multiple Quality and Inspection areas. The technician is expected to work independently from drawings and specifications, exercise sound technical judgment, support complex inspections and first article activities, troubleshoot quality or measurement issues, and help improve inspection methods, workflow, and technical capability.

Essential Functions:

• Perform advanced inspection, test, and measurement activities across Incoming, In-Process, Final/Outline, Machine Shop, Gage/Calibration, and other Quality areas as assigned.
• Support complex or urgent work in multiple inspection areas and is expected to exercise sound judgment, recognize priorities, maintain a strong sense of urgency, resolve routine roadblocks, and work effectively with limited supervision.
• Uses manual and automated inspection equipment and may develop, program, validate, or improve methods using CMM, optical/vision, Keyence or equivalent measurement technology.
• Support first article, first piece, sample, final, and special inspections requiring interpretation of complex drawings, specifications, tolerances, and GD&T.
• Support gage control, calibration, equipment troubleshooting, and coordination to ensure measurement equipment is suitable and available for use.
• Use inspection data and process knowledge to identify bottlenecks, recurring issues, and opportunities to improve quality, cycle time, productivity, and inspection efficiency.
• Work independently and with Quality Engineering, Operations, and other departments to investigate nonconformities, support root cause/corrective action, and resolve technical issues.
• Serve as a technical resource by mentoring and cross-training inspectors, proactively identifying workload constraints, recommending solutions to Group Leaders, and collaborating to improve inspection efficiency, resolve technical issues, and strengthen team capabilities.

Required Education & Experience:

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, specifications, tolerances, and GD&T requirements.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible quality inspection, metrology, calibration, manufacturing quality, or related technical experience; equivalent relevant experience and technical training may be considered.
• Demonstrated proficiency with manual inspection equipment and at least one advanced specialty such as automated/vision inspection, CMM, gage calibration/metrology, FAI, or customer/source inspection coordination and technical liaison support.
• Experience using Microsoft Office tools and applicable ERP/QMS systems to perform daily work, analyze data, document results, and communicate across functions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, make timely quality decisions, troubleshoot technical problems, support root cause/corrective action, and train or mentor others.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated versatility across inspection, quality, or technical support activities, with the ability to apply expertise in changing operational needs.
• Experience anticipating workflow challenges, coordinating complex quality activities, and supporting internal or external stakeholders.
• Experience improving inspection methods, documentation, digital records, or quality processes through practical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with Group Leaders, recommend improvements, mentor others, and strengthen team productivity without direct supervisory authority.
• Advanced capability in one or more specialties such as automation/programming, metrology/calibration, customer or source inspection coordination, data analysis, or process improvement.

This position is located 100% onsite at our Black Mountain, NC facility. Relocation assistance is not available.

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans