Quality Inspector, PCBA

Role

The Incoming Quality Technician manages daily operations of the Incoming Inspection Room, including inspection tools, fixtures, calibration, and ESD controls. The technician verifies incoming PCBs, PCBAs, machined and welded mechanical parts, and other supplier materials against drawings and approved inspection requirements. The role works with Supplier Quality (SQE) and Engineering to resolve inspection issues and prevent nonconforming material from entering production. The technician also supports engineering samples, product verification, and drawing and DFM improvements through accurate measurement data.

Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming PCB/PCBA and mechanical parts against drawings, specifications, approved inspection plans, and applicable IPC-A-600 and IPC-A-610 criteria, using critical-characteristic checks, 100% inspection, or AQL sampling as specified.
• Apply Northwood Space’s T1 (Production) and T2 (Engineering/R&D) part pedigree requirements; verify supplier CoCs, inspection reports, traceability records, and applicable FAI/PPAP documentation and approval status.
• Manage the Incoming Inspection Room, including measurement tools, equipment, custom fixtures, calibration schedules, records, and calibration providers; maintain ESD controls and handling practices in accordance with ANSI/ESD S20.20.
• Record inspection results and material traceability in the manufacturing system; identify and transfer nonconforming material to the MRB cage and coordinate disposition with the Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) and Responsible Engineer (RE).
• Provide dimensional measurement, inspection, and product verification support for engineering samples, prototypes, and first articles; conduct Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gage R&R) studies to verify measurement system capability.
• Share inspection data and feedback with Engineering and suppliers to support drawing corrections, design for manufacturability (DFM) improvements, and supplier quality investigations.

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on incoming or quality inspection experience with PCB/PCBA and/or mechanical parts, including working knowledge of IPC-A-600 / IPC-A-610 acceptance criteria and ESD controls and handling practices.
• Proficiency in interpreting PCB/PCBA and complex mechanical engineering drawings, including GD&T, datum references, dimensional tolerances, and critical characteristics; ability to follow risk-based inspection plans, including 100% inspection and AQL sampling.
• Hands-on proficiency with precision measurement and inspection equipment, including handheld tools, VMMs, optical inspection systems, and custom fixtures, plus experience managing calibration schedules, status tracking, and records.
• Experience identifying and documenting nonconforming materials, communicating quality issues to Supplier Quality (SQE) and Engineering, and using Manufacturo or similar ERP/MES systems to record inspection results, maintain material traceability, and manage NCR/MRB processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, high-reliability electronics, or electromechanical manufacturing; familiarity with AS9100.
• Experience managing calibration programs, using ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration providers, and supporting Gage R&R or other measurement system studies.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, AS9102 FAI, and different quality and inspection requirements based on part pedigree as (Production) and (Engineering/R&D).
• Experience with PCB/ PCBA inspection (e.g., bow/twist, holes, plating, surface finish) and mechanical machining or weld inspection.
• IPC-A-600 or IPC-A-610 certification.
• Experience with CMM

Additional Information

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.