Quality Inspector - Pilot Manufacturing

QUALITY INSPECTOR - PILOT MANUFACTURING

Vulcan Elements is manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets for a secure, resilient future. With a focus on national security and economic resiliency, we serve critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is building a team of ambitious professionals committed to Mission Focus, Technical Excellence and Integrity. 

The Quality Inspector supports critical Pilot Operations Manufacturing by performing in-process and final quality inspections, sampling materials and products, maintaining quality records, and ensuring compliance with company procedures and customer requirements. This role works closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and the Analytical Lab to ensure product quality throughout the manufacturing process.  The successful candidate will ensure all products and processes meet customer and company requirements. 

Responsibilities 

Perform first-article, in-process, and final visual and dimensional inspections of machined, coated, and supplied components to applicable drawings, work orders, specifications, and customer requirements 

Perform surface plate layout and inspection of precision components using height gauges, indicators, gauge blocks, calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, thread gauges, and other precision measurement equipment 

Perform dimensional inspection using Keyence optical measurement systems and other automated or vision-based inspection equipment 

Review drawings, specifications, certifications, and inspection documentation to verify conformance to design and quality requirements 

Identify, document, and communicate nonconformances in accordance with established quality procedures 

Work closely with Operations and Engineering to resolve quality issues, reduce defects, and support corrective actions 

Support root cause analysis, continuous improvement, and Lean manufacturing initiatives 

Maintain accurate inspection and quality records in accordance with Quality Management System requirements 

Support compliance with company procedures, customer requirements, and applicable industry standards 

Follow all safety procedures and maintain a high level of professionalism 

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the business 

Qualifications 

High school diploma or equivalency certificate 

3+ years of quality inspection experience in a machine shop or manufacturing environment 

3+ years of experience with blueprint reading and/or GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) 

Thorough understanding of all layout inspection tools (surface plate, height gage, indicators, calipers, micrometers, gage blocks, thread gages, etc.) 

Ability to review drawings and identify improper callouts/datum structures, according to ASME Y14.5 

Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities. 

Preferred Skills: 

Proficiency with Keyence, CMM, or other optical/automated inspection systems 

Hands-on knowledge of workholding, inspection fixturing, and datum establishment 

Background inspecting tight-tolerance machined components 

Familiarity with first article inspection requirements 

Exposure to aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments 

Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, or IATF 16949 

Physical and Environmental Requirements 

The position requires regular presence on the production floor and the ability to navigate all areas of the facility. Candidates must be able to climb stairs, stand and walk for extended periods, and work in environments that may be hot, humid, or noisy. The role involves exposure to cut hazards and other physical risks associated with equipment, tools, and production processes. Employees must be able to recognize and avoid sharp edges, moving parts, and other potential sources of injury. 

This position also requires the use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, and adherence to all applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Employees must complete required fit testing, wear appropriate PPE for the duration of assigned tasks, and respond safely to changing conditions within the production environment.