Source Inspector

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

Summary

The Supplier Quality Source Inspector ensures that purchased parts, assemblies, and materials conform to all engineering, contractual, and quality requirements prior to shipment from supplier facilities. This role is performed primarily at supplier sites and serves as the first line of defense in maintaining the integrity of the supply chain. The Source Inspector works closely with Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs), buyers, and supplier personnel to verify product quality, documentation accuracy, and compliance with aerospace standards.

Position Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed dimensional and visual inspections of critical parts, assemblies, and raw materials at supplier facilities, using tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, optical comparators, and CMMs (as applicable).
• Review and verify supplier-provided documentation including First Article Inspection Reports (AS9102 FAIRs), certificates of conformance, test reports, and other inspection records.
• Ensure parts meet purchase order, drawing, and specification requirements before release for shipment.
• Document inspection results, producing required reports and establishing clear acceptance or rejection decisions.
• Communicate nonconformance findings to suppliers and escalate to SQEs for corrective action initiation.
• Verify supplier process compliance and provide feedback on inspection readiness and process maturity.
• Support audits and other supplier oversight activities as needed.
• Maintain accurate, auditable inspection and release records in compliance with AS9100 and internal QMS procedures.
• Act as AV’s representative at supplier sites, ensuring professionalism and alignment with company quality objectives.
• Travel regularly to suppliers to perform inspections on behalf of the SQE team.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• High school diploma or GED required; vocational/technical training or associate degree preferred.
• 4–6 years of mechanical inspection or aerospace quality experience.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and AS9100 requirements.
• Proficiency in using inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and optical comparators; familiarity with CMMs desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; ability to travel to supplier sites as required.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Experience with source inspection and/or audit support.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and advanced drawing interpretation skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite; ability to generate and maintain inspection reports.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and committed to high quality standards.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to represent AV positively at supplier facilities.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and use hands for extended periods.
• Ability to lift inspection tools and occasionally handle parts/components as required.

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance

Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.

The salary range for this role is:

$29 - $42

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.