Quality Inspector, Mechanical Inspection (2026-076)

Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) is seeking a Quality Inspector or Sr. Quality Inspector for our Mechanical Cell Inspection Group.

This is a full-time, on-site position in Kirkland, WA on 1st shift (Monday-Friday, 8 hours/day with a 30-minute meal break).

Job Summary

The Quality Inspector will work from blueprints, engineering change notices, or established operating procedures to perform a wide range of inspection procedures and determine acceptance, rejection, or rework requirements at various stages of production. This role places a strong emphasis on precision inspection and verification work within the mechanical cell.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Utilize complex measuring devices to perform inspections of purchased parts, materials, components, electronic hardware, and equipment as they are received from vendors or subcontractors, working primarily within the mechanical cell.
• Interpret and apply the requirements of industry workmanship standards, ES procedures, and EPS procedures in the inspection process.
• Identify conditions and write up non-conformances in a clear and concise manner.
• Inspect critical in-process and/or finished production assemblies and subassemblies for conformance to drawings and quality assurance standards, with a focus on mechanical components.
• Review, validate, and correct FAI paperwork from suppliers.
• Exhibit productive work habits, effective time management, goal setting, prioritizing tasks, and follow-up on commitments across a variety of work challenges.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the receiving inspection group.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Demonstrates familiarity (typically 1 year of direct experience in the duties, responsibilities and skills of the role for consideration as Quality Inspector.
• Demonstrates proficiency (typically 3+ years of direct experience in the duties, responsibilities and skills of the role for consideration as Senior Quality Inspector.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Possess specialized skills and an advanced understanding required to perform precise inspections and verification tasks within the mechanical cell.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Ability to learn standards and obtain required certifications to effectively and independently complete inspections.
• Adapt quickly to AES systems and tools to perform inspection tasks.
• Understand AES FAI requirements to review supplier FAI reports.
• Proficient in MS Office products, including intermediate MS Excel skills.
• Skilled in using departmental systems.

Employment Eligibility Requirements

• This role may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-controls laws or other applicable U.S.-government legal or contractual requirements. To assess whether any licenses, authorizations, or other exceptions are required, please indicate below whether you are a U.S. Person. If you are not a U.S. Person, the company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary. This information is collected solely for this compliance purpose.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment background check and drug test including cannabis screening.

Compensation

• Quality Inspector: $21.93-$29.67 per hour (midpoint: $25.80); typically consistent with 1-2 years of experience.
• Senior Quality Inspector: $24.52-$36.79 per hour (midpoint: $30.65); typically consistent with 3-5 years of experience.
• Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonus eligible.
• Factors such as experience in comparable roles, skill set, training, education, certifications, other qualifications, market conditions, and business needs influence the actual salary offered. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Health & Well-Being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, plus optional critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• Financial Security: 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture encouraging balance.
• Generous PTO: Starting at 120 hours annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.