Precision Quality Inspector
Vast SpaceFabricate load-bearing structures and inspect assembly lines with precision, ensuring every weld bead meets torque spec and tolerances are within limits. Forge relationships on the shop floor with engineering and manufacturing teams to maintain quality standards for Vast Space’s Haven Station modules. This is where cutting-edge space habitats get built.
View original listingAbout This Role
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Quality Inspector (Structures/Integration), reporting to the Senior Manager, Quality, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location. You will work hands-on with manufacturing, structures, integration, and engineering teams to identify nonconformances early, ensure corrective actions are effective, and help drive a culture of quality and accountability.
Responsibilities:
- Inspect spacecraft structures and integrated assemblies to verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and workmanship standards
- Support receiving, in-process, and final inspections of metallic, bonded, and fastened hardware
- Witness and verify critical integration activities, including torque, bonding, alignment, and fit checks
- Ensure manufacturing and integration work is performed per approved procedures, work instructions, and quality requirements
- Partner closely with manufacturing, integration, and engineering teams to identify and resolve quality issues in real time
- Maintain accurate inspection records, traceability, and configuration control documentation
- Act as a quality advocate on the production floor, proactively identifying risks and driving continuous improvement
- Perform detailed inspections of tube assemblies, including verification of part number, revision, material, length, orientation, end conditions, and routing prior to and during installation
- Verify tube cleanliness, protection (caps/plugs), and handling controls prior to entry into controlled environments and integration areas
- Inspect threaded features (internal and external) for form, engagement, damage, contamination, and conformance to drawing and fastener specifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (technical degree or certification preferred)
- 3+ years of experience in quality inspection, manufacturing inspection, or integration inspection in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-reliability industries
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications
- Familiarity with mechanical inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, torque tools, gauges, etc.)
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
- Ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing and integration environment
- Comfortable working with cross-functional teams including technicians and engineers
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience inspecting spacecraft, launch vehicle, or aircraft structures
- Familiarity with composite structures, bonded joints, and aerospace fastener standards
- Experience with integration of large, complex mechanical assemblies
- Knowledge of quality management systems (AS9100 or equivalent)
- Experience with nonconformance tracking systems and corrective action processes
- Ability to interpret stress-critical features and safety-critical hardware
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to work on the production floor, including standing for extended periods
- Ability to climb ladders or work on elevated platforms as required
- Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or off-shift to support critical build and integration milestones
- Ability to travel occasionally (up to ~10–20%) if required
Pay Range:
- Quality Inspector II: $29.00-$34.00
- Quality Inspector III: $34.00-$39.50
- Senior Quality Inspector: $38.00-$51.00
- Quality Inspector Specialist I: $43.00-$56.00
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Requirements
- Responsibilities:
- Inspect spacecraft structures and integrated assemblies to verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and workmanship standards
- Support receiving, in-process, and final inspections of metallic, bonded, and fastened hardware
- Witness and verify critical integration activities, including torque, bonding, alignment, and fit checks
- Ensure manufacturing and integration work is performed per approved procedures, work instructions, and quality requirements
- Partner closely with manufacturing, integration, and engineering teams to identify and resolve quality issues in real time
- Maintain accurate inspection records, traceability, and configuration control documentation
- Act as a quality advocate on the production floor, proactively identifying risks and driving continuous improvement
- Perform detailed inspections of tube assemblies, including verification of part number, revision, material, length, orientation, end conditions, and routing prior to and during installation
- Verify tube cleanliness, protection (caps/plugs), and handling controls prior to entry into controlled environments and integration areas
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