Quality Inspector Kratos Unmanned Systems United States, Michigan, Auburn Hills Sep 09, 2026 Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Inspector (Incoming & CMM Operator) is responsible for verifying the quality and conformance of incoming materials, components, and assemblies, while operating Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) using pre-programmed routines. This role ensures that all incoming product meets engineering, customer, and regulatory requirements prior to release into production. Positioned between a Quality Lead and a CMM Programmer, this role combines hands-on inspection capability with strong print interpretation and requirements understanding, while executing structured measurement processes using calibrated inspection equipment. This position reports to the Quality Manager or Quality Lead and works closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supplier Quality to ensure incoming quality, traceability, and compliance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Incoming Inspection & Verification Perform inspection of incoming materials, components, and assemblies against: Engineering drawings and specifications

Purchase order requirements

Customer and regulatory standards (AS9100) Verify dimensional, visual, and documentation compliance prior to acceptance

Ensure all incoming product is properly identified, tagged, and traceable

Support receiving inspection processes aligned to MP&L and Supply Chain

Final inspection of product & assist in generating certificates of conformity

Validating processes and maintaining adherence to aerospace standards, for complete serial-number and lot-level traceability CMM Operation (Pre-Programmed) Operate CMM equipment using pre-existing inspection programs

Load, fixture, and align parts for accurate measurement execution

Execute inspection routines and verify output data integrity

Identify out-of-tolerance conditions and escalate appropriately

Ensure proper handling, calibration awareness, and care of inspection equipment Print Reading & Requirements Interpretation Interpret engineering drawings including: GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)

Critical-to-quality characteristics

Dimensional and tolerance requirements Understand part requirements and inspection criteria

Validate inspection results against defined acceptance criteria Documentation & Data Entry Record inspection results in: Inspection reports

First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation (AS9102 support)

QMS systems (UniPoint) and/or ERP/PLM systems Maintain accurate, complete, and traceable inspection records

Ensure inspection data is aligned to part configuration and revision Nonconformance Identification & Control Identify and document nonconforming material

Support containment activities including segregation and tagging

Generate or support Nonconformance Reports (NCRs)

Interface with Quality Engineer and Supplier Quality Engineer on disposition Cross-Functional Support Interface with: Supply Chain / Receiving incoming material flow and documentation

Manufacturing acceptance of parts into production

Engineering clarification of drawing/specification requirements

Quality Engineering root cause and corrective action support Ensure alignment between inspection results and operational needs Equipment & Calibration Awareness Ensure use of calibrated inspection tools and equipment

Follow calibration control processes and equipment handling procedures

Maintain cleanliness and proper setup of inspection areas and equipment Continuous Improvement & Quality Discipline Support improvements in incoming inspection processes and workflows

Identify recurring supplier or part issues and escalate trends

Reinforce standard work and inspection consistency

Support AS9100 compliance and audit readiness

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibility

Works under direction of the Quality Manager /

Quality Lead Keyword:

ncoming inspection, CMM operation, GD&T, dimensional inspection, AS9100, traceability, documentation, nonconformance, metrology, inspection tools, FAI, UniPoint, Costpoint

Required Experience:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T

Hands-on experience with inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc.)

Ability to operate CMM equipment using pre-programmed routines

Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Understanding of inspection processes and quality requirements

Ability to document and communicate inspection results clearly

Basic computer skills (Excel, data entry systems) Preferred Experience in aerospace or AS9100-regulated environment

Familiarity with UniPoint (QMS) and/or Costpoint ERP

Experience supporting FAI (AS9102) documentation

Basic understanding of CMM programming concepts (not required to program)

Exposure to root cause and corrective action processes

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required High school diploma or equivalent

2i5 years of inspection or quality experience in manufacturing environment Preferred Technical training or certification in inspection or metrology

Experience in precision machining or aerospace components

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Shop floor and quality lab environment

Frequent interaction with parts, components, and inspection equipment

Ability to stand for extended periods

Ability to lift materials or components up to 40 lbs

Requires precision hand movement and attention to detail

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Minimal (