Visual Inspector – Aerospace Coatings

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Visual Inspector to support production and quality operations for aerospace coating applications. This role is responsible for performing visual inspections of coated aerospace components to ensure compliance with customer specifications, workmanship standards, and internal quality requirements. The ideal candidate understands aerospace production processes, coating application methods, and can confidently identify acceptable versus non-conforming conditions prior to customer review or shipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform visual inspections of coated aerospace parts throughout production and final inspection stages.
• Evaluate parts for defects including runs, sags, thin coverage, contamination, fisheyes, blistering, overspray, masking issues, scratches, dents, and cosmetic irregularities.
• Verify coating appearance, color, gloss, coverage, masking lines, and overall workmanship against customer specifications and internal standards.
• Review work instructions, technical drawings, process sheets, and customer requirements to determine inspection acceptance criteria.
• Communicate inspection findings clearly to production, quality, and management teams.
• Work closely with painters, preppers, masking technicians, and production personnel to maintain quality standards throughout the coating process.
• Identify recurring quality issues and support corrective action efforts.
• Ensure non-conforming parts are properly documented, tagged, and routed according to quality procedures.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and support traceability requirements.
• Assist with customer audits and internal quality audits as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing rework and improving first-pass yield.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, aerospace coatings, painting, finishing, or quality inspection.
• Strong understanding of aerospace shop production processes and coating workflows.
• Ability to determine what will and will not pass customer visual inspection standards.
• Knowledge of coating defects, surface preparation requirements, masking techniques, and finishing standards.
• Ability to read and interpret aerospace drawings, specifications, travelers, and work instructions.
• High attention to detail and strong observational skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining quality standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace quality systems such as AS9100.
• Familiarity with NADCAP-controlled processes.
• Previous experience in paint/coating inspection or aerospace finishing operations.
• Knowledge of customer-specific aerospace cosmetic standards.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and quality tracking systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to visually inspect small and large aerospace components.
• Ability to use inspection lighting and magnification tools when necessary.
• Occasional lifting of parts or fixtures consistent with shop safety requirements.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and production environment with exposure to paint, coatings, solvents, and shop equipment.
• Use of PPE required in designated production and inspection areas.

Desired Traits

• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment and decision-making skills
• Quality-focused mindset
• Reliable and dependable
• Ability to work independently and with production teams
• Commitment to maintaining aerospace-level workmanship standards

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