Receiving Inspector

Receiving Inspector Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains.

Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems. As a Receiving Inspector, you will help ensure incoming materials, components, and assemblies meet engineering specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements before entering production.

Working closely with the Receiving Supervisor, Quality Engineering, Supply Chain, and manufacturing teams, you will perform inspections, verify supplier documentation, maintain material traceability, and identify nonconforming products. Your work will help prevent quality issues from entering the manufacturing process and support reliable production operations.

Responsibilities

Performs receiving inspections of incoming mechanical and electrical hardware, raw materials, fabricated parts, printed wiring items, components, and assemblies in accordance with approved procedures and inspection plans. Verifies incoming products against purchase orders, engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, quality clauses, and supplier documentation to confirm identification, configuration, revision, quantity, and completeness.

Reviews Certificates of Conformance, material and special-process certifications, test reports, inspection records, serialization, lot identification, and shelf-life documentation for accuracy, completeness, and traceability. Performs visual, dimensional, and basic functional inspections using approved sampling methods and calibrated equipment, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin and thread gauges, and other inspection instruments.

Interprets engineering drawings, technical diagrams, specifications, and applicable acceptance criteria to evaluate product conformity, including workmanship, packaging, preservation, corrosion, contamination, and handling damage. Documents inspection results, discrepancies, acceptance decisions, and material status in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and electronic quality systems within assigned inspection authority.

Identifies, documents, segregates, and controls nonconforming or suspect materials, coordinating disposition with Quality Engineering, Supply Chain, and other responsible stakeholders. Maintains material and documentation traceability while coordinating the timely transfer of accepted hardware to inventory, production, or designated storage locations.

Supports Quality Assurance activities, including preparation of Product Technical Data Packages (TDPs), assigned in-process inspections, and inspection or test documentation. Communicates inspection status and quality concerns while supporting supplier performance monitoring, audits, corrective-action investigations, and continuous-improvement activities.

Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Experience using basic measuring instruments and inspection tools and interpreting blueprints, schematics, engineering drawings, or technical diagrams. Ability to read and interpret specifications, purchase order requirements, inspection instructions, and applicable acceptance criteria.

Working knowledge of measuring instruments, including proper selection, handling, calibration-status verification, and accurate documentation of results. Ability to perform visual and dimensional inspections of incoming hardware while applying specified tolerances, sampling requirements, and acceptance criteria. Ability to review supplier certifications and supporting quality records for completeness, accuracy, traceability, and compliance with applicable drawing notes and quality requirements.

Computer proficiency sufficient to access controlled drawings and specifications and document inspection results, discrepancies, and material status in ERP and electronic quality systems. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, mechanical aptitude, basic shop mathematics, and sound judgment when evaluating product conformity.

Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with Receiving, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, production personnel, and suppliers. A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

One or more years of experience in quality assurance, receiving inspection, manufacturing inspection, or a related technical field. Trade-school, vocational, or college coursework in blueprint reading, metrology, manufacturing, electronics, quality, or a related technical discipline. Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), manufacturing methods, materials, finishes, and special processes.

Familiarity with Aerospace Standard 9100 (AS9100) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 quality management requirements, nonconformance control, and aerospace or defense material traceability practices. Experience operating mills, lathes, press brakes, or other manufacturing equipment, or equivalent practical knowledge of machining and fabrication processes.

Experience with supplier documentation, mechanical or electrical hardware inspection, ERP systems, nonconformance records, or TDPs. Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout receiving, warehouse, manufacturing, and inspection areas for extended periods. Ability to handle incoming parts, containers, inspection tools, and documentation in accordance with applicable safe-lifting and material-handling requirements.

Visual acuity and color differentiation sufficient to interpret detailed drawings and markings and perform visual and dimensional inspections using magnification when required. Ability to perform repetitive computer-entry and inspection tasks. Ability to use required personal protective equipment while working in receiving, warehouse, and manufacturing environments.

The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Special Mentions

• Travel is not routinely required; occasional local or overnight travel may be assigned for supplier support, training, or other business needs.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage Tuition reimbursement Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.