Electronics/Harness Quality Inspector
Description
Electronics/Harness Quality 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 an Electronics/Harness Quality Inspector I, you will help ensure electrical and electronic assemblies meet engineering specifications, workmanship standards, customer requirements, and established quality expectations. You will inspect printed circuit assemblies, cables, wire harnesses, and electromechanical components throughout manufacturing, identify and document quality concerns, and support product traceability and compliance. Working closely with Design, Manufacturing, and Quality Engineering teams, you will contribute to reliable manufacturing processes and consistent product quality.
Responsibilities
Performs in-process and final inspections of printed circuit assemblies, cables, wire harnesses, electrical panels, modules, electromechanical assemblies, and related components.
Verifies hardware conformance to engineering drawings, electrical schematics, specifications, bills of material, manufacturing instructions, customer requirements, and applicable acceptance criteria.
Applies IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, and J-STD-001 workmanship standards when inspecting solder joints, connectors, terminals, splices, crimps, wiring, routing, identification, and component installation.
Reviews manufacturing planning and work instructions to verify required inspection points, acceptance criteria, quality controls, tooling, testing requirements, and documentation are identified.
Inspects electrical and electronic assemblies using microscopes, magnification equipment, calipers, micrometers, crimp-height gauges, pull-test equipment, and other calibrated inspection tools.
Verifies component identification, polarity, orientation, revision status, lot traceability, serialization, and material handling in accordance with applicable electrostatic-discharge (ESD), moisture-sensitive-device, shelf-life, and foreign-object-damage prevention requirements.
Reviews manufacturing, inspection, and testing records for completeness, accuracy, approvals, revision control, and traceability, and evaluates hardware acceptance within assigned inspection authority.
Identifies, documents, and controls nonconforming materials and assemblies, initiates nonconformance reports, and supports corrective actions, rework, repairs, and reinspection.
Prepares and reviews Aerospace First Article Inspection Requirement (AS9102) reports and supporting documentation while assisting with quality-system audits and continuous-improvement activities.
Collaborates with Design, Manufacturing, and Quality Engineering teams to establish inspection requirements, resolve workmanship concerns, support new product introductions, and communicate quality risks.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience inspecting soldered assemblies, printed circuit boards, cable or wire-harness assemblies, electrical components, or electromechanical products.
Experience working within an AS9100- or ISO 9001-compliant manufacturing environment.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, assembly drawings, specifications, parts lists, manufacturing plans, and inspection instructions.
Working knowledge of electrical and electronic assembly workmanship, including soldering, crimping, wire preparation, harness fabrication, connector installation, component orientation, routing, shielding, bonding, and identification.
Knowledge of IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, and J-STD-001 inspection and acceptance requirements.
Ability to identify common workmanship defects, including soldering defects, damaged conductors, improper crimps, incorrect routing, contamination, component damage, and other assembly discrepancies.
Ability to accurately operate microscopes, magnification equipment, dimensional measuring instruments, crimp-inspection equipment, and other applicable inspection tools.
Understanding of ESD controls, moisture-sensitive-device handling, material traceability, calibration requirements, shelf-life control, and foreign-object-damage prevention.
Computer proficiency sufficient to access controlled documentation and record inspection results, nonconformances, and product traceability in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and electronic quality systems.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, technical judgment, and the ability to manage multiple inspection priorities.
Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and program teams.
Must be a U.S. citizen and hold or be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate degree, technical certificate, or relevant coursework in electronics, electrical technology, manufacturing, quality, or a related field.
Current or previous certification in IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, or J-STD-001.
Experience preparing or supporting AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports.
Experience with nonconformance management, corrective-action processes, electronic quality records, and quality or regulatory audits.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and move throughout manufacturing, inspection, stockroom, and testing areas.
Ability to handle small components, cables, harnesses, electrical assemblies, inspection instruments, and related documentation.
Ability to perform repetitive, detailed inspection tasks requiring fine motor skills and manual dexterity.
Near visual acuity and color differentiation sufficient to inspect small components, fine-pitch solder joints, wiring, markings, and workmanship under magnification.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and comply with ESD controls and applicable manufacturing safety procedures.
The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Special Mentions
Work is performed primarily in electrical and electronic manufacturing and inspection environments, including ESD-controlled areas. Exposure may include soldering operations, cleaning materials, electrical testing, moderate noise, and moving production equipment.
Compliance with established safety, ventilation, housekeeping, material-handling, and foreign-object-damage prevention requirements is expected.
Travel is not normally required; occasional local or overnight travel may be assigned for training, supplier support, audits, or customer requirements.
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.