Quality Inspector Level I

Overview

Quality Inspector Level I Jobs in Livermore, CA at Modus Advanced, Inc.

Modus Advanced, Inc. Location: Livermore, CA
Pay: $24-28/hour depending on experience

Shift We Are Hiring For:

• Shift A: M-Th, 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Position Overview

Join the Modus Advanced team as a Quality Inspector Level 1 and become the critical gatekeeper ensuring that components for life-saving medical devices, mission-critical defense systems, and aerospace applications meet the exacting standards that lives depend on. In this role, you’ll implement our rigorous quality processes at the receiving and first article inspection stages, verifying that every component meets dimensional, cosmetic, and documentation requirements before release.

At Modus Advanced, one day matters. The precision inspections you perform directly impact our customers’ ability to bring life-changing innovations to market sooner. Your attention to detail and commitment to quality excellence will ensure that components destined for critical defense equipment, patient life support systems, and aerospace applications perform flawlessly when it matters most.

What Success Looks Like

As a Quality Inspector Level 1, your primary focus is developing proficiency with hand tool inspection, incoming inspection procedures, visual inspection, and quality documentation. You’ll work alongside experienced inspectors to build the foundational skills needed to become a fully independent inspector. This is a hands-on role — you’re expected to engage actively, take notes, ask questions, and get involved from day one.

A successful Level 1 Inspector demonstrates the drive and aptitude to progress to Level 2 within 90 days. You don’t need to know everything on day one, but you do need to show that you’re actively working to get there. If you’re the kind of person who sits back and watches instead of jumping in, this isn’t the right fit.

Level 1 is typically reserved for candidates with minimal inspection experience or team members transferring from other departments who want to develop quality skills. The key differentiator from a Level 2: a Level 2 Inspector can operate all department equipment independently, including running CMM programs on Zeiss systems. You’re building toward that capability.

Key Responsibilities
Incoming and First Article Inspection

• Perform dimensional inspection of parts using hand tools including calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, and durometer
• Record detailed measurement data per engineering drawings and customer specifications
• Apply appropriate tolerances and sample sizes for pass/fail determinations
• Conduct thorough visual inspections and sorting processes to identify cosmetic defects
• Verify compliance with industry standards including AS9100 and ISO 9001 requirements
• Seek guidance from senior inspectors, supervisors, or Department Manager on unfamiliar issues
• Think critically and ask questions when something doesn’t look right

Measurement Documentation and Reporting

• Generate first article inspection reports and customer-requested documentation
• Maintain detailed, traceable records using inspection software and ERP system (Business Central)
• Document non-conforming product rejections and coordinate proper dispositions
• Support statistical process control initiatives and quality metrics tracking

Quality Control and Product Release

• Identify and properly mark approved products for release to production departments
• Maintain protective packaging and handling procedures to preserve part integrity and cleanliness
• Transport approved components to appropriate departments while maintaining traceability
• Identify, quarantine, and communicate non-conforming products to relevant personnel

Learning and Development

• Shadow experienced inspectors across all department functions to build broader inspection knowledge
• Develop familiarity with department inspection equipment including Zeiss CMMs, Keyence measurement systems, and laser measuring equipment
• Learn to operate video and laser measuring equipment under supervision
• Actively take notes, ask questions, and engage in hands-on learning during training periods
• Maintain organized, efficient work areas following 5S principles

Required Qualifications
Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must be a US Citizen
• Minimum 2 years of quality inspection experience preferred
• Manufacturing environment experience strongly preferred
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) knowledge preferred
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and communicate in English

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with precision measurement instruments (calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, durometer)
• Intermediate mathematics skills for statistical analysis and tolerance calculations
• Intermediate computer skills including ERP software (Business Central) and inspection software
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and work instructions
• Understanding of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management system principles
• Knowledge of basic warehouse and manufacturing principles
• Video and laser measuring equipment experience desired but not required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while conducting inspections
• Manual dexterity for operating precision measurement equipment
• Visual acuity to detect dimensional and cosmetic variations in components
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds when handling parts and materials
• Comfort working in temperature-controlled manufacturing environment

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and precision
• Strong decision-making and deductive reasoning abilities
• Thorough and detailed troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Desire to work as part of a team and work towards a common goal
• Self-motivated with the drive to actively engage in learning rather than passively observe
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for documentation and reporting
• Ability to self-manage, prioritize workload, and work independently
• Not afraid to ask questions or flag concerns when something doesn’t look right
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive customer information
• Excellent time management and punctuality

Important Note

Level 1 is a training position with a clear 90-day performance window. We invest significant time and resources into developing new inspectors — pairing you with the person who does each job best for the first two weeks to a month, then monitoring your progress closely. We expect that investment to be met with effort and engagement. Candidates who cannot demonstrate Level 2 readiness within 90 days will generally not continue in this role.

What We OfferComprehensive Benefits Package

• Competitive hourly wage
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance coverage
• Professional development assistance and tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral program

Growth Opportunities

• Clear advancement path to Quality Inspector Level 2 within 90 days for those who demonstrate aptitude and engagement
• Level 2 opens the door to operating all department equipment including Zeiss CMMs on Calypso
• High performers can progress to Level 3, developing CMM programming capabilities and measurement routine development across all inspection equipment
• Cross-training opportunities in advanced measurement techniques and quality systems
• Specialized certification programs for precision measurement and quality control
• Participation in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Direct mentorship from quality engineers and senior inspectors
• Leadership opportunities including Team Lead positions for those who demonstrate the skills and initiative to mentor others

Work Environment

• State-of-the-art quality laboratory with climate-controlled precision measurement capabilities
• Cutting-edge inspection equipment including Zeiss CMMs, Keyence measurement systems, and precision hand tools
• Collaborative environment with direct access to engineering staff
• Opportunity to work on mission-critical projects for aerospace, defense, and medical device customers
• Position may involve exposure to warehouse conditions including dust, odors, and temperature variations while maintaining adherence to 5S workplace organization and safety protocols

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Modus Advanced, quality isn’t just a department — it’s a core value that drives everything we do. Our AS9100, ISO 9001, and ITAR certifications reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence in supporting customers whose innovations protect and save lives. As a Quality Inspector Level 1, you’ll be instrumental in maintaining these standards while developing the skills to advance within our quality team.

We’re seeking team members who understand that in our world, precision inspection isn’t just about meeting specifications — it’s about ensuring that every component we release contributes to innovations that make a difference in the world.

Ready to join our team? Apply today and become part of a company that’s accelerating tomorrow’s innovations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 – $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you a US Citizen?
• Do you have experience inspecting machined parts?
• Do you have experience with Zeiss Calypso systems?
• Are you able and willing to work the following shift: M-Th, 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM

• Are you able and willing to work the following shift: M-Th, 2:30 PM – 1:00 AM (10% shift pay differential)

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person

Title: Quality Inspector Level I

Company: Modus Advanced, Inc.

Location: Livermore, CA

Category: