Quality Inspector IV (NDT)
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Role Overview
Firefly Aerospace is seeking an experienced Senior Quality Inspector with welding inspection expertise to join our inspection team. This role serves as an embedded shop inspector, ensuring the quality and integrity of fabricated and welded hardware throughout the manufacturing process. The ideal candidate will be a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) with multiple NDT certifications who can generate and manage quality documentation, coordinate inspection services, communicate with engineers, technicians, and welders, and support the many unique demands for the custom hardware designed and built by the Firefly GSE Team.
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Full Job Posting
Location
- TX
ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
About the Role
Firefly Aerospace is seeking an experienced Senior Quality Inspector with welding inspection expertise to join our inspection team. This role serves as an embedded shop inspector, ensuring the quality and integrity of fabricated and welded hardware throughout the manufacturing process. The ideal candidate will be a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) with multiple NDT certifications who can generate and manage quality documentation, coordinate inspection services, communicate with engineers, technicians, and welders, and support the many unique demands for the custom hardware designed and built by the Firefly GSE Team.
Welding & Fabrication Inspection
Inspect weldments for dimensional accuracy and quality requirements throughout the weld/fabrication process
Perform in-process and final inspections of welded assemblies, pressure vessels, structural components, and fabricated hardware
Verify welder qualifications and welding procedure specifications (WPS) compliance
Monitor weld quality and adherence to approved welding procedures
Conduct pre-weld, in-process, and post-weld inspections per applicable codes and standards
Review and approve weld travelers and production documentation
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Perform NDT inspections using multiple methods:
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
Radiographic Testing (RT)
Visual Testing (VT)
Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
Interpret NDT results and make accept/reject decisions based on applicable codes and acceptance criteria
Prepare detailed NDT inspection reports documenting findings and disposition
Ensure proper NDT technique selection for various materials, geometries, and weld types
Quality Documentation Management
Create and maintain weld maps showing weld locations, numbers, and inspection status
Generate comprehensive NDT inspection reports for all tested components
Document and certify hydroproof/hydrostatic test results and reports
Collect, review, and maintain Material Test Reports (MTRs) and Certificates of Compliance (C of C)
Manage traceability documentation for materials, welders, and inspection activities
Prepare inspection data packages for customer deliverables and project closeout
Maintain accurate records in quality management systems
Inspection Coordination & Facilitation
Identify requirements for specialized inspection services (internal or external)
Coordinate and schedule external inspection services including: Radiographic Testing (RT) from external vendors Laser tracking and dimensional verification services Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) inspection services Other specialized NDT or metrology services· Interface with third-party inspection agencies and vendors
Radiographic Testing (RT) from external vendors
Laser tracking and dimensional verification services
Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) inspection services
Other specialized NDT or metrology services· Interface with third-party inspection agencies and vendors
Review and approve external inspection reports for completeness and accuracy
Manage inspection service vendor relationships and performance
Receiving Quality Inspection
Perform receiving quality inspections for incoming GSE purchases
Verify dimensional accuracy, workmanship quality, and conformance to purchase order specifications
Inspect purchased components including Structural steel and welded assemblies Hardware, fittings, and off-the-shelf components Umbilical systems and cable assemblies Electrical control panels and instrumentation Pressure vessels and fluid systems :Review supplier-provided documentation (MTRs, C of Cs, test reports, certifications)
Structural steel and welded assemblies
Hardware, fittings, and off-the-shelf components
Umbilical systems and cable assemblies
Electrical control panels and instrumentation
Pressure vessels and fluid systems
:Review supplier-provided documentation (MTRs, C of Cs, test reports, certifications)
Generate nonconformance reports (NCRs) for rejected or discrepant materials
Maintain receiving inspection records and supplier quality metrics
Standards & Compliance
Ensure compliance with AS9100D quality management system requirements
Apply AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code - Steel), AWS D1.2 (Aluminum), and other applicable welding codes
Follow ASME Section VIII (Pressure Vessels) and Section IX (Welding Qualifications) as applicable
Apply NASA standards (NASA-STD-5005, NASA-STD-5009) for GSE design verification
Verify conformance to engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions
Support contamination control requirements for flight-critical interfaces
Collaboration & Support
Work closely with fabrication, welding, engineering, and GSE operations teams
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers and GSE Leadership to improve fabrication processes and product quality
Communicate inspection findings and quality concerns clearly and promptly
Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities for weld-related defects
Support continuous improvement initiatives and lessons learned
Provide technical guidance to welders and fabricators on quality requirements
Assist with supplier quality audits and assessments
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED; Associate's degree in Welding Technology, Quality Assurance, or related field preferred
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification from AWS (American Welding Society) - Required
- Level 2 or Level 3 NDT certifications (per NAS 410 or SNT-TC-1A) in the following methods: Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) - Required Radiographic Testing (RT) - Required Visual Testing (VT) - Required Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) - Required
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) - Required
- Radiographic Testing (RT) - Required
- Visual Testing (VT) - Required
- Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) - Required
- Minimum 5 years of quality inspection experience in welding, fabrication, or aerospace manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of welding codes and standards (AWS D1.1, AWS D1.2, ASME Section VIII & IX)
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, weld symbols, and technical specifications
- Proficiency with precision measurement instruments and welding inspection gauges
- Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
- Working knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems
- Experience with pressure vessel inspection and hydrostatic testing
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to identify weld defects and discontinuities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reports and coordination
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and quality management software
- Ability to make independent accept/reject decisions based on code requirements
- U.S. Person status required (U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee) due to ITAR/EAR requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field
- Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) procedures
- Familiarity with NASA standards for ground support equipment (NASA-STD-5005, NASA-STD-5009)
- Experience inspecting aerospace pressure vessels, fluid systems, and structural weldments
- Knowledge of aerospace electrical standards (IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620)
- Experience with stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and exotic alloy welding inspection
- Experience with orbital welding and automated welding systems
- Proficiency with quality management software (e.g., ETQ, TrackWise, SAP QM)
- Experience coordinating laser tracking, CMM inspection, and advanced metrology services
- Previous experience in launch vehicle or spacecraft GSE manufacturing
- Knowledge of cryogenic systems and pressure testing procedures
- Experience managing vendor quality relationships and external inspection services
- Understanding of functional safety standards (IEC 61508, MIL-STD requirements)
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
- Ability to work in fabrication shops, manufacturing floors, and outdoor environments
- Standing, walking, and bending for extended periods during inspections
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (inspection equipment, weld samples)
- Manual dexterity for operating precision measurement tools and NDT equipment
- Good visual acuity (correctable to 20/20) and color vision for weld inspection and VT
- Ability to work in confined spaces and at heights on elevated platforms/scaffolding
- Exposure to welding operations, sparks, fumes, and industrial environments
- Use of appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) including welding shade, respiratory protection, and hearing protection as required
- Flexibility to support production schedules, which may include overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines
- Occasional travel (up to 15%) to launch sites, supplier facilities, or external inspection facilities
Key Competencies
Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of welding processes, codes, and inspection techniques
Attention to Detail: Ability to identify weld defects, discontinuities, and deviations from specifications
Independence & Integrity: Commitment to maintaining quality standards even under schedule pressure
Communication: Clear documentation, technical report writing, and effective coordination with multiple stakeholders
Problem-Solving: Analytical thinking to identify root causes of weld defects and support corrective actions
Organization: Ability to manage multiple inspection activities, documentation packages, and vendor coordination simultaneously
Teamwork: Collaborative approach with fabrication teams while maintaining inspection independence
Adaptability: Flexibility to inspect diverse GSE systems and coordinate various inspection services
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, relocation and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About Firefly Aerospace
Space and defense technology company providing launch solutions.
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