Requirements
Requires a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials/Composite Engineering, with 2+ years of experience as a Quality Inspector in composite manufacturing. Experience in UAV, aerospace, aviation, or advanced manufacturing is highly preferred. Must have hands-on experience inspecting composite components and structures, with technical competency in composite materials, layup, curing, bonding, dimensional inspection tools, NDT (UT, tap testing), AS9100/ISO 9001, and ERP systems. Strong quality-focused mindset, attention to detail, and documentation discipline are essential.
Description
Air Q Limited is an advanced UAV technology and manufacturing company focused on developing and delivering innovative unmanned aerial systems. We are looking for a Quality Inspector – Composites to join our Quality team and ensure that composite materials, parts, and assemblies meet the required engineering, quality, and aerospace standards.Job PurposeThe Quality Inspector – Composites will be responsible for inspecting composite materials, components, and assemblies throughout the manufacturing process to ensure conformance with engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and applicable aerospace quality standards.The role covers incoming material inspection, in-process inspection during layup, bagging, curing and bonding, dimensional inspection, NDT/defect evaluation, final inspection, and documentation.The successful candidate will play a key role in preventing non-conforming parts from progressing through production and supporting on-time, defect-free delivery.Key Responsibilities1. Composite Material & Process InspectionInspect incoming composite raw materials and consumables for certification, shelf life, storage conditions, and conformity.Verify correct material and consumable usage during production.Record batch, lot, and material traceability information.Perform in-process inspections during composite layup, bagging, curing, bonding, and assembly.Visually and dimensionally inspect cured composite parts against engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications.Identify defects including porosity, delamination, voids, disbonds, FOD, surface defects, and dimensional deviations.Use inspection equipment such as calipers, gauges, measuring tools, and CMM where applicable.Ensure critical UAV dimensions and tolerances meet specified requirements.2. Non-Destructive Testing & Defect EvaluationPerform or coordinate NDT activities such as ultrasonic testing (UT) and tap testing.Detect and evaluate defects such as delamination, voids, and disbonds.Assess defects against approved acceptance criteria and specifications.Support root cause analysis and recommend appropriate rework, repair, or scrap disposition.Escalate critical quality issues immediately to the relevant Quality, Engineering, and Production teams.3. Documentation & Quality ComplianceMaintain accurate inspection reports, checklists, inspection records, and Certificates of Conformance.Raise and manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) through the ERP/QMS system.Support timely NCR closure and CAPA activities.Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer requirements, engineering specifications, and internal quality procedures.Support First Article Inspection (FAI) in accordance with AS9102.Ensure inspection documentation reflects approved process and R&D changes.Maintain revision control and traceability of quality documentation.Support internal and external quality audits.4. Production & Continuous ImprovementRelease conforming parts to the next production stage on schedule.Immediately quarantine and identify non-conforming parts to prevent quality escapes.Coordinate with Production and Engineering teams to resolve inspection discrepancies.Ensure inspection tools and gauges are properly calibrated and maintained.Support development and improvement of QC checklists and inspection procedures for composite manufacturing stages.Analyse recurring defects and quality trends to identify opportunities to reduce scrap, rework, and production delays.Provide Quality input during NPI, prototype, and R&D trial builds to ensure designs are manufacturable and inspectable.Key Performance AreasZero escape of non-conforming partsInspection cycle-time adherenceOn-time release of conforming partsAccuracy and traceability of QC recordsTimely NCR and CAPA closureReduction of recurring defects, scrap, and reworkQualifications & ExperienceDiploma or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials/Composite Engineering, or a related technical field.2+ years of experience as a Quality Inspector in composite manufacturing.Experience within UAV, aerospace, aviation, or advanced manufacturing is highly preferred.Hands-on experience inspecting composite components and structures is required.Technical CompetenciesStrong knowledge of composite materials, layup, curing, and bonding processes.Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD data, and composite lay-up specifications.Hands-on experience with dimensional inspection tools and gauges.Knowledge or hands-on experience with NDT methods such as UT and tap testing.Understanding of aerospace quality requirements and inspection practices.Working knowledge of AS9100 and/or ISO 9001.Experience with NCR, CAPA, QMS, or ERP systems.Understanding of UAV assembly and integration processes is an advantage.AS9100 Internal Auditor, ISO 9001, NDT, or other relevant quality certifications are an advantage.Behavioral CompetenciesStrong quality-focused and zero-defect mindset.Excellent attention to detail and precision.Strong documentation and reporting discipline.High level of integrity and objectivity when making inspection decisions.Effective communication and collaboration with Production and Engineering teams.Ability to manage multiple inspection activities and priorities simultaneously.Proactive approach to identifying and resolving quality issues.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced UAV manufacturing and R&D environment.Why Join Air Q LimitedWork on advanced UAV and aerospace technologies.Be part of a growing engineering and manufacturing environment.Gain exposure to composite manufacturing, quality systems, NDT, and UAV production.Opportunity to contribute directly to product quality and continuous improvement.