Job Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Quality Inspector to join our shipyard team in support of the construction, integration, and testing of autonomous surface vessels. The Quality Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring that all materials, components, assemblies, and completed vessels meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. This position requires flexibility in shift work, a strong eye for detail, and the ability to collaborate closely with engineering, production, and regulatory representatives in a fast-paced shipyard environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspection & Testing: Perform in-process and final inspections of welds, hull structures, electrical/electronic systems, outfitting, and finished vessels to verify compliance with drawings, specifications, regulatory/military standards, and customer requirements. Support harbor and sea trials with inspection and verification activities.

• Documentation: Maintain accurate inspection records, including results, nonconformances, and corrective actions. Prepare inspection reports and provide timely feedback to engineering and production teams.

• Compliance: Ensure adherence to internal quality standards, ISO 9001, regulatory, and military specific standards. Verify that processes and products comply with all applicable requirements.

• Problem-Solving: Identify defects, deviations, or nonconformances. Work with cross-functional teams to investigate root causes, recommend corrective/preventive actions, and verify effectiveness of fixes.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively support quality improvement initiatives, process audits, and implementation of best practices in the shipyard. Provide input on opportunities for inspection efficiency and effectiveness.

• Collaboration: Partner with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to address quality issues and support on-time delivery of fully compliant autonomous vessels. Interface with regulatory inspectors and customer representatives as required.

• Training & Support: Assist in training new inspectors and shipyard personnel in inspection procedures, quality standards, and the proper use of inspection tools and documentation systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1+ years of experience in quality inspection, preferably in shipbuilding, defense, aerospace, or maritime industries. Experience with autonomous or advanced systems is a plus.

• Solid understanding of quality control principles, inspection techniques, and measurement methods.

• Proficiency in using inspection tools and equipment (e.g., calipers, micrometers, gauges, weld inspection tools, electrical test equipment).

• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations. Experience with ISO 9001, ABS, Navy, and/or Department of Defense quality standards is highly desirable.

• Strong problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to clearly document findings and interact with production and engineering teams.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced shipyard/startup environment with shifting priorities.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match