Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Quality Inspector III for our Torrance, CA location. HFS is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.
Summary:
Directly involved in the inspection of products in the in-process and final inspection areas. Uses precision inspection tools and equipment, manufacturing drawings (blueprints), and procedures and instructions to verify product acceptance to specifications and requirements. Performs and maintains a thorough understanding of all inspection processes, including MRB, receiving, in-process, and final inspection, and supports accurate and timely product acceptance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Independent Inspection: Independently performs dimensional inspection of all characteristics of manufactured products and ensures product acceptance to specifications and requirements with minimal supervision.
- Advanced Blueprint & Specification Interpretation: Reads and interprets work instructions, routers, blueprints, drawings, specifications, and inspection requirements to determine product conformance and make appropriate inspection decisions.
- First Article Inspection: Performs First Article inspections under compressed delivery schedules and applies AS9102 requirements to verify part acceptability. The position combines technical drawing interpretation, AS9102 compliance, inspection execution prior to ship, quality documentation, customer acceptance and approval management.
- Customer portal and Net Inspect submissions: Obtains and sustains the necessary customer portal credentials and accesses via training and annual surveillance audits. Maintains a unique customer provided inspection stamp for sourcing.
- Quality Documentation & Rejections: Prepares required inspection documentation and writes internal rejections for Quality, Manufacturing, and vendors when product does not meet requirements.
- MRB & Nonconformance: Evaluates MRB dispositions for accuracy and acceptability and applies knowledge of the nonconformance process when determining appropriate quality actions.
- Product & Process Expertise: Maintains a thorough understanding of applicable product-line inspection standards, manufacturing operations, material and coating specifications, and departmental identification methods and requirements.
- NDT Inspection: Performs applicable NDT inspection, including black light inspection to identify discontinuities, inclusions, piping, grinding checks, cracks, and other defects. Completes required NDT training and cross-trains in additional Quality activities.
- Problem Solving & Process Improvement: Uses problem-solving techniques to identify quality issues and actively participates in process improvement initiatives and corrective activities.
- Training & Knowledge Sharing: Trains Quality Technicians I–III and new inspection employees as required and provides guidance on inspection methods, requirements, and procedures.
- Cross-Functional Support: Works directly with Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, and other departments to communicate Quality Assurance requirements, resolve inspection concerns, and support manufacturing operations.
- Independent Work & Prioritization: Performs routine duties with minimal supervision, prioritizes multiple tasks, and manages workload effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Team & Department Support: Participates in proactive team efforts, supports departmental and company goals, and performs other duties as assigned.
- Safety & Compliance: Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly work area; complies with all safety policies, procedures, and practices; and reports unsafe activities or conditions.
- Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Education, Experience, and Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- 3-5 years of quality experience.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, policies, procedures, safety rules, and operating instructions in English.
- Familiarity with First Article requirements per AS9102.
- Understanding of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and their impact.
- Ability to evaluate MRB dispositions for accuracy and acceptability.
- Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions and apply problem-solving techniques.
- Ability to train and provide guidance to other employees.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Basic shop math skills, including algebra.
- Demonstrates accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.
- Ability to plan work activities, use time efficiently, and complete work in a timely manner.
- Demonstrates awareness of and compliance with EHS safety and security guidelines.
- Manual dexterity is sufficient to perform inspection activities and train others.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The employee is responsible for maintaining fitness-for-duty while holding the above-described position and should be able to perform the essential tasks of the position in a safe, appropriate and effective manner. This refers to the physical, mental and emotional duties of the job.
- Must be able to lift/move 30 lbs. (may not exceed per EHS policies)
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time
- Reaching above and below, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and bending.
- Need to be able to wear safety steel toe shoes and walk around shop floor environment as needed.
- Be able to remove dangling jewelry for shop floor assigned tasks, and wear hearing protection as needed.
Benefits/Salary:
The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $28-$35/hr.
Compensation and Benefits:
If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location.
Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options
- Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution
- Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
- Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
- Life insurance and disability coverage plans
- Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
- Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Our Story:
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email: TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com
