RF Microwave Lead Quality Control Inspector - Nashua, NH

RF Microwave Lead Quality Control Inspector

A RF Microwave Lead Quality Inspector is a senior-level quality control professional who ensures that specialized radio frequency (RF) and microwave components and assemblies meet stringent performance and reliability standards. This role involves supervising a team of inspectors in the areas of mechanical, in-process and final inspections, developing and refining inspection processes, and performing highly technical tests and audits. This position is a direct report to RH Labs Quality Assurance Manager.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Lead inspection activities: Oversee and manage a team of quality inspectors, coordinating daily inspection schedules for raw materials, in-process production, and final products.
• Perform technical inspections: Conduct complex visual and dimensional inspections of Integrated Microwave Assemblies, RF Microwave Components, raw materials and other assemblies using specialized equipment like microscopes, micrometers, calipers, height and pin gauges and optical comparators.
• Enter inspection criteria and results in uniPoint- Enterprise Quality Management System.
• Ensure compliance: Verify that all products meet specific requirements based on engineering drawings, blueprints, customer specifications, and industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD-883, IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, AS9100, ISO 9001. MIL-PRF-38534).
• Monitor critical equipment and instrumentation, enforcing FOE/FOD, ESD and calibration protocols.
• Perform first article inspections (FAI): Conduct and document FAIs in accordance with aerospace standard AS9102 to qualify new components and parts. Be trained to complete FAIRs via Net Inspect.
• Environmental Screening: proficient in all aspects of environmental screening. Will cross train and mentor all inspectors to perform screening.
• Document and report non-conformances: Write and maintain clear and accurate non-conformance reports (NCRs, IDRRs) and other quality records for defective materials.
• Provide technical guidance: Serve as a subject matter expert, offering guidance and training to inspectors and production staff on quality-related procedures and issues.
• Communicate findings: Interface with manufacturing, engineering, and management to communicate quality issues and assist in resolving problems.
• Collect and analyze metrics: Work with cross-functional team to gather, correlate and analyze in-process / assembly data to aid in the progression of continuous improvement.
• Support continuous improvement: Participate in root cause analysis for product defects and contribute to developing and improving manufacturing and quality control processes.

Skills and qualifications

• Experience: Extensive experience (10-15 years) in a manufacturing or quality inspection role, preferably within the RF, microwave, or microelectronics industries.
• Technical expertise: The ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications.
• Inspection skills: Proficiency with precision measurement tools and equipment, such as microscopes, micrometers, calipers, height and pin gauges, optical comparators, and coordinate measuring machines.
• Industry knowledge: Familiarity with quality management systems like AS9100 and ISO 9001 and experience with military standards like MIL-STD-883, MIL-PRF-38534.
• Leadership skills: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team of inspectors.
• Problem-solving: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help identify the root cause of defects and trends.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively report findings and coordinate with different departments.
• Attention to detail: A meticulous and detail-oriented approach is essential for identifying subtle flaws in micro-electronic components.
• Proficient in system applications: uniPoint - Enterprise Quality Management System, MS-Office - Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.