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PRINCIPAL QUALITY TECHNICIAN - SR. QUALITY TECHNICIAN - Mechanical Systems - Quality Control

Southwest Research InstituteSan Antonio, TX🇺🇸United StatesPosted Oct 12, 2026

Quick Overview

Seniority
Leader
Work mode
Hybrid
Location
San Antonio, TX, United States
Posted
22 hours ago
ComplianceContinuous Improvement

Job Description

Who We Are: We are R&D problem-solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients; since 1947 we work toward the betterment of humankind, pushing the boundaries of science and technology to develop solutions. As a Quality Technician in Applied Power Division, you’ll inspect custom components for critical R&D projects, working directly with machinists and engineers in a hands-on lab environment. Ability to obtain a security clearance is required. By joining our team, you will receive an additional $500.00 in your first paycheck (minus applicable taxes).

Objectives of this Role: Ensure every part we ship meets the highest standards of our customers by owning the quality and dimensional integrity of complex, tight-tolerance components. This role has a direct impact on customer satisfaction, company reputation, and product performance. Leverage your inspection expertise, GD&T skills, and Zeiss CMM programming abilities to take ownership of complex dimensional verification. You’ll independently develop and maintain CMM programs that ensure precision, reliability, and confidence in every component we produce.

Work closely with production, engineering, and management to support quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement throughout the division. Bring positivity, strong expertise, and a team-first mindset. Ready to learn new skills, take on challenges, and support the broader team wherever quality and problem-solving are needed.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Perform first-article, in-process, and final inspections using precision measurement tools to verify conformance to requirements. Conduct and document FAIs and review manufacturing documentation for accuracy and compliance. Create, maintain, and troubleshoot Zeiss CMM programs and perform first-article, in-process, and final inspections. Interpret inspection data, develop methods for complex tight-tolerance features, and support continuous improvement in inspection efficiency and accuracy.

Complete and maintain inspection reports, quality records, and traceability documentation, and assist with calibration control. Identify and track nonconforming material, support root cause and corrective actions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Support production with in-process inspections, trend analysis, and collaboration while identifying nonconforming material and aiding corrective actions. Assist with audits, safety, and cross-functional teamwork to ensure quality and customer requirements are met.

Ability to use quality specific experience and knowledge to apply in decision making scenarios and work autonomously in requiring the direction of tasks and prioritization of projects.

Requirements: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant technical training and substantial on-the-job experience in quality inspection. 5-15 years: Quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably with precision machined components. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T. Hands-on experience programming with CALYPSO software and operating Zeiss CMMs. Experience with CALYPSO Freeform and Curve add-ons are a plus. Experience working in a job shop or high-mix, low-volume custom manufacturing environment is a plus. A valid/clear driver's license is required.

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