Company Overview
Southern Machine Works, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned precision CNC machine shop located in Duncan, Oklahoma. Since 1964, we have supplied high-precision components to the aerospace, defense, and other demanding industries. We are AS9100 certified, ITAR registered, and operate a fully integrated, paperless quality management system in a modern, climate-controlled 25,000 sq. ft. facility. Our focus is high-mix, tight-tolerance machining supported by robust quality assurance.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Quality Inspector with hands-on inspection experience in a precision machining environment. This is not an entry-level or general manufacturing QC role. The ideal candidate is highly proficient in GD&T, blueprint reading, and dimensional inspection of complex, tight-tolerance CNC-machined components.
You will be a key part of our quality team, ensuring that our parts meet customer, regulatory, and AS9100 requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform detailed dimensional inspections of CNC-machined components using GD&T and engineering drawings to verify compliance with customer specifications.
- Execute First Article, In-Process, and Final inspections on machined parts and assemblies.
- Operate and support Zeiss CMMs using Zeiss Calypso software (set up, run programs, validate results; programming experience is a plus).
- Use precision inspection tools including micrometers, calipers, height gages, indicators, thread gages, and other gaging as required.
- Utilize vision inspection systems to verify complex geometries and surface features where appropriate.
- Use HighQA or similar inspection planning software to balloon prints, extract inspection characteristics, and generate digital inspection plans and reports that integrate with our ERP/QA systems.
- Conduct inspections of outsourced/special-process components.
- Issue and document Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs); participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities with engineering, production, and management.
- Maintain accurate and complete inspection records, traceability, and calibration documentation in accordance with AS9100 and internal procedures (experience with digital records/ERP systems is a plus).
- Support and participate in internal audits, customer audits, and continuous improvement activities within the quality management system.
- Assist in developing and refining custom inspection plans and procedures for new or complex parts.
- Help with calibration and basic preventive maintenance of inspection equipment.
- Keep the inspection area clean, organized, and audit-ready; proactively assist with quality tasks when inspection workload is low.
Minimum Requirements
- At least 2 years of aerospace or precision machining inspection experience.
- Strong proficiency in GD&T, blueprint reading, and inspection of tight-tolerance machined parts.
- Demonstrated experience performing First Article, In-Process, and Final inspections.
- Proficient with precision inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, height gages, thread gages, indicators, etc.).
- Experience using or supporting CMMs; exposure to Zeiss Calypso is strongly preferred (willing to train the right candidate with strong fundamentals).
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality management systems.
- Familiarity with digital inspection records and ERP/QA systems.
- Exposure to digital inspection planning and ballooning tools; experience with HighQA is a strong plus.
- High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Effective communication skills with machinists, programmers, and management.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical training or certification in quality/inspection is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience operating and/or programming Zeiss CMMs using Zeiss Calypso.
- Formal training or certification in GD&T, CMM operation, or aerospace inspection.
- Experience working in an AS9100-certified precision CNC machining environment.
- Familiarity with digital ERP/QA systems for inspection records and traceability.
- Direct experience using HighQA to create ballooned drawings, extract inspection data, and import that data into ERP/QA systems.
Join Our Team
If you have a strong inspection background in precision machining and are committed to maintaining the highest standards in aerospace manufacturing, we’d like to hear from you.
To apply: Submit your resume via Indeed or through our website and include a brief summary of your inspection experience with CMMs, HighQA (if applicable), and GD&T.
Expected hours: 40.0 – 50.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you willing and able to work full-time on-site in Duncan, Oklahoma?
- This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data. Are you eligible for access without a U.S. government export license or authorization?
- Do you have professional experience performing dimensional inspection of precision-machined components?
- Do you have professional experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, dimensional tolerances, and GD&T?
- Are you proficient using precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, pin gauges, and thread gauges?
- Do you have professional experience operating a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to inspect manufactured components?
- Do you have experience operating or programming Zeiss CMMs using Calypso software?
- Do you have experience performing First Article Inspections or preparing/reviewing AS9102 documentation?
- Do you have experience working within an AS9100, ISO 9001, or similarly controlled manufacturing quality system?
Work Location: In person