Aerospace Quality Inspector Jobs in Arlington, TX
In DFW aerospace, nothing ships without quality signing off, which keeps aerospace quality inspectors in steady demand around Arlington. Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, and their supplier ring all run to AS9100 and strict customer requirements, so inspectors who can read prints, run NDT, and hold the line on conformance are valued and well paid.
Current quality inspector aerospace Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Aerospace Quality Inspectors
These DFW-area employers hire aerospace quality and NDT inspectors within reach of Arlington.
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics - production and final inspection on the F-35 and F-16.
- Bell Textron - rotorcraft quality and receiving inspection.
- Triumph Group - aerostructures inspection.
- Elbit America - defense electronics quality.
- Spirit AeroSystems - structural component inspection.
- DFW aerospace machine shops - first article and CMM inspection.
Aerospace Quality Inspector Salaries in Arlington
- Entry (new inspector): about $20 to $27 per hour.
- Experienced (3 to 7 years, CMM/NDT): about $28 to $40 per hour.
- Senior (lead, source, NDT Level III): about $42 to $55+ per hour.
These are estimates and vary by certification and program. NDT and CMM certifications, plus a clearance on defense work, push earnings to the top of the range.
How to Become an Aerospace Quality Inspector in Arlington
Most inspectors come from a manufacturing, machining, or assembly background plus blueprint and GD&T knowledge. Tarrant County College offers quality and manufacturing coursework. Key credentials include ASQ certifications, NAS410 NDT certification (ASNT Level II), and CMM programming skills. There is no Texas state license; credentials are through industry bodies. Defense inspection roles require U.S. citizenship and often a clearance.
What the Job Involves
Inspectors verify parts and assemblies against drawings, specs, and AS9100 requirements using calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and NDT methods. Work includes first article inspection, dimensional layout, documenting nonconformances, and supporting corrective action.
Skills Employers Look For
- Blueprint reading and GD&T
- Precision measurement tools and CMM experience
- NDT certification (penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic) a plus
- Knowledge of AS9100 and quality documentation
- U.S. citizenship for cleared defense programs
Career Path and Advancement
Inspectors advance from line inspection into CMM programming, NDT levels, source inspection, and quality engineering or supervision. Certifications like ASQ CQI and NDT Level III open the highest-paying roles.
Related Careers in Arlington
These related Arlington roles share quality and precision skills.
- Aircraft Assembler Jobs
- Composites Technician Jobs
- Quality Engineer Jobs
- Quality Control Inspector Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be an aerospace quality inspector in Texas?
No state license is required. Employers value ASQ and NAS410 NDT certifications, but these are industry credentials, not state licenses.
How long does it take to become an aerospace quality inspector?
Many inspectors move up from assembly or machining within a year or two, then add NDT or CMM certifications to advance.
Do aerospace quality inspector jobs near Arlington require a security clearance?
Defense inspection roles at Lockheed Martin, Bell, and Elbit America commonly require U.S. citizenship and a clearance. Commercial supplier roles may not.
Can you work as an aerospace quality inspector remotely?
No. Inspection requires physical access to parts, gauges, and CMMs, so it is on-site.
Which Arlington-area employer pays quality inspectors the most?
Defense primes and roles requiring NDT Level II/III certification and a clearance tend to pay at the top of the local range.
Ready to apply? Browse all aerospace quality inspector jobs in Arlington, TX on LocalJobPage and apply today.