Quality Inspector / CMM Programmer — Help Us Prove Precision

Every part we manufacture begins with a print, a model and a promise to the customer. Quality is how we prove we kept that promise.

At Reata Engineering, we manufacture complex, tight-tolerance components for aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor and industrial customers. Our parts are produced on advanced 5-axis, mill-turn, horizontal, vertical and Swiss equipment—and they require an inspector who understands much more than how to run an existing CMM program.
We are looking for someone who can independently program a CMM, interpret complex GD&T and work directly with machinists and programmers to solve problems at the source.
If you enjoy figuring out how to accurately measure a challenging part—not merely reporting that it failed—we want to talk with you.

Your role in the process

You will help turn customer requirements into an effective inspection strategy. That means determining how a part should be aligned, which features should establish the datum structure, how each characteristic can be measured and how the results should be clearly communicated. You will support first-piece, in-process, final and first-article inspections. Just as importantly, you will work alongside Production and Engineering to understand unexpected results, identify the source of variation and help keep good parts moving. Quality at Reata is not intended to operate as a separate island or simply police production. We expect our inspectors, machinists and programmers to work together while maintaining the objectivity and discipline our customers require.

What you’ll do

Depending on your experience, you will:

• Write, edit, validate and optimize CMM programs
• Program using PC-DMIS from engineering drawings, CAD models and customer specifications
• Develop appropriate alignments, datum structures, probe strategies and measurement routines
• Perform first-piece, in-process, final and First Article Inspections
• Interpret complex engineering drawings and apply GD&T requirements
• Analyze CMM data and determine whether results accurately represent the part
• Create clear setup instructions so programs can be run consistently
• Inspect parts using micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, bore gauges, thread gauges, pin gauges and other precision equipment
• Prepare inspection reports and AS9102 First Article documentation
• Document nonconforming results accurately and communicate them promptly
• Troubleshoot unexpected measurements, program issues and repeatability problems
• Help machinists understand inspection results and make informed process adjustments
• Assist with inspection planning, measurement-method selection and manufacturability reviews
• Maintain accurate inspection records, program revisions and supporting documentation
• Identify opportunities to improve inspection efficiency without compromising accuracy
• Support Reata’s AS9100 quality-management system and continuous-improvement efforts

This is a hands-on position. CMM programming is an important part of the job, but you will also perform conventional inspection and help manage the daily inspection workload.

What you should bring

• Hands-on experience independently programming a CMM—not only loading and running existing programs
• Experience writing and editing programs in PC-DMIS
• Strong blueprint-reading and GD&T interpretation skills
• Experience inspecting precision-machined components
• Proficiency with common manual inspection equipment
• The ability to select an appropriate measurement method based on the print and part geometry
• Experience reviewing CMM results and investigating questionable or inconsistent data
• Strong attention to documentation, revision control and traceability
• The ability to communicate findings clearly with machinists, programmers, engineers and Quality personnel
• Sound judgment about when to release a part, when to investigate further and when to escalate a concern

Experience with aerospace, defense, medical-device or other regulated manufacturing is strongly preferred.

Experience with AS9100, AS9102 First Article Inspection, Net-Inspect, inspection-planning software, ERP systems or additional CMM platforms is valuable but not required.

What success looks like

Success in this position is not measured by how many parts you reject.

It is measured by:

• Accurate, repeatable and defensible inspection results
• CMM programs that reflect the print’s actual design intent
• Inspection completed quickly enough to support production commitments
• Clear communication when a result is questionable or nonconforming
• Fewer avoidable trips between Production and Quality
• Problems identified early, before they affect an entire production run
• Inspection methods and programs that become more efficient and reliable over time

We need someone who respects the independence of Quality but also understands that the ultimate objective is to help Reata consistently manufacture conforming parts.

Why join Reata?

You will inspect challenging, high-mix work rather than measuring the same simple part indefinitely. Our manufacturing capabilities include Mazak Integrex multitasking machines, automated 5-axis machining centers, horizontal machining centers with pallet automation, CNC lathes, vertical machining centers and Swiss equipment.

We also offer:

• Competitive pay with overtime opportunities
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match, including traditional and Roth options
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement, training and professional-development opportunities
• Opportunities to expand into advanced metrology, quality engineering, inspection planning and process improvement
• A technology-driven manufacturing environment
• A team-oriented workplace where Quality, Engineering and Production solve problems together

Let’s talk

If you can turn a complex print into a reliable inspection strategy—and explain the results in a way that helps the team make better parts—we would like to hear from you.

Reata Engineering & Machine Works is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent upon applicable pre-employment screening. In compliance with Colorado law, the compensation range for this position is $30–$40 per hour. Final compensation will be based on qualifications, skills, education and demonstrated capability.