Manufacturing Inspection Technician

About Forterra

At Forterra, we are unleashing autonomy at scale to transform the battlefield. Our mission is to build the foundational platforms that enable an intelligent ecosystem to coordinate, adapt, and execute with speed and precision even in the uncertainty and disruption of modern conflict. In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving threats, we design for flexibility, survivability, and operational dominance.

Forterra delivers weapons, sensors, and battlefield effects through integrated autonomous networks reaching operational areas faster, safer, and without placing human lives at risk. Our systems operate with distributed control, dynamic routing, and real-time responsiveness, enabling sustained advantage across complex mission environments.

About the role

We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Inspection Technician to join our Clarksburg-based Manufacturing team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on the production floor, conducting real-time, in-process, and mid-process inspections of electrical assemblies, enclosures, cable harnesses, and wiring systems.

You will play a dual role as a technical contributor embedded within the build process and as a key communicator with the Quality team, bridging insights between shop floor activities and compliance metrics. Your work will ensure that Forterra’s autonomous platforms meet rigorous electrical standards and exceed customer expectations for durability and reliability in mission- critical environments.

What you'll do

• Conduct in-process, mid-process, and final inspections directly on the production floor for wiring harnesses, electrical boxes, and subsystem assemblies.
• Perform visual, mechanical, and electrical testing using tools such as multimeters, calipers, micrometers, and plug gages.
• Verify adherence to IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 2 standards for wire and cable assembly quality.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions to validate assembly accuracy.
• Document inspection results and non-conformances (NCMRs) in real-time and assist production teams with root cause analysis.
• Collaborate closely with assembly technicians, quality engineers, and design teams to resolve issues quickly and ensure flow without compromising standards.
• Log QA data and maintain accurate records in ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite).
• Support feedback loops that connect build teams and quality teams, helping refine inspection criteria and improve process effectiveness.
• Monitor labeling, marking, and dimensional tolerances across electrical subassemblies.
• Comply with ISO 9001 processes and support internal audits or supplier quality interactions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1–3 years of hands-on inspection experience in an electrical manufacturing or electro-mechanical production environment.
• Proficient with hand tools and electrical test equipment such as multimeters, Hi-Pot testers, and insulation resistance meters.
• Experience with blueprint reading, electrical schematics, and IPC standards.
• Working familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.
• Strong documentation and communication skills for clear reporting and issue escalation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry background in defense, automotive, aerospace, or medical device manufacturing.
• Knowledge of NetSuite ERP and ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Demonstrated experience in first article, mid-process, and final inspections in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification (or ability to attain it).

US Hourly Range
 $27 - $35 / hour

Location

On-Site in Clarksburg, MD

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits f