These are the standards and terms that show up in A&D job descriptions. Each entry says what the term means and what to check in a candidate, so HR and hiring managers outside quality can screen with confidence.
- AS9100
- The quality management standard for aviation, space and defense companies. AS9100D, published in 2016, is built on ISO 9001:2015 and adds requirements such as product safety, counterfeit-parts prevention and human factors (Smithers). Hiring check: ask which audits the candidate led, not just attended, and which findings they closed.
- IA9100
- The next revision of AS9100, renamed IA9100, expected to publish in late 2026 alongside ISO 9001:2026, with an estimated two-to-three-year transition (Smithers). Hiring check: a quality leader hired in 2026–2027 will likely run your transition; ask how they would plan it.
- ISO 9001
- The general quality management standard that AS9100 builds on. Experience in an ISO 9001 shop transfers, but expect a learning curve on aerospace-specific requirements.
- AS9102 (First Article Inspection)
- The SAE standard for first article inspection: documented proof that the first production part matches every drawing requirement. The current revision is AS9102C, dated June 27, 2023 (SAE). Hiring check: inspectors and quality engineers should be able to walk through the three FAI forms and when a partial FAI is required.
- Nadcap
- An industry-managed accreditation program for critical (“special”) processes, founded in 1990 and run by the Performance Review Institute. It covers processes such as heat treating, chemical processing, nondestructive testing, welding and composites (PRI). Hiring check: ask which Nadcap checklists the candidate has owned through an audit.
- Special process
- A process whose result can’t be fully verified by inspecting the finished part, such as heat treating, plating or welding. These are the processes Nadcap audits.
- NDT levels (Level 1, 2, 3)
- Nondestructive testing technicians are certified by method (penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, eddy current, radiography) and by level. Aerospace shops usually certify to NAS 410; many other industries use ASNT’s SNT-TC-1A. A Level 2 performs and interprets inspections; a Level 3 owns the written practice, approves procedures and oversees training. Hiring check: confirm the method and level against your written practice, not just the title.
- CMM
- Coordinate measuring machine: a probe-based machine that measures parts against the CAD model. Hiring check: ask which software (for example PC-DMIS or Calypso) and whether the candidate programs or only runs existing programs.
- GD&T
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, the symbol language on engineering drawings. Machinists, inspectors and design engineers all need to read it; quality engineers often teach it.
- Corrective action (CAPA, 8D)
- The structured process for finding the root cause of a defect and preventing it from coming back. Hiring check: ask for one corrective action the candidate closed, with the root cause and a number that improved.
- MRB
- Material review board: the group that decides what happens to nonconforming parts (scrap, rework, use-as-is with customer approval).
- ITAR
- The International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which control defense articles and technical data. Sharing controlled data with a foreign person can require authorization from the State Department. ITAR contains no hiring requirements; see our guide to ITAR and hiring.
- EAR
- The Export Administration Regulations, run by the Commerce Department, which control “dual-use” items and technology. Many commercial aerospace parts fall under the EAR rather than ITAR.
- U.S. person
- Under ITAR, a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual such as a refugee or asylee (22 CFR 120.62). It is broader than “U.S. citizen.”
- Security clearance
- A government determination that a person may access classified information. Unlike ITAR, a clearance requirement comes from a government contract, and only some roles at defense suppliers need one.
Frequently asked questions
Is AS9100 experience required for every aerospace quality role?
No. It matters most for quality managers, quality engineers and auditors. Inspectors and technicians need to work inside an AS9100 system, but leading audits is a manager’s job.
What is the difference between AS9100 and Nadcap?
AS9100 certifies a company’s whole quality system. Nadcap accredits specific special processes, such as heat treating or NDT. Many suppliers need both.
Does a U.S. person have to be a U.S. citizen?
No. Under ITAR, U.S. persons also include lawful permanent residents and protected individuals such as refugees and asylees.
Sources
- Smithers: AS9100 D explained and what comes next
- SAE: AS9102C First Article Inspection Requirements
- Performance Review Institute: the Nadcap program
- eCFR: 22 CFR 120.62, U.S. person