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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a General Inspector

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

Quality ControlManufacturingInspectionComplianceOperations

🎯 Role Definition

The General Inspector is the frontline guardian of quality within a production or manufacturing environment. At its core, this position is pivotal in ensuring that all products, materials, and processes meet stringent company and industry standards before they reach the customer. This role involves a meticulous, hands-on approach to quality control, utilizing a variety of measurement tools and visual checks to identify and document any deviation from specifications. A General Inspector serves as a critical checkpoint, preventing defects, ensuring compliance, and ultimately upholding the organization's reputation for excellence and reliability.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Associate or Assembly Line Worker
  • Machine Operator
  • Warehouse Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Quality Inspector or Lead Inspector
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Supervisor
  • Supplier Quality Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Auditor
  • Process Technician
  • Calibration Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive in-process and final inspections of products, materials, and components to ensure strict adherence to engineering drawings, customer specifications, and established quality standards.
  • Accurately measure and verify dimensions and physical characteristics of parts using precision instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and optical comparators.
  • Perform detailed visual inspections to identify surface defects, cosmetic imperfections, and assembly errors, such as scratches, dents, incorrect finishes, or missing components.
  • Interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) specifications to confirm part conformity.
  • Meticulously document inspection results, test data, and observations in quality logs, databases, or manufacturing execution systems (MES) with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Generate, manage, and process Non-Conforming Material Reports (NCMRs) for any products or materials that fail to meet quality criteria, and quarantine defective items.
  • Collaborate with production staff and engineers to communicate inspection findings and assist in troubleshooting to determine the root cause of quality issues.
  • Calibrate and maintain inspection equipment and measurement tools to ensure they remain accurate and functional, scheduling external servicing when required.
  • Approve finished products by confirming they meet all specifications and release them for shipment; reject and return unacceptable products for rework.
  • Monitor production processes and operational procedures to ensure they are being followed correctly and are capable of producing compliant products.
  • Participate actively in first article inspection (FAI) processes, thoroughly documenting the results to validate new products or process changes.
  • Review and verify certifications and documentation for incoming raw materials from suppliers to ensure they meet the required specifications.
  • Execute established quality control testing procedures, which may include destructive or non-destructive tests, on samples from production runs.
  • Provide clear and constructive feedback to machine operators and assembly personnel regarding quality issues to help prevent recurrence.
  • Uphold and promote a culture of safety and quality on the shop floor, adhering to all workplace safety regulations and housekeeping standards.
  • Assist in the containment of defective products by identifying, segregating, and controlling non-conforming inventory to prevent unintended use.
  • Read and understand work orders, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality manuals to perform tasks as required.
  • Prepare and package samples for further laboratory analysis or customer submission, ensuring proper labeling and handling.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing accurate records, explaining inspection processes, and demonstrating compliance with standards like ISO 9001.
  • Continuously monitor the quality of work being performed throughout the manufacturing cycle, from initial setup to final packaging.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the training and mentoring of new inspectors or production staff on quality standards and inspection techniques.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting enhancements to inspection methods, processes, or quality documentation.
  • Maintain and organize quality records and documentation, ensuring they are readily accessible for audits and review.
  • Support the Quality Assurance team with special projects, data collection, and analysis as needed to address systemic quality trends.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint Reading: Proficient in interpreting complex engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
  • Metrology & Precision Measurement: Skilled in the use of various hand-held measuring tools like calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, and height gauges.
  • GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing): Strong understanding of GD&T symbols and principles to verify complex part features.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Familiarity with QMS principles and standards, particularly ISO 9001 or industry-specific equivalents (e.g., AS9100, IATF 16949).
  • Defect Recognition: A sharp eye for identifying visual defects, surface flaws, and assembly inconsistencies.
  • Technical Documentation: Ability to accurately complete inspection reports, non-conformance reports, and maintain quality logs.
  • Basic Computer Skills: Competency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or ERP software for data entry.
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC): Basic knowledge of SPC concepts and the ability to interpret control charts is a plus.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on precision and thoroughness to catch even the smallest deviations from standards.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze information, identify the root cause of defects, and contribute to corrective actions.
  • Communication Skills: Clearly and effectively communicate inspection results, issues, and instructions to team members, supervisors, and engineers.
  • Integrity and Objectivity: Upholding quality standards without compromise and making unbiased decisions based on data and specifications.
  • Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workload efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Works effectively with others in the production and engineering teams to achieve common quality goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a technical certificate in a relevant field.
  • Certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ), such as Certified Quality Inspector (CQI).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Quality Assurance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a quality control or inspection role within a manufacturing or industrial setting.

Preferred: Experience in an industry with strict quality regulations, such as aerospace, medical device, or automotive manufacturing.

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