Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hardware Inspector

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Quality AssuranceManufacturingEngineeringHardwareTechnology

🎯 Role Definition

Welcome to the forefront of product integrity! As a Hardware Inspector, you are the critical checkpoint ensuring that every component and product leaving our facility meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. You will be a key member of our Quality Assurance team, meticulously examining, testing, and validating complex electronics and electro-mechanical assemblies. Your sharp eye and technical expertise will directly contribute to our reputation for excellence, preventing defects, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This role is perfect for a detail-oriented individual with a passion for technology and a commitment to perfection.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Electronics Technician
  • Manufacturing Associate / Assembly Operator
  • Quality Control Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Hardware Inspector / Quality Lead
  • Quality Engineer
  • Manufacturing Supervisor / Production Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Assurance Technician
  • Test Engineer / Technician
  • Supplier Quality Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive first article, in-process, and final inspections on complex electronic assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components to ensure full compliance with design specifications.
  • Utilize a wide range of precision measuring instruments, including digital calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and optical comparators, to verify product dimensions against engineering drawings.
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) specifications to confirm product compliance.
  • Conduct thorough visual inspections of Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) for soldering quality, component polarity, and placement accuracy in accordance with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards.
  • Document and maintain meticulous inspection records, test data, and quality reports using the company's Quality Management System (QMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
  • Generate, process, and meticulously track Non-Conforming Material Reports (NCMRs) for any identified defects, and collaborate with engineering and production teams on disposition and root cause.
  • Operate and, where applicable, program Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and 2D/3D X-ray inspection systems to identify hidden or microscopic defects in solder joints and component placement.
  • Verify that all materials, components, and processes utilized in production meet the specified requirements outlined in the Bill of Materials (BOM) and associated work instructions.
  • Perform functional testing of hardware using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and custom-built test fixtures to validate performance against technical specifications.
  • Manage and maintain the calibration system for all Inspection, Measurement, and Test Equipment (IM&TE) to ensure accuracy and compliance with ISO and AS9100 standards.
  • Actively participate in Material Review Board (MRB) meetings to discuss non-conforming products and contribute expert insight to root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) planning.
  • Conduct source inspections at supplier facilities to ensure incoming materials and components meet stringent quality requirements before they enter the manufacturing workflow.
  • Audit manufacturing processes, assembly lines, and individual workstations to ensure consistent adherence to established procedures, work instructions, and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) control protocols.
  • Provide clear, constructive, and timely feedback to assembly technicians and production leadership regarding quality issues and best practices to prevent defect recurrence.
  • Assist quality and manufacturing engineers in developing, documenting, and refining inspection criteria, comprehensive quality plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Inspect electro-mechanical assemblies for proper hardware installation, torque values, cable and harness routing, and overall conformity to assembly drawings and build instructions.
  • Identify and champion opportunities for process improvement within the inspection and manufacturing cycles to enhance efficiency, elevate quality standards, and reduce waste.
  • Support internal and external quality audits (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) by providing documentation, explaining inspection processes, and demonstrating compliance to auditors.
  • Evaluate and approve rework or repair of non-conforming products performed by certified technicians, ensuring the final product meets all quality and reliability standards post-intervention.
  • Manage the containment and segregation of suspect or non-conforming material, ensuring it is properly identified and controlled to prevent its unintended use in production.
  • Prepare final products for shipment, verifying that all required documentation, certificates of conformity, and specialized packaging requirements are fully met.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the training and certification of assembly operators on critical quality standards and visual inspection criteria.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and Kaizen events focused on enhancing product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Support the supplier quality engineering team by providing detailed data, images, and analysis on incoming material defects.
  • Contribute to the evaluation, validation, and implementation of new inspection technologies and quality control methodologies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • IPC Certification: Active certification in IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) and/or J-STD-001 (Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies).
  • Blueprint & Schematic Reading: High proficiency in reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, technical diagrams, and electrical schematics.
  • Metrology & Measurement Tools: Expertise in using precision measurement instruments like calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, height gauges, and optical comparators.
  • GD&T Knowledge: Solid understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols and principles.
  • First Article Inspection (FAI): Proven experience with the First Article Inspection process and documentation, preferably to the AS9102 standard.
  • Automated Inspection Systems: Experience operating Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and/or X-ray inspection equipment.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Familiarity with QMS principles and software, with experience in environments governed by ISO 9001, AS9100, or ISO 13485.
  • Electronic Test Equipment: Competency in using basic electronic test equipment, including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power supplies.
  • ESD Procedures: Strong knowledge of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) safety protocols and proper handling of sensitive electronic components.
  • Computer Proficiency: Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering ability to spot minor defects and inconsistencies.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to analyze issues, identify root causes, and contribute to effective solutions.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Independence & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and as a collaborative member of a team.
  • Time Management & Organization: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple inspection tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Integrity & Judgement: A strong sense of integrity and the ability to make sound, unbiased decisions regarding product quality.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree in a technical discipline or a certification from a technical/vocational school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electronics Technology
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in a quality inspection role within an electronics or electro-mechanical manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a highly regulated industry such as aerospace, defense, medical device, or automotive manufacturing.
  • Hands-on experience inspecting Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs), cable harnesses, and complex electro-mechanical systems.
  • Current or prior IPC certifications are highly desirable.
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