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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Incoming Inspector

💰 $ - $

Quality ControlManufacturingSupply ChainInspectionLogistics

🎯 Role Definition

The Incoming Inspector serves as the gatekeeper of quality for our entire organization. This role is our first and most critical line of defense, ensuring that every raw material, purchased component, and sub-assembly from our suppliers conforms to precise specifications and quality standards. By meticulously inspecting and verifying incoming goods, the Incoming Inspector directly prevents downstream production issues, reduces scrap and rework costs, and safeguards the final quality and reliability of our products. This position is pivotal in upholding our commitment to excellence and maintaining strong supplier relationships through clear communication and data-driven feedback.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production or Assembly Technician
  • Warehouse Associate / Receiving Clerk
  • Machine Operator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Quality Inspector / Quality Lead
  • Quality Technician
  • Supplier Quality Engineer (with further education/training)

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Production Planner / Scheduler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute comprehensive visual and dimensional inspections on a wide range of incoming raw materials, components, and sub-assemblies to ensure they meet strict quality standards.
  • Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, and purchase order requirements to accurately verify product compliance.
  • Skillfully operate and maintain a variety of precision measuring instruments, including digital calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and optical comparators.
  • Meticulously document all inspection results, measurements, and findings by completing detailed reports, logs, and maintaining accurate conformance records in the quality system.
  • Initiate, process, and manage Non-Conforming Material Reports (NCMRs) for any items that fail to meet specifications, ensuring proper documentation and communication.
  • Diligently segregate and control all non-conforming products in designated quarantine areas to prevent their accidental use in production.
  • Collaborate proactively with Purchasing, Engineering, and Supplier Quality teams to investigate and resolve quality issues identified with supplier materials.
  • Verify the accuracy and completeness of supplier-provided documentation, such as Certificates of Conformance (CoC), material test reports, and traceability information.
  • Perform detailed First Article Inspections (FAIs) on new or revised parts in accordance with AS9102 standards or internal company procedures to validate supplier processes.
  • Maintain the calibration schedule and records for all inspection equipment, ensuring all tools are within their calibration dates and functioning correctly.
  • Accurately input inspection data, material status, and lot information into the company's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system.
  • Select and apply appropriate statistical sampling plans (e.g., AQL based on ANSI/ASQ Z1.4) to determine inspection lot sizes for incoming shipments.
  • Cross-reference part numbers, revision levels, lot numbers, and quantities received against active purchase orders and packing slips to confirm receiving accuracy.
  • Evaluate the condition of incoming packaging and shipping containers to identify any potential transit damage prior to formal material inspection.
  • Champion a culture of safety and organization by maintaining a clean, well-ordered, and safe work environment within the quality inspection area (5S principles).
  • Communicate inspection outcomes, defect trends, and critical quality alerts clearly and effectively to the Quality Manager and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Provide critical support for root cause analysis and corrective action implementation by supplying detailed data and insights on supplier-related defects.
  • Review and approve supplier-provided inspection data and reports to potentially streamline the receiving process for certified suppliers.
  • Manage the long-term retention of physical quality records and approved product samples as required by company policy and industry regulations.
  • Use Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), vision systems, or other advanced metrology equipment to perform complex geometric inspections on critical components.
  • Confirm that all required special processes (e.g., heat treating, plating, anodizing) have been performed and are certified by approved suppliers.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the Quality Engineering team in root cause analysis and the development of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for supplier-related issues.
  • Participate in continuous improvement (Kaizen) events focused on optimizing the receiving, inspection, and material handling processes.
  • Support internal and external audits by gathering documentation, explaining inspection processes, and providing evidence of compliance to auditors.
  • Provide training and mentorship to new or junior team members on standard inspection procedures and the proper use of measurement equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint Reading & Interpretation: Deep proficiency in reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T): Strong working knowledge of GD&T symbols and principles to accurately inspect complex geometric features.
  • Precision Measuring Instruments: Demonstrated expertise in using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, pin gauges, and optical comparators.
  • ERP/MRP Systems: Experience transacting and recording data within an ERP or MRP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Familiarity with QMS standards and concepts, such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or ISO 13485.
  • First Article Inspection (FAI): Proven ability to conduct and document First Article Inspections, preferably to the AS9102 standard.
  • Statistical Sampling (AQL): Knowledge of acceptance sampling plans (e.g., ANSI Z1.4) and how to apply them.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on precision and accuracy, with the ability to spot minute inconsistencies or defects.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to analyze inspection data, identify trends, and contribute to resolving quality problems at the source.
  • Strong Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and collaborating with other departments.
  • Time Management & Organization: The ability to prioritize a dynamic workload, manage multiple inspections simultaneously, and maintain an organized workspace.
  • Independent Judgment: The confidence and ability to work independently, making sound decisions regarding material acceptance or rejection based on established standards.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a technical certificate in a related field.
  • ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certification is a strong plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Quality Assurance / Quality Control
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct experience in a quality inspection role within a manufacturing or production environment.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated experience within a regulated industry such as aerospace (AS9100), medical device (ISO 13485), or automotive (IATF 16949) is highly desirable.
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