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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Material Inspector

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

Quality ControlManufacturingInspectionConstructionAerospace

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a meticulous and highly-skilled Material Inspector to join our Quality Assurance team. In this critical role, you will be the guardian of our product quality, ensuring that all incoming materials, in-process components, and finished goods meet our rigorous standards and specifications. You will perform detailed inspections, conduct material tests, and meticulously document your findings. The ideal candidate has a sharp eye for detail, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As a Material Inspector, you are the final checkpoint before our products reach the customer, making your contribution essential to our company's reputation and success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Quality Control Technician
  • Production or Assembly Associate
  • Laboratory Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Material Inspector or Quality Lead
  • Quality Assurance Supervisor / Manager
  • Supplier Quality Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Process Improvement Specialist
  • Manufacturing Engineer Technician
  • Compliance Auditor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Inspect incoming raw materials, in-process components, and finished products against engineering drawings, technical specifications, and purchase order requirements.
  • Utilize a wide range of precision measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and optical comparators, to verify dimensional accuracy.
  • Perform and document First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 or equivalent standards for new or revised parts.
  • Conduct various material tests, including hardness, tensile strength, and conductivity, using specialized laboratory equipment to confirm material properties.
  • Meticulously document all inspection results, test data, and non-conformances in the company's Quality Management System (QMS) and ERP software.
  • Generate, issue, and manage Non-Conforming Material Reports (NCMRs), collaborating with engineering and supply chain teams to determine the disposition of rejected materials.
  • Interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics, including a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Quarantine non-conforming materials and products in designated areas to prevent their unintended use and maintain accurate inventory of held items.
  • Verify supplier documentation, including Certificates of Conformance (CoC), material test reports, and other quality records, to ensure compliance for incoming materials.
  • Perform thorough visual inspections to identify surface defects, cosmetic imperfections, weld quality, finish inconsistencies, and assembly errors.
  • Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot inspection tools, measuring devices, and test equipment to ensure their continued accuracy and reliability.
  • Review and approve final product documentation, data packages, and shipper reports prior to release and shipment to the customer.
  • Monitor production and assembly processes on the shop floor to ensure they consistently adhere to established quality standards and work instructions.
  • Engage directly in root cause analysis (RCA) and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address quality failures and prevent recurrence.
  • Manage and organize retained samples of both approved and rejected materials for future reference, analysis, and training purposes.

Secondary Functions

  • Support quality engineering with data collection and preliminary analysis related to material defects, process trends, and supplier performance.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of quality data collection methods, inspection procedures, and reporting processes.
  • Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and production teams to clarify material specifications and inspection requirements for new or existing products.
  • Participate actively in daily production meetings, Material Review Board (MRB) meetings, and safety briefings to provide quality-related input.
  • Assist in auditing internal processes and supplier facilities to verify compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and company policies.
  • Provide training, mentorship, and guidance to production operators on quality awareness, in-process inspection techniques, and the proper use of basic measurement tools.
  • Uphold and promote a culture of safety and quality throughout the organization by adhering to all EHS and quality protocols.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint Reading: Advanced ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
  • GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing): Proficient understanding and application of GD&T symbols and principles.
  • Precision Measurement: Expertise in using and reading calipers, micrometers, height gauges, profilometers, and CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines).
  • Quality Standards: In-depth knowledge of quality management systems and standards like ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949.
  • Material Testing: Hands-on experience with material testing equipment for hardness, tensile, and composition analysis.
  • First Article Inspection (FAI): Proven experience completing detailed FAI reports, preferably to AS9102 standards.
  • QMS Software: Proficiency with Quality Management System (QMS) software for documenting non-conformances and inspection data.
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Familiarity with problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, or 8D.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail: An ability to detect minute imperfections and discrepancies that others might miss.
  • Integrity and Objectivity: A strong ethical compass and the ability to make unbiased quality decisions.
  • Effective Communication: The skill to clearly and concisely communicate inspection results and quality issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: The capacity to analyze data, identify trends, and contribute to solving complex quality problems.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple inspections and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work constructively with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to achieve common quality goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or Technical/Vocational certification in a relevant discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Materials Science
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Quality Assurance
  • Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct experience in a material inspection, quality control, or QA/QC role within a manufacturing or technical environment.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a highly regulated industry such as aerospace, defense, medical device, or automotive manufacturing.
  • Certifications from ASQ (e.g., Certified Quality Inspector - CQI) are highly desirable.
  • Hands-on experience with Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) operation and programming is a significant plus.
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