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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Receiving Inspector

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

Quality AssuranceManufacturingSupply ChainInspection

🎯 Role Definition

As a Receiving Inspector, you are the gatekeeper of quality for our entire production process. You will be responsible for the meticulous inspection of all incoming goods, from raw materials to complex sub-assemblies. Your primary objective is to identify and prevent non-conforming materials from entering the manufacturing workflow. This involves using precision measurement tools, interpreting complex engineering drawings, and documenting your findings with exceptional accuracy in our ERP system. You'll work closely with our Purchasing, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve any material discrepancies, ensuring a smooth and efficient supply chain that never compromises on quality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Quality Control Technician
  • Manufacturing or Production Associate
  • Machinist or CNC Operator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Receiving Inspector / Quality Lead
  • Quality Assurance Supervisor
  • Supplier Quality Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • In-Process Quality Inspector
  • Final Quality Auditor
  • Calibration Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct thorough visual and dimensional inspections on a wide variety of incoming raw materials, components, and finished goods to ensure strict adherence to engineering drawings, specifications, and purchase order requirements.
  • Utilize a full range of precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, profilometers, and optical comparators, to verify part dimensions and features.
  • Interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) callouts to confirm part compliance.
  • Meticulously review and verify accompanying documentation, such as Certificates of Conformance (CofC), material certifications, and test reports, for accuracy and completeness.
  • Accurately record all inspection results, measurements, and test data in the company's ERP/MRP system and quality control databases.
  • Identify, document, and physically segregate any non-conforming materials or products according to established procedures to prevent their use in production.
  • Initiate, write, and manage Non-Conforming Material Reports (NCRs), detailing the nature of the defect and gathering all relevant evidence for review.
  • Collaborate directly with the Purchasing department and suppliers to communicate and resolve quality discrepancies found during receiving inspection.
  • Perform comprehensive First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 standards or internal procedures, generating detailed reports for new or revised parts.
  • Manage and maintain the designated quarantine area for rejected or on-hold materials, ensuring proper control and disposition.
  • Verify part numbers, lot numbers, quantities, and revision levels against packing slips and purchase orders to ensure receiving accuracy.
  • Perform sample-based inspections based on AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standards and other statistical sampling plans.
  • Assist in the root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) process for supplier-related quality issues.
  • Maintain the calibration and serviceability of all measurement and test equipment (M&TE) used in the receiving inspection area.
  • Prioritize daily inspection workload based on production schedules and material urgency to support manufacturing timelines.
  • Communicate inspection status and material availability effectively to key stakeholders, including Production Planners, Engineers, and Supply Chain personnel.
  • Package and protect accepted materials after inspection to ensure they are safely transported to inventory or the production floor.
  • Uphold and promote all safety regulations and 5S/6S housekeeping standards within the receiving and inspection areas.
  • Participate actively in internal and external quality audits (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) by providing records and explaining processes.
  • Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of receiving inspection procedures, work instructions, and quality standards.
  • Assist in training other team members on inspection techniques, equipment usage, and quality procedures.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to supplier performance and material defect trends.
  • Contribute to the organization's quality strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the quality and operations teams.
  • Assist in maintaining the calibration program for measurement and test equipment across the facility.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Precision Measurement: Expert-level proficiency with standard metrology tools including digital/dial calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, and optical comparators.
  • Blueprint & GD&T Literacy: Strong ability to read, interpret, and apply complex engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T symbols.
  • ERP/MRP Systems: Hands-on experience with enterprise resource planning software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor, NetSuite) for data entry and transaction processing.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Working knowledge of QMS standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or ISO 13485.
  • First Article Inspection (FAI): Proven experience performing and documenting First Article Inspections, preferably to the AS9102 standard.
  • Computer Proficiency: Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data recording and analysis, and Word for report generation.
  • Non-Conformance Reporting: Experience in documenting and processing non-conforming materials and generating detailed NCRs.
  • CMM Operation: Basic knowledge or hands-on experience with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: An exceptionally keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy and precision.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving: Ability to systematically diagnose issues, analyze data, and contribute to finding effective solutions.
  • Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for interacting with suppliers, engineers, and internal teams.
  • Time Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Independence & Teamwork: A self-starter who can work effectively with minimal supervision but also collaborates well within a team setting.
  • Integrity: A strong ethical compass and commitment to upholding quality standards without compromise.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a technical certificate from a vocational school.
  • ASQ certification (e.g., Certified Quality Inspector - CQI) is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Quality Assurance
  • Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5+ years of direct experience in a quality control inspection role, preferably within a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a highly regulated industry such as aerospace, medical device, automotive, or defense.
  • Demonstrable experience working within an AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 certified organization.
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