Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Verification Inspector
💰 $45,000 - $75,000
🎯 Role Definition
Are you a guardian of quality with an eagle eye for detail? This role requires a highly motivated and meticulous Verification Inspector to join our dynamic quality assurance team. In this pivotal role, you will be the final checkpoint, ensuring that our products and components meet and exceed the rigorous standards of our customers and industry regulations. You will use advanced measuring tools and your deep understanding of technical specifications to inspect, test, and verify materials and assemblies. Your work is critical to our reputation for excellence and is essential for preventing defects, ensuring safety, and driving customer satisfaction. If you thrive in a hands-on, technical environment and are passionate about upholding the highest quality standards, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Quality Control Technician
- Manufacturing Associate / Production Technician
- CNC Machinist / Operator
Advancement To:
- Senior Verification Inspector / Lead Inspector
- Quality Engineer
- Quality Assurance Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Supplier Quality Specialist
- Process Technician / Manufacturing Engineer
- Calibration Technician
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Perform comprehensive first-article, in-process, and final inspections on manufactured components, sub-assemblies, and finished products to ensure full compliance with design specifications.
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, schematics, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to accurately verify product features.
- Utilize a wide range of precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, optical comparators, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).
- Meticulously document all inspection results, test data, and observations in quality logs, databases, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Generate, process, and manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for any identified deviations, and collaborate with engineering on disposition.
- Conduct root cause analysis investigations for product defects and process failures to support the implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Verify product conformity to established industry and company standards, such as ISO 9001, AS9100, and specific customer requirements.
- Perform detailed visual inspections to identify cosmetic flaws, workmanship defects, and surface finish inconsistencies according to defined criteria.
- Review and verify material certifications, supplier documentation, and traceability records to ensure the integrity of the supply chain.
- Execute functional and dimensional testing protocols on products to validate performance and structural integrity against technical requirements.
- Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot inspection equipment to ensure its accuracy and reliability, maintaining detailed calibration records.
- Validate and approve manufacturing processes, work instructions, and tooling setups to ensure they are capable of producing compliant products.
using statistical process control (SPC) techniques to monitor production processes and identify trends or shifts in performance. - Prepare and compile comprehensive inspection data packages and reports for internal review and customer submission.
- Quarantine and control non-conforming materials to prevent their unintended use, managing their disposition (rework, scrap, or use-as-is).
- Audit production lines and work cells to ensure adherence to quality procedures, safety protocols, and good manufacturing practices.
Secondary Functions
- Support engineering and production teams with ad-hoc inspection requests and specialized data collection for problem-solving.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of quality control processes, inspection methodologies, and departmental standard operating procedures.
- Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing departments to resolve quality issues, clarify technical requirements, and provide feedback for design improvements.
- Participate in production meetings, team briefings, and quality review boards to stay aligned on priorities and communicate inspection findings.
- Assist in the training and mentorship of junior inspectors and production personnel on quality standards, inspection techniques, and the use of measurement tools.
- Engage in internal and external audits by providing documentation, explaining processes, and demonstrating inspection activities to auditors.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Precision Measurement: Mastery of precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and optical comparators.
- Blueprint & GD&T Literacy: Advanced ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex engineering drawings, technical specifications, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) callouts.
- CMM Operation: Hands-on experience operating a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM); programming experience is a significant plus.
- Quality Management Systems (QMS): Strong working knowledge of QMS standards like ISO 9001 and/or AS9100.
- Non-Conformance & CAPA: Proficiency in documenting non-conformances (NCRs) and participating in the Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) process.
- Technical Documentation: Skill in generating clear, concise, and accurate inspection reports, logs, and data entries.
- ERP/MRP Systems: Familiarity with using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) software for quality transactions.
Soft Skills
- Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional ability to detect minor variations, defects, and deviations from standards.
- Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to diagnose issues, understand root causes, and evaluate the effectiveness of solutions.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effectively documenting findings and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Time Management & Organization: Ability to manage multiple inspection tasks, prioritize work effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Independence & Teamwork: Capable of working independently with minimal supervision while also being a collaborative and supportive team member.
- Integrity and Professionalism: A strong commitment to upholding quality and safety standards with the highest level of integrity.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED.
Preferred Education:
- Associate's Degree in a technical field or a relevant Quality Certification (e.g., CQT - Certified Quality Technician).
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Manufacturing Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Quality Assurance
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 3-7 years of direct experience in a quality inspection role within a precision manufacturing, aerospace, medical device, or similar regulated environment.
Preferred:
- Experience in an AS9100 or ISO 13485 certified facility is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated experience with first-article inspection reporting (FAIR) per AS9102 standards.