Quality Inspector

Quality Inspector

The Quality Inspector supports Willbanks Metals' commitment to product integrity, customer satisfaction, and disciplined process execution by performing inspections, managing nonconformance workflows, and reinforcing quality standards at the floor level.

This role serves as a hands-on quality partner to Operations, Shipping, Sales, and Production by verifying product conformance, coordinating internal and external RMAs and NCRs, training operators on quality expectations, and escalating risk with clarity and urgency. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, operationally credible, and comfortable balancing inspection rigor with practical problem solving in a fast-paced steel service center environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections on steel products and processed material to verify conformance to customer, internal, and specification requirements.
• Review work orders, purchase orders, mill test reports, certifications, dimensional requirements, and customer-specific quality documents to ensure product traceability and compliance.
• Own and administer internal and external RMA and NCR activity, including intake, documentation, segregation, investigation support, follow-up, and final disposition tracking.
• Partner with operations leadership and floor personnel to identify defects, process drift, recurring issues, and bottlenecks, then communicate practical containment and corrective action recommendations.
• Train and coach operators at the floor level on inspection points, customer requirements, work instructions, documentation expectations, and proper escalation of nonconforming material.
• Support first article inspections, PPAP-related documentation, and audit readiness activities when required by customer or internal quality processes.
• Conduct layered process checks and routine quality walkthroughs to verify adherence to procedures, specifications, housekeeping expectations, and quality controls.
• Maintain accurate inspection records, nonconformance logs, return data, and supporting quality documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Coordinate with Sales, Operations, Shipping, and Purchasing on customer complaints, returns, rework decisions, and disposition of suspect or rejected material.
• Assist in calibration tracking and verification of measuring tools and inspection equipment used in the plant and yard.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and ISO 9001-related compliance efforts by preparing documentation and verifying execution at the operating level.
• Monitor quality trends and recurring issues, escalating meaningful patterns and improvement opportunities to the Continuous Improvement and Quality Director.
• Operate with a strong safety mindset while working around heavy steel products, overhead cranes, forklifts, and production equipment.

Leadership and Operating Expectations

• Maintain a visible, credible presence on the production floor and build trust with operators through consistency, responsiveness, and technical judgment.
• Communicate clearly with leaders and frontline employees on defects, priorities, and containment steps without creating ambiguity.
• Use sound judgment to balance speed, customer service, and compliance while protecting quality standards.
• Model accountability, urgency, and professionalism in resolving issues that affect customers, production flow, or quality system performance.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; additional technical training in quality, manufacturing, or industrial operations is a plus.
• 3+ years of experience in quality inspection, production support, manufacturing quality, or a related role in a steel service center, metal processing, fabrication, or industrial environment.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, purchase orders, customer requirements, basic drawings, and inspection criteria.
• Hands-on experience handling nonconforming material, quality documentation, and issue follow-up in an operating environment.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and follow-through.
• Ability to train and influence operators and lead quality conversations professionally on the shop floor.
• Crane and forklift certified, or able to obtain certification and operate safely within company requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort working in ERP or production systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with PPAP documentation and customer-specific quality submissions.
• Experience performing first article inspections and supporting corrective action processes.
• Exposure to internal, customer, or certification audits.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 principles, documentation control, and process discipline.
• Understanding of steel grades, shapes, coil or sheet processing, and traceability expectations.
• Experience with root cause analysis, trend reporting, or continuous improvement initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Inspection discipline and documentation accuracy
• Issue ownership and timely follow-up
• Operator training and floor-level coaching
• Cross-functional communication
• Customer-focused problem resolution
• Root cause thinking and process awareness
• Safety awareness in a heavy industrial environment

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both office and plant/yard environments with frequent exposure to heavy steel products, moving equipment, noise, dust, and changing temperatures.
• Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and visual inspection activity are required throughout the shift.
• Must be able to safely work around overhead cranes, forklifts, production lines, and material handling equipment while following all safety rules and PPE requirements.

Position Notes

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Duties may be modified to meet business needs.