Lead QC Inspector

Lead Qc Inspector

We're supporting a growing machine shop with a Lead QC Inspector opportunity. This contract-to-hire position will provide critical quality leadership to a team of inspectors and must be highly proficient in GD&T inspection, read & interpret blueprints or engineered drawings, ISO procedures, be able to write procedures, have experience and training in lean manufacturing, and be able train new inspectors when needed. This position will require hands-on inspection work about 30-40% of the time and the rest will be reviewing NCR's, writing/editing procedures, documentation, audit readiness and compliance, etc.

Position Summary

The Lead QC Inspector oversees day-to-day inspection operations in a precision machining environment and ensures machined components meet customer requirements, engineering drawings, and the organization's ISO 9001-based quality management system. The role provides leadership to QC Inspectors, owns release readiness (final acceptance), drives nonconformance control, and applies Six Sigma methods to reduce variation, improve measurement reliability, and prevent defects. ISO 9001 emphasizes verifying requirements before release and retaining documented evidence of conformity and release authorization.

Key Responsibilities (What You'll Do)

Inspection Leadership & Daily Execution:

• Lead and coordinate receiving, in-process, first article, and final inspection activities to support production schedules and priorities.
• Assign work, provide technical guidance, and coach QC Inspectors to ensure consistent interpretation of requirements and inspection methods.
• Perform and/or oversee dimensional verification using precision measurement tools and systems such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, indicators, optical comparators, and CMM equipment/software (as applicable).
• Read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, tight tolerances, and GD&T to determine inspection strategy and acceptance criteria.

ISO 9001 Conformance: Product Release & Documentation

• Ensure product release does not proceed until planned verification activities are completed and documented, maintaining evidence of conformity to acceptance criteria and traceability to the person authorizing release
• Maintain accurate inspection records, inspection reports, checklists, and other documented information required for traceability and compliance.

Control of Nonconforming Output (NCR/ MRB Support)

• Ensure nonconforming outputs are identified and controlled to prevent unintended use or delivery; coordinate segregation/containment and disposition processes.
• Support corrective actions by documenting nonconformities, actions taken, concessions (if any), and the authority deciding disposition, as required by ISO 9001 control of nonconforming outputs.

Six Sigma & Continuous Improvement (Emphasis)

• Apply Six Sigma DMAIC thinking to reduce defects and variation, using data-based methods to define problems, validate measurement systems, analyze root causes, improve processes, and sustain gains through control plans and monitoring.
• Lead or support Measurement System Analysis (MSA) activities (e.g., Gage R&R / attribute agreement), ensuring measurement accuracy and consistency so inspection data is trustworthy for decision-making.
• Partner with Engineering and Production to prevent recurrence of defects through root-cause analysis, process feedback, and "right-first-time" practices.

Calibration & Measurement Resource Control

• Maintain control of inspection tools, gage status, and calibration coordination to ensure measurement resources remain suitable for use.

Audit & Customer Support

• Support internal/external audits and customer requirements by providing objective evidence, inspection records, and clear traceability for product acceptance decisions.

Authority / Decision Rights

• Authorized to stop shipment or production flow for quality concerns when acceptance criteria are not met or verification is incomplete.
• Authorized to place product on quality hold/quarantine and initiate nonconformance documentation and escalation per the QMS.
• Authorized (when delegated) to sign/approve release documentation with required traceability.

Qualifications (Minimum)

• High school diploma/GED; technical training in machining/metrology/quality preferred.
• 5+ years quality inspection experience in a CNC machining or precision manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency interpreting blueprints/specifications and GD&T.
• Strong hands-on experience with precision measuring instruments and inspection reporting.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 practices related to product verification/release and control of nonconforming outputs.

Preferred Qualifications

• CMM programming/operation experience (e.g., ZEISS Calypso or similar) and ability to create/maintain inspection programs.
• Formal Six Sigma training/certification (Yellow/Green Belt preferred; Black Belt a plus) with demonstrated application of DMAIC on shop-floor problems.
• Experience conducting or supporting MSA / Gage R&R and improving measurement reliability.
• Experience generating First Article Inspection reports and complete inspection packages (as required by customers/industry).

Core Competencies

• Metrology expertise; attention to detail; disciplined documentation.
• Data-driven problem solving and continuous improvement mindset (Six Sigma).
• Leadership, coaching, and effective cross-functional communication with Production/Engineering.

Performance Measures

• First-pass yield/right-first-time rate (Six Sigma focus on variation reduction).
• NCR rate, repeat nonconformances, and closure effectiveness (linked to controlling nonconforming outputs).
• On-time inspection throughput (supports production schedule)
• Measurement system health (MSA outcomes, calibration compliance).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Exposure to typical machine shop conditions (noise, moving equipment, oils/coolants) and use of required PPE.
• Standing/walking for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 50lbs.