Inspection Operations Associate (Lake Forest)

Inspection Operations Associate

Applied Medical is a new generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute in a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.

As an Inspection Operations Associate, you will lead the In-Process Inspection team while ensuring product quality, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. This role oversees daily inspection activities, drives performance through KPI development and analysis, and partners with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve processes and resolve non-conformances.

Team Leadership & Inspection Operations

• Lead, develop, and support In-Process Inspection personnel while maintaining a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate daily inspection activities, staffing, and workload distribution to support production and quality objectives.
• Ensure dimensional, visual, and documentation inspections are performed accurately and in compliance with quality requirements.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to resolve non-conformances and drive corrective actions.

KPI Ownership & Continuous Improvement

• Establish, monitor, and improve inspection-related KPIs, including quality, throughput, and defect trends.
• Analyze inspection data to identify opportunities for process improvements, standardization, and increased efficiency.
• Lead root cause investigations and implementation of corrective actions to improve operational performance.
• Develop and communicate performance metrics, trends, and improvement opportunities to leadership.

Operational Excellence

• Utilize SAP and other business systems to manage inspection data, reporting, and labor utilization.
• Develop and maintain procedures, work instructions, training materials, and standard work documentation.
• Support cross-functional initiatives focused on improving quality, productivity, and overall operational effectiveness.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• Inspection KPIs are clearly defined, monitored, and routinely improved.
• Non-conformances are identified early and quality escapes are minimized.
• The inspection team is highly trained, engaged, and capable of meeting business needs.
• Inspection resources are aligned with production requirements while maintaining quality standards.
• Data-driven improvements generate measurable gains in quality, throughput, and efficiency.
• Leadership views the inspection function as a proactive contributor to operational excellence.

This position requires the following skills and attributes:

• Experience in leading meetings, project management, and formal presentations
• Resourceful in vendor sourcing and market research in order to implement cost effective and data driven solutions
• Delegation of tasks and sharing of company goals
• Experience leading teams and managing processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment; strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent, with the ability to read, comprehend, and communicate work and safety instructions effectively.
• Proven ability to develop, refine, and maintain process improvements, along with experience in root-cause analysis using industry-standard methods.
• Mechanically inclined with some familiarity of basic machinery, pumps, hydraulics, or other type of mechanically driven technology.
• Experience creating or updating procedural documentation such as Training Records, MIs, SOPs, and GAs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience using SAP or similar material management software.
• Demonstrated capability in leading meetings, managing projects, delivering presentations, and delegating tasks while aligning team efforts with company goals.
• Resourceful in vendor sourcing and market research to implement cost-effective, data-driven solutions and work effectively in a diverse environment.

The following skills and attributes are preferred:

• 4-year degree in Business Administration or Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Prior experience in SAP or other ERP data management systems
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and production, or process-driven work environments
• Experience leading in a manufacturing environment.

Competitive compensation range: $22 - $26 / hour (California).

Comprehensive benefits package.

Training and mentorship opportunities.

On-campus wellness activities.

Education reimbursement program.

401(k) program with discretionary employer match.

Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.