Quality Inspector

Job Description

Job Description

Department: Quality

Position Title: Quality Inspector I

FLSA: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Reports to: Director of Quality

Position Summary

The Quality Inspector I verifies that incoming materials, in-process components, and finished pneumatic tool parts conform to engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection instructions. Under the direction of Quality leadership, the Inspector I performs routine dimensional, visual, and functional inspections, documents results accurately, and contains and escalates non-conforming product before it moves forward. This hands-on role builds the metrology, blueprint interpretation, and documentation skills required for advancement to Quality Inspector II.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform routine dimensional, visual, and functional inspections of incoming materials, in-process components, finished pneumatic tool parts, and assemblies to existing drawings, inspection instructions, and sampling requirements; inspection methods and sampling plans are not developed at this level.
• Read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings, including title blocks, revision levels, notes, tolerances, surface finish callouts, and basic GD&T symbols, to determine inspection criteria.
• Apply basic metrology practice: select instruments appropriate to the tolerance, master and zero before use, allow parts and gauges to normalize to temperature, and measure with consistent technique.
• Use standard measuring instruments competently, including calipers, micrometers, bore and height gauges, indicators, surface plates, gauge blocks, pin and thread gauges, and comparators.
• Verify instruments are in calibration and serviceable before use; report and remove damaged or suspect gauges, and handle and store gauges correctly.
• Assist with first article, layout, and CMM inspection as directed; may run pre-programmed CMM routines after training.
• Accept or reject against stated, measurable criteria; escalate judgment calls, borderline results, and unclear or conflicting documents rather than deciding them.
• Identify discrepancies and escalate promptly; tag, segregate, and contain suspect material and initiate nonconformance documentation showing actual measured values. Final disposition and deviation approval rest with Quality leadership.
• Record results legibly, submit reports and system entries the same day, and maintain traceability to job, part number, drawing revision, supplier, and lot or heat number.
• Verify the current drawing revision and inspection instruction are in use, and report obsolete, missing, or conflicting documentation.
• Work in accordance with the company Quality Management System, which follows ISO 9001 disciplines including documented procedures, revision and calibration control, and control of non-conforming product. The facility is not ISO 9001 registered and runs no formal audit program, so this position carries no audit responsibility.
• Communicate findings factually to Quality, Production, and supervision, and supply the data and evidence that support corrective action led by others.
• Follow safety and PPE requirements, keep the inspection area clean, complete assigned training, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Working understanding of basic metrology and shop math: tolerance limits, instrument resolution versus accuracy, mastering and zeroing, inch and metric conversion, and the effect of technique and temperature on results.
• Ability to read blueprints and engineering drawings, including revision levels, tolerance callouts, and basic GD&T symbols such as flatness, position, and runout.
• Proficiency, or the ability to be trained to proficiency, with hand-held precision instruments reading to 0.001 in. and to 0.0001 in. where required.
• Familiarity with machined and pneumatic tool components such as housings, cylinders, rotors, valves, seals, and threaded and ground features, or a willingness to learn them.
• High attention to detail, discipline to follow written procedures exactly, and honesty in recording data.
• Basic ERP or quality database entry, clear communication, and the confidence to raise a concern or stop questionable material.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certificate or coursework in quality, metrology, machining, or manufacturing preferred.
• Zero to two years of quality inspection, machining, or manufacturing experience; qualified entry-level candidates with relevant technical training will be considered. Precision machining, tooling, or pneumatic component experience is a strong advantage.
• Blueprint reading and basic GD&T training preferred and can be provided. Familiarity with an ISO 9001-based quality management system is helpful; auditor training is not required, and SPC, first article, or CMM exposure is an advantage rather than a requirement.

Physical Demands , Working Conditions and Occupational Exposure

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee: 

• Will frequently sit at a desk, stand and walk for prolonged periods on concrete 
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE while in plant
• Operates and handles a computer, equipment and tools using hands and fingers frequently to complete tasks

• Will use specific vision abilities required by this job which include close vision and ability to adjust focus. 
• Occasional exposure to extreme heat, hot, dust/fumes, cold outdoor and indoor conditions. 

EOE