Entry-Level Quality Control Inspector

Build your skills in steel fabrication quality control as an Entry-Level Quality Control Inspector. Working in a steel fabrication and metal manufacturing environment, you will help inspect materials, fabricated components, weldments, and finished assemblies to ensure they meet approved drawings, project specifications, and quality standards. On-the-job training covers dimensional inspection, visual weld inspection, material identification, documentation, and inspection tools. Reporting to the Quality Control Supervisor or Quality Manager, you will work closely with experienced quality personnel, welders, fitters, fabricators, and production supervisors to identify issues and help deliver products that meet customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Check incoming steel materials against purchase orders and specifications, including dimensions, identification markings, condition, and proper storage. Assist with material test reports and traceability when required.
• Measure fabricated components against approved shop drawings using measuring tapes, squares, calipers, micrometers, and other inspection tools. Check dimensions, hole locations, squareness, alignment, straightness, and fit-up.
• Perform assigned visual weld checks for visible defects and verify weld size, length, location, and appearance against drawings and acceptance criteria. Refer questionable welds to a qualified inspector or supervisor; do not independently accept or reject welds beyond assigned qualifications and authority.
• Check joint preparation and fit-up when assigned, and verify that required welding procedures and inspection hold points are followed.
• Inspect work during cutting, drilling, fitting, welding, grinding, and assembly. Assist with final inspections before painting, coating, packaging, or shipment.
• Complete accurate, timely inspection checklists, dimensional reports, and quality records. Document discrepancies and nonconforming work, notify the QC supervisor, and assist with corrective-action follow-up.
• Maintain inspection records, photographs, and traceability documentation, and help prepare documents for customer inspections and project turnover.
• Work with production and quality teams to help prevent recurring issues, and keep inspection tools clean, protected, and properly maintained.
• Follow shop safety procedures and wear required PPE, including safety footwear and eye protection. Work is primarily in a fabrication shop with industrial noise, welding, metalworking, and material-handling operations; maintain safe distances from these activities.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret basic shop drawings and measurements.
• Basic understanding of welding terminology and common weld defects, and familiarity with measuring tools and inspection equipment.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to maintain accurate, organized records.
• Strong attention to detail, dependability, and the ability to identify and promptly report quality issues.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, with a willingness to learn applicable codes, customer specifications, and established quality and safety procedures.
• High school diploma or GED preferred; basic knowledge of steel fabrication and manufacturing processes is an advantage.

Compensation

$21.00–$24.00 per hour , depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO) and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• On-the-job training
• Career advancement
• Overtime opportunities