QA Inspector

Job Description

Job Description

QA Inspector – Shipyard, Marine & Industrial Quality Assurance (Hampton Roads, VA)

Location: Hampton Roads, VA (Norfolk • Newport News • Portsmouth)
Job Type: Full-time | On-site

Position Summary

Join our growing team as a Quality Assurance (QA) Inspector supporting shipyard, marine, and industrial repair projects throughout the Hampton Roads, Virginia area . QA Inspectors play a key role in ensuring that all repair, fabrication, and coating work meets NAVSEA, U.S. Coast Guard, and company quality standards . This position offers steady, long-term opportunities in the ship repair and marine coatings industry with competitive pay and benefits.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and audits on shipyard and marine projects including structural, mechanical, piping, and coating systems .
• Develop and implement test and inspection plans (TIPs) according to NAVSEA Standard Items , ABS , USCG , and contract requirements.
• Verify that all materials, workmanship, and documentation comply with customer specifications and quality procedures .
• Conduct in-process and final inspections, ensuring all preliminary checks and approvals are complete before regulatory callouts.
• Coordinate with project managers, supervisors, and customer representatives to resolve nonconformance and maintain production schedules.
• Document findings through inspection reports, Quality Deficiency Reports (QDRs) , and internal nonconformance records (NCS/IDR).
• Confirm test equipment calibration and verify gauges and instruments meet inspection standards.
• Train and assist craft personnel, supervisors, and test directors on inspection processes and reporting requirements.
• Review subcontractor qualifications and ensure compliance with contract and regulatory QA standards.
• Support continuous improvement, safety, and quality control initiatives across all projects.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of QA or coating inspection experience in a shipyard, marine, or industrial environment .
• Strong knowledge of ship repair standards , NAVSEA specifications , marine coatings , and inspection methods .
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical specifications.
• Excellent attention to detail, recordkeeping, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with production crews, management, and regulatory inspectors in a fast-paced shipyard setting.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and quality documentation systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• NACE or SSPC Coating Inspector Certification (Level I or higher)
• NBPI certification (required for U.S. Navy projects)
• AWS-CWI or NDT certifications a plus
• Active DBIDS access for Navy or private shipyard entry
• Familiarity with NAVSEA , ABS , U.S. Coast Guard , or military QA programs

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Work is performed in an active shipyard environment with exposure to noise, weather, and confined spaces. Inspectors must be able to climb ladders, enter tanks, walk long distances, and lift up to 50 lbs. Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required.

Base Access: Must be able to obtain and maintain access to U.S. military bases and private shipyards.

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience and certifications
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Steady, long-term employment in the Hampton Roads shipyard community
• Supportive, growth-oriented team environment

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.”

Company Description

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.”