Quality Inspector

Position Summary

The Quality Inspector ensures that metal-mechanic automotive components meet customer specifications, internal standards, and regulatory requirements. This role involves performing inspections, measurements, and documentation to maintain product quality throughout the manufacturing process.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspection & Measurement
• Perform dimensional and visual inspections of metal components using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and CMM.
• Verify compliance with engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Documentation
• Record inspection results in quality systems and maintain traceability.
• Prepare inspection reports and non-conformance documentation.
• Process Control
• Monitor production processes for adherence to quality standards.
• Report deviations and assist in corrective actions.
• Compliance
• Ensure adherence to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
• Communication
• Collaborate with production and quality engineers to resolve issues.
• Support internal and external audits.

Areas of Responsibility

• Incoming material inspection.
• In-process and final product inspection.
• Non-conformance reporting and containment.
• Calibration of measurement tools.

Organizational Reporting

• Reports To: Quality Supervisor or Quality Manager.
• Interfaces With: Production, Engineering, Quality Assurance, and occasionally customers.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or technical certification in metal-mechanic or related field.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing quality control.
• Knowledge of GD&T and measurement techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Familiarity with quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).

Core Technical Skills

1. Measurement & Inspection
a. Proficiency in calipers, micrometers, gauges, CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine).
b. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
c. Knowledge of surface finish, hardness, and material property testing.
2. Quality Standards & Compliance
a. Understanding of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
b. Familiarity with control plans, inspection plans, and work instructions.
3. Documentation & Reporting
a. Ability to complete inspection reports, NCRs (Non-Conformance Reports).
b. Experience with PPAP documentation and traceability systems.
4. Statistical & Analytical Skills
a. Basic knowledge of SPC (Statistical Process Control).
b. Ability to use quality tools like Pareto charts, cause-and-effect diagrams.
5. Problem-Solving
a. Support root cause analysis using 5-Why, Fishbone diagrams.
b. Assist in implementing corrective and preventive actions.
6. Technical Software
a. Familiarity with ERP systems, quality management software, and MS Office.
b. Basic understanding of CMM programming (optional but valuable).

KPIs for a Quality inspector

1. Inspection Accuracy
a. First Pass Yield (FPY) Goal: = 98% (parts accepted without rework).
b. Inspection Error Rate Formula: Incorrect inspections ÷ Total inspections × 100. Goal: = 1%.
2. Productivity
a. Inspection Cycle Time Average time per part or batch inspection. Goal: Continuous improvement.
b. Number of Inspections Completed per Shift Measure throughput efficiency.
3. Compliance & Documentation
a. % of Inspection Reports Completed Correctly Goal: = 99%.
b. Audit Findings Related to Inspection Goal: Zero major findings.
4. Quality Performance
a. Defects Detected Before Shipment Goal: High detection rate (prevent escapes).
b. Customer PPM (Parts Per Million) Indirect measure of inspection effectiveness.
5. Training & Competency
a. Training Hours Completed Goal: = 20 hrs/year.
b. Skill Certification Compliance Goal: 100% certified for required tools and processes.

Work Environment:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, squat, and reach overhead as needed.

Working Conditions:

• Warehouse environment with fluctuating temperatures.
• Exposure to loud noises, dust, and other typical warehouse conditions.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.