Quality Inspector –Level 1

Taylor Defense Products, LLC
107 Thompson Street
Louisville, MS 39339

Taylor Defense Products was established in 2017 as part of the Taylor Group of Companies. Our mission is to provide the U.S. Military, its allies, and the U.S. government with the longest-lasting, best-supported, and lowest total cost material handling, construction, engineering, and logistics products. Taylor Defense has been rewarded for our performance and continues to capture additional work, fueling our growth and expansion.

We operate in a culture of high expectation and high personal responsibility. Our team-oriented approach and flat organizational structure support rapid decision-making, rewarding results, and personal growth. Like our customers, we are looking for a few good men and women to join our team.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Level 1 Quality Inspector to support our defense fabrication and assembly operations at Taylor Defense Products. This role is instrumental in ensuring that all welding, machining, and mechanical assembly processes meet stringent military, commercial, and internal quality requirements. The ideal candidate will have experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in defense, aerospace, or heavy equipment sectors, and be comfortable inspecting components across multiple production disciplines including welded assemblies, machined parts, and mechanical systems.

The Quality Inspector will report to the Quality Manager and collaborate closely with welders, machinists, assemblers, engineers, and supervisors to ensure all products conform to drawing specifications, applicable standards, and customer expectations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform in-process and final inspections on welded, machined, and assembled components to verify dimensional accuracy, workmanship, and conformance to drawing and specification requirements.
• Inspect welds visually in accordance with AWS D1.1 and/or project-specific standards; familiarity with MIL-STD-3040A preferred.
• Utilize precision measurement tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators) to inspect critical dimensions of machined and assembled components.
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T callouts to validate proper fit, form, and function.
• Verify part traceability, material certifications, and ensure build documentation is complete and compliant.
• Record and report inspection findings; issue nonconformance reports (NCRs) as required.
• Support first article inspections (FAI) and assist with part validation per internal procedures.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify quality trends, support root cause analysis, and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Assist with internal and customer audits and help maintain ISO 9001:2015 quality system requirements.
• Provide feedback and coaching to technicians and production operators on quality-related concerns.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of quality inspection or equivalent experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or machining environments.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical inspection techniques and familiarity with weld and machining standards.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and GD&T.
• Working knowledge of AWS D1.1 and ISO 9001:2015.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to complete digital inspection records accurately.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with defense or government fabrication programs.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-3040A, MIL-DTL-46100, or other defense-related material/weld specs.
• Prior hands-on experience in welding, machining, or assembly is a strong plus.
• Associate’s degree in Industrial Technology, Quality, or related technical discipline.
• NDT Level I or II certifications a plus.
• Prior exposure to PPAP, FAI, or APQP processes.

Job Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to welding, grinding, and heavy machinery.
• Capable of standing, walking, and climbing for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and use appropriate PPE.
• Occasional travel may be required for supplier or customer audits.

Compensation

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package is provided, including healthcare, retirement, and paid time off.

Benefits Include

• Medical/Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Company-Paid Life Insurance