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Inspection Technician — Key Responsibilities and Required Skills

💰 $ - $

Quality AssuranceInspectionManufacturing

🎯 Role Definition

An Inspection Technician performs precision inspection and testing of incoming materials, in-process assemblies, and finished products to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, industry standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP where applicable), and internal quality procedures. The role uses metrology equipment (CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators), non-destructive testing (NDT) methods as required, and statistical process control (SPC) tools to verify dimensional, material and functional conformance. The Inspection Technician documents findings, drives corrective actions, collaborates with production and engineering, and supports continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects and improve throughput.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Manufacturing Technician or Production Operator with inspection responsibilities
  • Quality Inspector / Entry-level Quality Technician
  • Machinist, Assembly Technician, or Materials Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Inspection Technician / Metrology Technician
  • Quality Engineer or Process Engineer
  • Quality Supervisor / Quality Control Lead
  • NDT Level II Technician or Calibration Technician

Lateral Moves:

  • Calibration Technician / Metrologist
  • Supplier Quality Inspector / Supplier Auditor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform visual, dimensional and functional inspections of raw materials, components and finished assemblies against engineering drawings, specifications and acceptance criteria, documenting all findings in inspection records and the quality management system.
  • Operate and program coordinate measuring machines (CMM) to measure complex geometries, generate inspection reports, and interpret CMM output to advise engineering on non-conforming features.
  • Execute first article inspections (FAI) and create or update First Article Inspection Reports (AS9102 or internal FAI templates) to validate new parts, tooling or process changes before full production release.
  • Conduct routine and non-routine non-destructive testing (NDT) such as dye penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT), ultrasonic testing (UT) or radiographic techniques when required by drawing notes or customer requirements; record results and maintain NDT logs.
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), material specifications, and process control plans to ensure correct inspection criteria are applied.
  • Perform incoming inspection of supplier shipments, verifying part numbers, lot/serial traceability, dimensional conformity and accompanying documentation such as certificates of conformity, and quarantine nonconforming material.
  • Use hand tools and precision instruments (micrometers, calipers, height gauges, indicators, bore gauges, plug gauges) for manual inspections and perform routine calibrations or functional checks per calibration schedule.
  • Execute statistical process control (SPC) sampling, collect dimensional and attribute data, maintain control charts, and identify trends or shifts in process capability; escalate when limits are violated.
  • Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) investigations for recurring quality issues; support verification of implemented corrective actions and measure effectiveness.
  • Prepare detailed nonconformance reports (NCR), nonconforming material dispositions, and communicate required rework, scrap or containment actions to production and supervision.
  • Support incoming supplier quality by performing supplier audits or receiving inspection checks, documenting nonconformances and driving supplier corrective actions to improve supplier performance.
  • Maintain inspection equipment, ensure all gauges are within calibration, coordinate with calibration lab or external providers for scheduled calibrations, and keep calibration logs and tags current.
  • Generate and maintain inspection documentation, inspection plans, procedure checklists, calibration records and traceability files required for customer audits and regulatory compliance.
  • Conduct sample inspections and final acceptance tests for finished goods, including functional verification and end-of-line checks, ensuring only conforming parts are released to shipping.
  • Train and mentor production operators and junior inspectors on inspection techniques, proper use of measurement tools, interpretation of drawings and inspection documentation practices.
  • Support manufacturing process validation activities, capability studies, and measurement system analysis (MSA), including Gauge R&R studies to verify measurement system adequacy.
  • Collaborate with engineering and production to implement error-proofing (poka-yoke) and process improvements that reduce inspection time and defect rates while maintaining product integrity.
  • Execute dimensional and geometric layout checks and use optical comparators or vision systems to verify part features that are difficult to measure with contact tools.
  • Respond to customer-specific inspection requests, special tests or certifications and assist with customer-directed audits, demonstrating inspection evidence and measurement traceability.
  • Maintain a clean, safe and organized inspection area in compliance with company safety standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and report safety or quality hazards immediately.
  • Document and track inspection throughput metrics, defect rates, scrap and rework levels, and contribute data to continuous improvement projects to support Lean manufacturing initiatives.
  • Support engineering change order (ECO) evaluations by validating production samples, updating inspection plans and communicating inspection requirements for new or revised part numbers.
  • Perform environmental or functional tests when required (temperature soak, humidity exposure, basic electrical or continuity checks) and record results against defined acceptance criteria.
  • Coordinate with shipping and receiving to inspect customer returns, warranty returns and field-failed components to isolate failure modes and document root cause for disposition.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc inspection data requests and exploratory analysis to help production and engineering teams make data-driven decisions.
  • Contribute to the organization's quality strategy and inspection roadmap by recommending equipment upgrades and process improvements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional business units (production, engineering, supply chain) to translate quality requirements into actionable inspection procedures and training.
  • Participate in continuous improvement events (Kaizen, 5S, Lean) and contribute inspection expertise to reduce waste and improve flow.
  • Assist internal and external auditors during ISO, AS9100, NADCAP or customer audits by preparing evidence, performing demonstration inspections, and clarifying process controls.
  • Help maintain the calibration and maintenance schedule for inspection instruments and fixtures, arranging repairs or replacements as necessary.
  • Support supplier development by reviewing incoming inspection data trends and participating in supplier corrective action plans (SCAR).
  • Aid in the development and revision of inspection checklists, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions to reflect current best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient blueprint reading and interpretation of engineering drawings, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Experience programming and operating Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and interpreting CMM output reports.
  • Practical experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as dye penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT), ultrasonic testing (UT), or radiography (RT) where applicable.
  • Strong metrology skills using hand tools and precision instruments: micrometers, calipers, height gauges, dial indicators, bore gauges, bore micrometers, and optical comparators.
  • Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and measurement system analysis (MSA), including Gauge R&R and control charting.
  • Familiar with first article inspections (FAI) procedures, AS9102 standard, and preparation of FAI reports.
  • Experience with inspection software, quality management systems (QMS) and electronic documentation systems; proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis (pivot tables, formulas).
  • Ability to perform dimensional and functional testing, measure process capability (Cp/Cpk), and create inspection reports and NCRs.
  • Understanding of calibration requirements and experience managing or initiating calibration work orders for inspection equipment.
  • Familiarity with quality systems and standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, NADCAP depending on industry) and customer-specific inspection requirements.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to perform light fixture/fixture alignment and simple jig adjustments during inspections.
  • Experience with vision systems, optical comparators or non-contact measurement systems is a plus.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and methodical approach to inspect to tolerance and prevent escapes.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for concise inspection reports and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Analytical problem-solving skills and the ability to lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
  • Time management and prioritization to handle multiple inspection jobs and meet production schedules.
  • Team-oriented mindset with the ability to train, coach and positively influence production staff and peers.
  • Adaptability and continuous learning attitude to keep pace with new inspection technologies and changing product requirements.
  • High ethical standards and ownership for product quality and traceability.
  • Customer-focused orientation when supporting external audits or addressing customer complaints.
  • Detail-oriented documentation skills to ensure traceability and compliance with quality systems.
  • Resilience under pressure when handling urgent containment or quality incidents.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with technical coursework in shop math, blueprint reading or related vocational training.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or technical certificate in Metrology, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Quality Assurance or a related field.
  • Certifications such as ASNT NDT Level I/II, ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), or CMM programming courses are advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Metrology
  • Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering Technology
  • Quality Assurance / Quality Control
  • Industrial Technology
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of hands-on inspection or quality work in a manufacturing or production environment.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of direct inspection experience in a regulated or precision manufacturing industry (aerospace, medical device, automotive, defense) with proven competency in CMM operation, GD&T, FAI, SPC and NDT methods where applicable.
  • Prior experience with quality management systems (ISO/AS9100/IATF) and participation in customer or regulatory audits.
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