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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Item Inspector

💰 $ - $

Quality AssuranceManufacturingInspection

🎯 Role Definition

The Item Inspector is responsible for executing thorough inspections of incoming materials, in-process components, and finished goods to ensure compliance with product specifications, drawings and quality standards. This role identifies defects, documents non-conformances, enforces traceability, supports root-cause investigations, and collaborates with production and engineering to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement. The Item Inspector balances fast throughput with uncompromising attention to detail and plays a critical role in protecting customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Quality Technician
  • Production Associate / Assembler
  • Warehouse Receiving Clerk

Advancement To:

  • Senior Quality Inspector / Lead Inspector
  • Quality Supervisor / QA Team Lead
  • Quality Engineer / Continuous Improvement Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Materials / Inventory Coordinator
  • Process Technician
  • Calibration Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform detailed incoming inspection of raw materials, components and purchased items using specified acceptance criteria, sample plans, and inspection checklists; record results in inspection reports and the quality management system (QMS).
  • Conduct in-process inspections at defined production stages to verify dimensional conformity, surface finish, assembly integrity, and functional operation against engineering drawings and work instructions.
  • Execute final product inspections including visual, dimensional and functional tests prior to shipping; verify packaging, labeling, serial numbers and traceability documentation for customer and regulatory compliance.
  • Use precision measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, dial indicators, go/no-go gauges) and test fixtures to measure parts to tolerance and record measurement data accurately.
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerancing, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), bills of materials, and work orders to ensure items meet specification requirements.
  • Identify, segregate and label non-conforming materials or products, generate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) or deviation records, and initiate containment actions to prevent shipment of nonconforming product.
  • Execute First Article Inspections (FAI) and create detailed FAI reports when new parts, production runs, or supplier changes occur; verify that discrepancies are documented and resolved.
  • Perform statistical sampling inspections based on AQL plans, generate acceptance/rejection decisions, and maintain sampling records to support lot disposition.
  • Use electronic inspection systems, handheld scanners, mobile inspection apps or MRP/WMS interfaces to record inspection outcomes and update inventory status in real time.
  • Calibrate and verify the accuracy of inspection tools per calibration schedules; notify calibration coordinator when tools are out of tolerance and remove defective gauges from use.
  • Participate in root-cause analysis for recurring defects using 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams or similar methods; assist in implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify their effectiveness.
  • Execute standardized tests such as torque checks, pressure/leak tests, electrical continuity, and functional cycling as required by product specifications or test plans.
  • Support supplier quality activities by performing supplier lot audits, incoming vendor checks, and supplier corrective action verification when non-conformances are supplier-caused.
  • Maintain accurate, legible inspection records, traceability documentation, and production logs to support audits, customer requests, and traceability obligations.
  • Collaborate closely with production, engineering and shipping teams to prioritize inspections, expedite critical orders, and resolve quality issues that impact schedule or customer commitments.
  • Perform routine housekeeping and 5S activities in the inspection area to maintain a clean, organized workplace conducive to accurate inspection results.
  • Escalate quality issues proactively to supervisory or engineering staff when inspection findings indicate systemic risk, safety concerns or potential regulatory non-compliance.
  • Train and mentor junior inspectors or cross-functional personnel on inspection techniques, measurement tool usage and QMS procedures; verify competency through observed assessments.
  • Participate in internal quality audits, supplier audits and external customer audits by preparing documentation, executing inspection tasks and addressing auditor findings.
  • Verify packaging integrity and shipping configurations to ensure product protection in transit; confirm that all customer-specific packaging and marking requirements are met.
  • Conduct periodic verification of test equipment and fixtures, log status and coordinate repairs or replacements with maintenance or calibration teams.
  • Monitor and report key inspection metrics (e.g., first-pass yield, defect rates, inspection throughput) and contribute suggestions to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing rework and scrap.
  • Support regulatory compliance efforts (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, GMP, FDA when applicable) by adhering to documented procedures, participating in document control updates, and helping validate inspection processes.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist quality and production teams with short-term surge inspection support during high-volume periods or new product launches.
  • Help develop and revise inspection checklists, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and visual aids to improve inspection consistency and reduce errors.
  • Contribute practical feedback on part design or assembly processes to engineering for manufacturability and inspectionability improvements.
  • Support inventory reconciliation by verifying counts and conditions of inspected lots and interacting with materials management to correct discrepancies.
  • Participate in continuous improvement (Kaizen) events and Lean manufacturing initiatives to streamline inspection workflows and reduce waste.
  • Provide input to supplier selection and qualification by documenting supplier performance trends and recurring non-conformities.
  • Assist in maintaining the calibration program documentation by tagging out-of-calibration tools and coordinating returns for calibration.
  • Support environmental, health and safety (EHS) efforts by following safe work practices during inspections and reporting hazards or unsafe conditions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in visual and dimensional inspection techniques, including the use of precision measurement tools: calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and dial indicators.
  • Ability to read, interpret and apply engineering drawings, GD&T symbols, tolerances, assembly drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
  • Experience using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), optical comparators, borescopes or other advanced inspection equipment (where applicable).
  • Familiarity with First Article Inspection (FAI) processes and documentation, and capability to produce comprehensive FAI reports.
  • Knowledge of statistical sampling plans, AQL methodology and basic statistical process control (SPC) concepts for lot acceptance decisions.
  • Skilled with electronic inspection systems, MRP/WMS interfaces or mobile inspection applications; comfortable with barcode scanning and inventory updates.
  • Understanding of quality management system standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100 or GMP and ability to follow documented procedures and work instructions.
  • Experience preparing and maintaining inspection records, non-conformance reports (NCRs), corrective action documentation and traceability logs.
  • Competence in test execution: functional tests, torque checks, pressure/leak tests and basic electrical measurements using multimeters.
  • Knowledge of calibration requirements and experience coordinating calibration of hand tools and test equipment according to schedule.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and basic data entry for trend tracking, defect logging and metric reporting.
  • Familiarity with Lean manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen) and problem-solving techniques (5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, root-cause analysis).
  • Experience with packaging, labeling, serialization and shipment verification protocols to ensure final product traceability.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity for handling small parts, assemblies and test fixtures accurately.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a meticulous approach to inspection and documentation.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear reporting of defects, CAPA coordination and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Excellent observational and diagnostic abilities to identify subtle defects, patterns and potential failure modes.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to prioritize inspections in a production environment with competing deadlines.
  • Problem-solving mindset and persistence when supporting root-cause investigations and corrective action verification.
  • Team player who collaborates effectively with production, engineering, suppliers and quality professionals.
  • Accountability and ownership for quality outcomes, with a proactive approach to preventing recurring issues.
  • Adaptability to changing priorities, new product introductions and periodic workload spikes.
  • Professional integrity when enforcing quality standards and refusing shipments that do not meet acceptance criteria.
  • Coaching and mentoring aptitude for training new inspectors and ensuring standardization of inspection methods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree, technical diploma or certification in Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Quality Assurance / Quality Control
  • Manufacturing Technology / Industrial Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Metrology / Inspection Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of hands-on inspection or quality control experience in a manufacturing, warehouse or laboratory environment.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of progressive inspection experience with documented competency in dimensional inspection, FAI, non-conformance handling and use of precision measuring tools.
  • Experience with regulated industries (medical devices, aerospace, automotive, electronics) or familiarity with ISO/GMP/AS standards is highly desirable.
  • Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), ISO Internal Auditor, or equivalent inspection/metrology credentials are a plus.
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