Quality Inspector (2 jobs available)

Palmer Foundry is hiring two Quality Inspectors to provide energetic, hands-on quality support across our plant. This position requires access to export-controlled technology subject to ITAR and EAR regulations; candidates must meet eligibility criteria under these regulations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a highly visible presence on the shop floor.
• Provide daily analysis and monitoring support of key production processes, including chemistry of metal, sand testing, scrap, and radiographic film interpretation.
• Audit process documentation in accordance with customer and regulatory standards.
• Assist with Return Material Authorizations.
• Support the Quality Supervisor in daily/weekly/monthly monitoring of manufacturing processes.
• Report all observations, nonconformances, and potential conflicts to the Quality Supervisor.
• Develop and implement Quality and Process documentation.
• Maintain meticulous records of inspections, test data, and material certifications.
• Develop, execute, and analyze quality-reporting measures; periodically report on quality issues, supplier performance, non-conformances, corrective actions, trends, and losses.
• Utilize precision instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and go/no-go gages.
• Perform dimensional and visual inspections of castings and report findings to the Quality Supervisor.
• Conduct root cause analysis on both internal and external problems.
• Recommend adjustments to production processes to improve casting quality and reduce waste.
• Identify practical manufacturing solutions.
• Prepare aluminum samples and perform basic testing as directed.
• Perform other duties or assignments as directed by the Quality Supervisor.

Competencies

• Analytical: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.
• Problem Solving: Relentlessly pursues root causes with a significant sense of urgency; gathers and analyzes information skillfully to develop solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations.
• Technical Skills: Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; continuously works to expand skillset; openly shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal: Focuses on solving conflict, not assigning blame; maintains confidentiality; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; treats everyone with dignity and respect; displays passion and optimism while inspiring respect and trust; proactively challenges others to think creatively; reinforces cooperative environment.
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in all situations; seeks clarification if needed; openly invites questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings as needed.
• Written Communication: Writes in a clear and concise manner to effectively communicate information, plans, and requirements to all levels of the organization.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; puts the success of the team above own interests; builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
• Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to consistent attendance to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative: Volunteers readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent actions and calculated risks; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Innovation: Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention; approaches problems with a solution-oriented mindset.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of quality control experience, ideally in metal casting, die-casting, or machining environments.
• Critical thinking mindset with proven ability to drive root cause problem solving.
• Desire and ability to spend significant amounts of time on the shop floor.
• Working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Proficiency with gauges and measuring tools, including micrometers, calipers, and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
• Ability to identify structural, appearance, and casting problems in aluminum parts.
• Basic familiarity with quality management systems like ISO 9001 or IATF 16949.
• High school diploma or GED required.

Work Environment

The employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, wet or humid conditions (non-weather), extreme heat, and work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Physical Demands

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use tools as well as stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Schedule

• Training Period (both inspectors): 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
• Post-Training:
  • Inspector 1: 5:30 am to 2:00 pm
  • Inspector 2: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Note: Schedules may be subject to change due to production requirements.