Quality Inspector

About the role

The Quality Inspector performs a wide range of laboratory and production-floor tests to verify that materials and products meet strict quality and regulatory standards. This role sets up and operates test equipment, conducts mechanical, chemical, and environmental tests, records and analyzes data, and helps maintain the integrity of the Quality Management System. The position requires strong attention to detail, solid organizational skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate test equipment for government tests, including climbing drum peels and lap shears; prepare test samples, measure and record dimensions, identify specimens, run tests, read results, and enter data into the computer.
• Perform flame tests by setting up flame test equipment, identifying specimens, running the tests, measuring results, and accurately entering data into the computer.
• Conduct 168-hour tests by setting up machines and chart recorders, preparing samples, identifying specimens, running tests, reading results, and entering data into the appropriate worksheets.
• Measure airborne particles in lay-up and prime rooms by taking particle count readings, calculating averages, and entering results into the computer.
• Monitor solution temperatures and water purity by taking readings of rinse water, recording results and tank temperatures, and maintaining accurate electronic records.
• Monitor and record temperature, humidity, and pressure differential levels in prime and lay-up rooms, including changing and storing charts from the lab, lay-up room, and prime room.
• Perform solution analysis by testing aluminum and acid concentrations in deox and anodize tanks and alkaline concentration in alkaline cleaner tanks; prepare beakers, collect samples, calibrate and maintain pH and aluminum meters, run tests, and record results in computer-based charts.
• Communicate test results and any required adjustments to process operators and ensure proper clean up and storage of equipment and chemicals used in testing.
• Conduct comprehensive material testing for initial inspection and revalidation to verify conformance to specifications, including visual inspection, resin content, volatile content, gel time, flow, tack, lap shear, T-peel, thickness, expansion, density, hardness, compression strength, viscosity, and pot life.
• Maintain material control for time- and temperature-sensitive materials by tracking expiration dates, remaining shelf life, in-time and out-time, and inventory of kits and materials in freezers, the lab, lay-up room, prime room, and shop floor.
• Issue weekly wedge crack test travelers to the appropriate production line and record received results in automated reports that calculate averages and display test outcomes.
• Inventory, order, and stock laboratory supplies; maintain and perform basic maintenance on lab equipment; and ensure the lab remains clean and organized.
• Verify certifications of received goods, issue test travelers, print labels, inventory expired products, and file and organize certifications, purchase orders, and test records.
• Use gauges, measuring equipment, and other detection methods to verify product conformance to specifications.
• Ensure the integrity of the Quality Management System is maintained at all times in relation to quality assurance processes.
• Present information effectively in one-on-one and small group settings with coworkers and other internal stakeholders, and collaborate to resolve quality-related issues.
• Work independently, manage multiple tasks and changes throughout the day, meet commitments, and maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of experience in an inspection or quality control environment.
• Status as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R.120.15 to meet Export Control compliance requirements.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos, and to write clear, simple correspondence.
• Ability to present information effectively in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and work with a variety of concrete variables where limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions and handle problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to understand and follow technical specifications.
• Basic understanding of material management and testing processes.
• Ability to use gauges, measuring equipment, and other detection methods to verify product conformance.
• Proficiency with Epicor or similar enterprise software, Excel spreadsheet software, and word processing software.
• Ability to work independently, accept accountability, handle changes, set personal standards, stay focused under pressure, and maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.

Skills & qualifications

• Associate degree in a technology- or science-based field is preferred.
• Direct composite testing experience of approximately 1–3 years is preferred.
• Background in quality assurance, quality control, and tensile testing.
• Experience with material testing, including compression, hardness, and mechanical testing.
• Knowledge of composite materials, material characterization, and materials science.
• Familiarity with chemistry-related testing and solution analysis.
• Experience with heat treat furnaces and failure analysis.
• Comfort working with data entry, test documentation, and electronic recordkeeping.

Work environment

This is a full-time role in a manufacturing environment with a schedule of Monday through Friday, typically 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position is based in the manufacturing area 100% of the time and involves working near moving mechanical parts approximately 90% of the time. The noise level is generally moderate. The role may involve exposure to fumes or airborne particles about 50% of the time, particularly in laboratory, lay-up, and prime room areas. Work is hands-on and equipment-intensive, involving test machines, chart recorders, gauges, meters, and computer systems for data entry and reporting. The environment emphasizes safety, proper handling and storage of chemicals, and adherence to established quality and process controls.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

Monday through Friday, typically 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.