what is a quality inspector?
Many products that you use underwent a quality inspection before they arrived on store shelves. Quality inspectors examine and test the product to ensure that consumers can use it safely. Consumers still have some level of responsibility — if they misuse the product, the judge might not find your business liable. However, you'll ensure that it's safe for them to use the product appropriately.
Quality inspectors work in dozens of industries, including construction, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, healthcare, and aerospace. Your job essentially keeps your manufacturer in business. For example, milk lasts in the fridge for seven days. Since you tested dairy products before they left the factory, spoiled food never reaches grocery stores.
Safety starts on the factory floor. You'll work with colleagues so that they adhere to the strictest standards. If you work as a team, most items will pass inspection, giving you more time for documentation, training, and perfecting your techniques. Sometimes, you'll perform surprise inspections to ensure consistent quality.
Occasionally, class-action lawsuits appear in the news because defective products injured people, made them sick, or damaged property. With your help, your company never has to worry about legal troubles, potentially saving them millions of dollars.
Would working as a quality inspector suit your attention to detail? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a quality inspector role.
view jobs near youaverage quality inspector salary
Would you like to know what a quality inspector earns? Where the highest salaries are paid to a quality inspector? Then check out this salary comparison tool and find out all about the salary of a quality inspector in the USA.
types of quality inspector
Some quality inspectors work in factories, reviewing products during manufacturing. Your tests make production safe for factory workers as well as consumers. Others check construction sites alongside local building codes. Basic structures, HVAC systems, plumbing, electricity, and more appear on your checklist.
If you enjoy working in healthcare, you could test prescriptions and medical devices, such as syringes, stents, wheelchairs, and catheters. The FDA imposes strict standards to protect people during medical procedures. Similarly, automotive inspectors prevent thousands of accidents every year. You could also inspect everyday household goods, such as clothing, toys, and appliances.
working as a quality inspector
Successful quality inspectors can work in the industry until they retire. Learn about the education and qualifications you'll need before you apply.
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quality inspector job description
What does a quality inspector do? You'll inspect products, structures, or devices with various tools and techniques. Skill sets vary according to your chosen industry. If you work with chemicals or beverages, you may test liquid samples. Conversely, you may inspect textiles for tears or weigh metal products so that they meet the factory's specifications.
Often, you can't see defects with the naked eye. You'll need tools that measure products down to the smallest fraction. Tools in your arsenal may include:
- alignment gauges
- calipers
- rulers
- micrometers
- hardness testers
- scanners
- coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs)
- voltmeters
Plans and diagrams show you what to look for. You'll document your findings, showing colleagues how well their business is doing. High approval percentages mean that the equipment works and employees take their jobs seriously. Your business also sees high customer satisfaction rates.
If an item fails inspection, you'll remove it from the line and document the issue. You may conduct a surprise quality inspection if you keep receiving damaged items. Common issues include employee oversight, unclear standards, and defective machinery. Luckily, you'll catch the problem before the manufacturer has to issue a recall.
Some manufacturers speed up the process with automated inspection equipment, such as robots and software. However, machines can make mistakes, so you'll observe the equipment and report issues. Periodically, you'll perform your own product evaluations to see if the data matches.
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quality inspector work environment
Quality inspectors work in offices and factories. When you're in the office, you may answer calls and emails, review reports, and upload documents. You'll inspect products and machinery on the factory floor, which could expose you to loud noises, harsh conditions, and safety hazards. Your supervisor will provide safety training and personal protective equipment (PPE).
While you'll perform some work online, remote jobs are rare because you need to inspect items in person. Other in-person duties may include attending meetings, presenting data, discussing issues, and learning about changes, such as new machinery in the warehouse.
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who are your colleagues?
Your colleagues may include quality assurance specialists and quality control testers who have similar but broader duties. Factory employees typically include shipping and receiving clerks, stock handlers, packagers, machine operators, and warehouse workers. You may report to a supervisor or warehouse manager. Other colleagues include office workers, such as mail clerks, payroll managers, labor relations directors, secretaries, and recruiting coordinators. Large businesses typically have multiple quality inspectors.
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work schedule
Most quality inspectors work full-time for at least 40 hours per week. Part-time positions are rare because companies need your full attention. Some employers provide regular office hours, while others schedule you for rotating shifts. Throughout the week, you might work in the morning, during the day, or at night.
You might receive overtime hours if something delays production, such as broken machinery or a high quantity of defective items. Similarly, you may work overtime during the holidays when factories accelerate production.
Overtime hours may require you to work overnight or during holidays and weekends. Fortunately, most states require overtime pay, so you'll receive a boost alongside potential holiday or quarterly bonuses.
Vacation time varies across companies, but you may receive two weeks a year, plus sick leave. Your vacation time may extend to three or more weeks when you've worked for a certain number of years.
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job outlook for quality inspector
While more factories are automating inspections, you still offer skills that a computer can't replicate. Businesses need you to perform surprise inspections, find the source of defects, enforce quality standards, inspect equipment, and interact with supervisors. Quality inspectors are particularly valuable in construction, automotive, and food industries where a single defect could cause an accident.
Once you've gained several years of experience, you can negotiate for a better salary and benefits package. Research the industry standard, then highlight your experience, education, and qualifications. Corporations might pay more because they produce a higher volume than small warehouses.
If you enjoy quality control but want to take on broader duties, consider becoming a quality control tester or quality control manager. These individuals oversee the entire manufacturing process. Your factory also provides managerial opportunities. See if your business has openings for an assistant production supervisor, maintenance supervisor, or plant manager.
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benefits of working for randstad as a quality inspector
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a quality inspector is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
quality inspector skills and education
Quality inspection is an entry-level job with many employers requiring only a GED or high school diploma. Large corporations may request an associate's or bachelor's degree, but managers often prioritize experience over formal education. Once you get started, your supervisor provides on-the-job training. You could also complete an apprenticeship through a vocational program.
American Society for Quality (ASQ) certifications highlight your experience and knowledge. When HR managers see a certification on your resume, they know that you've worked for a certain number of years, performed extensive research, and passed challenging exams, making you qualified for the job.
To earn a certification, you'll complete an apprenticeship or work for a few years, then submit your application. Once you receive approval, you'll purchase books, online courses, and question banks. You'll reference this material when you take the exam and earn your certification, which you can add to your resume and social media profiles.
You'll also need certifications if you operate heavy machinery, such as forklifts and order pickers. Your employer may perform tests on-site or recommend an OSHA-certified program. After training and written tests, you'll pass a practical test and earn your license.
skills and competencies
Quality inspectors are detail-oriented, understanding that a single flaw can ruin a product. For example, a centimeter-long tear in a sweater could become a massive hole that leads to customer complaints. You never accept "good enough" — if you find an issue, you remove the item for consumers' safety. Over time, you'll learn about common flaws and increase your efficiency.
Likewise, quality inspectors have strong manual dexterity skills. You'll make precise measurements with delicate tools that require a steady touch. Quality inspectors also need physical stamina because they spend lots of time standing, lifting packages, moving items, and operating machinery. You should use safe lifting techniques so that you don't injure yourself on the job.
Quality inspectors need to find issues as soon as possible before the company ships damaged products to the store. Once you find a defect, your job is to locate the source before the company produces more defective products. Afterward, you will need to solve the issue and get manufacturing back on track with minimal downtime.
Math skills are important for reading measurements, solving formulas, and making quick calculations. Quality inspectors also read charts, blueprints, diagrams, and technical manuals and use data-entry software. Some inspectors write training materials for colleagues.
FAQs about working as a quality inspector
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about quality inspectors.
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how much education do quality inspectors need?
Generally, quality inspectors need only a GED or high school diploma. Once you've earned a few years of experience, you can take exams and earn certifications that you will be able to add to your resume and social media profiles. If you want to work for large corporations, consider seeking an associate's or bachelor's degree.
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can quality inspectors work remotely?
While part of your job involves desk work, you'll perform most of your duties in person. Quality inspectors need to test materials, weigh items, take samples, measure components, and discuss the results with supervisors. You'll also visit the factory floor to train workers and review equipment.
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do quality inspectors have regular schedules?
Quality inspectors usually work 40 hours a week, but your shifts can vary. Some employers offer routine shifts during office hours. Others schedule you for morning, midday, and evening shifts, occasionally asking you to work on nights and weekends.
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can quality inspectors make six-figure salaries?
Six-figure salaries are uncommon, but you may be able to negotiate for a higher salary once you've earned several years of experience. Employers prefer experienced inspectors because you can skip the training and jump right into your duties. Degrees and certifications enhance your resume, showing HR managers that you're dedicated to your work.
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are quality inspectors in demand?
While factories are turning to automated quality inspection, they still need employees for troubleshooting, equipment inspections, and manual checks. Without quality inspectors, manufacturers put themselves at risk for lawsuits. You'll provide personalized knowledge and attention to detail that creates stellar customer reviews.
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how do I find a job as a quality inspector?
Applying for a quality inspector job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our scrum master jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
submit your resume
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