Quality Assurance Inspector

JOB PURPOSE

The QA Inspector performs quality assurance inspection activities, non-destructive testing (NDT), data collection and reporting. This role guarantees that all materials, fabrication processes, and finished products match customer specifications, engineering standards, and company quality expectations. Promote workplace safety and drive continuous process improvements. This role combines hands-on physical inspection, advanced auditing and documentation. Additionally, this position champions shop floor safety, maintains a professional leadership presence across all production areas, and directs work within their scope of certification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Quality Inspection & Testing

• Perform inspections of incoming materials, in-process work, and finished products.
• Conduct shop-level non-destructive testing (NDT) using Visual Testing (VT) methods.
• Verify part dimensions, fit-up, and weld compliance with engineering drawings, company specifications, customer requirements, and applicable codes.
• Utilize inspection tools and measuring equipment including calipers, gauges, weld gauges, templates, tape measures, and related instruments.
• Set up, verify, and calibrate inspection equipment in accordance with established procedures.

Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Accurately document inspection results in inspection reports, logs, quality records, customer documentation packages, and quality management systems.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of inspections, testing activities, and equipment calibration as required.

Technical Knowledge & Compliance

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, inspection plans, standard operating procedures, specifications, and contractual requirements.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of applicable codes, standards, specifications, and contractual documents governing inspection activities.
• Perform inspections and testing within the scope and limitations of applicable certifications.
• Ensure compliance with company, customer, and regulatory quality requirements.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate inspection results, nonconformances, and quality concerns to production, supervision, engineering, and quality personnel.
• Escalate significant quality issues immediately to the appropriate personnel.
• Maintain regular interaction with employees and departments to support quality objectives and production needs.

Safety & Environmental Responsibility

• Promote and maintain a safe work environment by adhering to company, customer, and regulatory safety requirements.
• Identify and report potential hazards, unsafe conditions, or compliance concerns.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout production operations.

Leadership & Work Execution

• Work independently with minimal supervision while managing inspection priorities.
• Provide guidance related to certified inspection methods and quality requirements as assigned.
• Maintain a regular presence throughout production areas to ensure quality standards are consistently met.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the nature and level of the position.

ADVANCEMENT STANDARDS

Level III

• Obtain a Level I - VT certification in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1A standard Certification must be obtained within 6 months of official start date.
• Ability to lift and carry 60 pounds
• Enough clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits employees to communicate effectively.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits employees to conduct inspections.
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to perform routine office duties.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to perform office duties and travel when necessary to off-site locations

Level II

• Quality Assurance Inspector- Level II needs to hold a level II certification in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1A standard in two of the following: VT, MT, and PT.
• Ability to lift and carry 60 pounds.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits employee to communicate effectively.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time. 
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits employee to conduct investigations.
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to perform routine office duties.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to perform office duties and travel when necessary to off-site locations.

Level I

• Quality Assurance Inspector- Level I must hold Level II certification in accordance with the ASNT SNT-TC-1A standard in the following methods: VT, MT, PT, and UT.
• Quality Assurance Inspector- Level I must hold at least one of the following certifications: CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), AMPP CIP Level 1 (Coatings Inspector), or MMS (Master Marine Surveyor).

• Ability to lift and carry 60 pounds
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, or other communication capabilities, to communicate effectively.
•  Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time 
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation to perform inspections and investigations.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to perform routine office duties.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to perform office duties and travel when necessary to off-site locations

COMPETENCIES

Technical Competencies

• Visual Testing (VT) Inspection
• Welding and Fabrication Inspection
• Blueprint and Engineering Drawing Interpretation
• Dimensional Inspection and Measurement
• Inspection Equipment Calibration and Verification
• Knowledge of Applicable Codes, Standards, and Specifications
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Principles
• Documentation and Record Control
• Strong computer literacy skills with MS Office (Excel, Outlook and Word) 

Quality & Compliance Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Inspection Accuracy
• Regulatory and Contractual Compliance
• Root Cause Identification
• Process Auditing
• Continuous Improvement

Communication & Interpersonal Competencies

• Verbal and Written Communication
• Professional Interaction with Production Teams
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Conflict Resolution
• Reporting and Documentation of Findings
• Customer Focus
• Relationship Building

Leadership & Professional Competencies

• Independent Decision-Making
• Accountability and Integrity
• Initiative and Self-Motivation
• Sound Judgment
• Leadership and Mentoring
• Professionalism
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Strong Work Ethic

Safety Competencies

• Safety Awareness
• Hazard Recognition and Reporting
• Safe Work Practices
• Commitment to Workplace Safety Culture

Organizational Competencies

• Time Management
• Planning and Prioritization
• Organizational Skills
• Multitasking
• Detail-Oriented Recordkeeping
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Ability to Work with Minimal Supervision

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or GED required
• Experience:
  • 1-2 years of recent experience as a QA Inspector or equivalent industrial experience.
  • 5 years’ in quality assurance inspection, steel fabrication, welding inspection, industrial inspection, or related manufacturing experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5, AISC standards, welding procedures, quality procedures, and customer specifications.
• Current Certified Welding Inspector certification preferred, or ability to obtain certification as required by company needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Heavy industrial worksite environment
• Exposure to outdoor elements, extreme heat and cold, dust, chemicals, and loud noise
• Standing for extended periods; lifting, bending, crouching, climbing, and working in confined spaces
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safety-sensitive position; subject to pre-employment and reasonable-suspicion drug testing
• Overtime and flexible scheduling required