Quality Control Inspection Leader

Job Description: Quality Control Inspection Leader

Department: Quality

Reports To: Quality Manager / Sr. Quality Engineer

The Quality Control Inspector leader is responsible for supervising day-to-day inspection activities within the manufacturing plant to ensure products meet defined quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory and industry standards. This role leads a team of Quality Control Inspectors, ensures consistent application of inspection methods, and supports continuous improvement across production processes.

Key Responsibilities

Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise, train, and coach Quality Control Inspectors and Technicians (X-Ray Technicians, IPC Technicians) across assigned.
• Collaborate, coordinate and report effectively across other shifts with the Quality teams the activities conducted during the working shift.
• Assign inspection tasks and ensure adequate coverage to support production schedules.
• Monitor inspector performance and provide feedback, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide support on other tasks assigned by the Quality Manager related to Quality department.

Inspection & Quality Control Activities

• Ensure in-process, and final inspections are performed according to approved inspection plans, work instructions, and specifications.
• Review and approve inspection results, inspection reports, and quality records for accuracy and completeness.
• Verify the proper use of measuring and test equipment (M&TE) and compliance with calibration requirements.
• Support first article inspections (FAI), PPAP, Quality Alerts or equivalent customer-specific requirements as applicable.
• Provide reports for Quality Engineering review and propose Control actions in processes.

Nonconformance & Corrective Action

• Ensure identification, segregation, and control of nonconforming material (Defect Log, CMES, MRB controls) and report to Quality Engineering.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues, including customer complaints and internal defects.
• Coordinate re-inspection and disposition activities (use-as-is, rework, scrap).
• Follows the Escalation plan with Quality Engineering or Quality Management, proposing and executing Containment activities.
• Follows the MRB and Non conformance procedures.

Compliance & Audits

• Ensure compliance with internal procedures, ISO 9001 requirements, and customer-specific quality standards.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and third-party audits by providing inspection records and evidence.
• Assist with closure of audit findings related to inspection and product conformity.

Data & Reporting

• Track and report key quality metrics (defect rates, inspection yield, rework, scrap).
• Ensure Defect logs (DMT logs) and Salcomp CMES are used properly with accurate inputs for Data Analysis.
• Identify risks and escalate to Quality Engineering, Quality Management and Operations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives based on inspection data and analysis.

Cross-Functional Support

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Warehouse and Incoming Quality Control (IQC) to resolve quality issues.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and process changes from a quality inspection perspective.
• Participate in daily production meetings and quality reviews as required.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in quality inspection or quality control in a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, or electronic inspection depending on plant operations.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of quality inspection techniques and sampling methods.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements related to product conformity and inspection.
• Experience with nonconformance management and corrective action processes.
• Proficiency with inspection tools and measuring equipment (calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc.).
• Basic data analysis and reporting skills.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Effective communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing floor and office environment.
• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• May require shift work, overtime, or weekend support.