Product quality inspector

Product quality inspectors check products in order to assess their compliance in reference to a standard or reference guideline. They observe, measure, test, and form questions in order to fill in forms and present levels of compliance with comments after the inspection process. Product quality inspectors are employed or work externally for companies.

A product quality inspector typically performs the following tasks (the list is not exhaustive):

• Read blueprints and instructions to comprehend the quality expectations for the product and supplies
• Approve or reject raw materials with respect to quality standards and record supplier performance
• Select output samples and check them using appropriate methods (measuring dimensions, testing functionality, comparing to specifications etc.)Use automated systems to perform complex testing procedures
• Maintain records of testing, information and various metrics such as number of defective products per day etc.
• Inspect procedures of the entire production cycle to ensure they are efficient and comply with safety standards
• Monitor the use of equipment to ensure it is safe and well-maintained and discard any that doesn’t meet requirements
• Prepare and submit reports to the quality manager

Product quality inspectors in some industries may be on their feet all day and may have to lift heavy items. In other industries, workers may sit during their shift and read electronic printouts of data.

Product quality inspectors in heavy-manufacturing plants may be exposed to the noise and grime of machinery. In other plants, inspectors work in clean, air-conditioned environments suitable for testing products.

Most product quality inspectors work full time. Some inspectors work evenings, overnight, or weekend shifts. Shift assignments may be based on seniority. Overtime may be required to meet production deadlines.

The following job titles also refer to product quality inspector:

QA engineer
quality inspector
junior quality engineer
product specialist
software quality engineer
product inspector
software quality assurance engineer
quality assurance inspector
QA inspector
senior quality engineer
QS inspector
quality assurance engineer
product quality monitor
quality control inspector

No formal educational credential is required to work as a product quality inspector, although a high school diploma, or a course in a related field such as manufacturing, engineering, sciences or technology may be useful. Vocational education training and university are both common pathways.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Product quality inspector is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to product quality inspector.

product quality controller
motor vehicle assembly inspector
product grader
vessel assembly inspector
aircraft assembly inspector

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of product quality inspector. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of product quality inspector with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

chemical manufacturing quality technician
motor vehicle engine inspector
rolling stock engine inspector
aircraft engine inspector
vessel engine inspector

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of product quality inspector.

• Continuous improvement philosophies: Underlying ideas of quality management systems. Implementation process of lean manufacturing, Kanban, Kaizen, Total Quality Management (TQM) and other continuous improvement systems.
• Quality assurance procedures: The procedures to inspect a product or system to ensure that it is according to specifications and requirements.
• Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
• Quality control systems: Understanding of and experience with product development quality systems or tools such as FMEA, DOE, PPAP and APQP.

These skills are necessary for the role of product quality inspector.

• Create solutions to problems: Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
• Develop calibration procedures: Develop test procedures for instrument performance testing.
• Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
• Manage corrective actions: Implementing corrective action and continuous improvement plans from internal and third party audits to meet food safety and quality performance indicators with adherence to agreed timescales.
• Monitor manufacturing quality standards: Monitor quality standards in manufacturing and finishing process.
• Develop methodologies for supplier evaluation: Help define and update a methodology for assessing key suppliers according to potential incidents, delivery times, and reliability.
• Manage health and safety standards: Oversee all personnel and processes to comply with health, safety and hygiene standards. Communicate and support alignment of these requirements with the company’s health and safety programmes.
• Identify preventive actions: Anticipate situations that could be damaging to the workplace and the processes undergone there by drawing attention to possible undesired outcomes and suggesting preventive actions.
• Oversee quality control: Monitor and assure the quality of the provided goods or services by overseeing that all the factors of the production meet quality requirements. Supervise product inspection and testing.
• Revise quality control systems documentation: Revise quality control documents. Read through the documents, editing it, and revise items in the documentation like the numbering scheme, process to create new documents, revision and follow up process, closure of non-conformities, methods for tracking documents, etc.
• Negotiate with stakeholders: Negotiate compromises with stakeholders and strive to reach the most beneficial agreements for the company. May involve building relationships with suppliers and customers, as well as ensuring products are profitable.
• Track key performance indicators: Identify the quantifiable measures that a company or industry uses to gauge or compare performance in terms of meeting their operational and strategic goals, using preset performance indicators.
• Identify process improvements: Identify possible improvements to operational and financial performance.
• Report defective manufacturing materials: Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
• Support implementation of quality management systems: Advocate the introduction of new business processes to help achieve quality standards, such as the improvement of the organisational structure or the development of new procedures in case of quality defects.
• Write inspection reports: Write the results and conclusions of the inspection in a clear and intelligible way. Log the inspection’s processes such as contact, outcome, and steps taken.
• Perform quality audits: Execute regular, systematic and documented examinations of a quality system for verifying conformity with a standard based on objective evidence such as the implementation of processes, effectiveness in achieving quality goals and reduction and elimination of quality problems.
• Identify improvement actions: Realise possible improvements for processes to increase productivity, improve efficiency, increase quality, and streamline procedures.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of product quality inspector. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of product quality inspector. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Inspect quality of products: Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
• Set quality assurance objectives: Define quality assurance targets and procedures and see to their maintenance and continued improvement by reviewing targets, protocols, supplies, processes, equipment and technologies for quality standards.
• Execute analytical mathematical calculations: Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
• Record test data: Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
• Issue licences: Issue official documentation which grants licence holders with official permission to perform certain activities, after having investigated the application and processed the necessary documentation.
• Operate precision measuring equipment: Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
• Collect samples for analysis: Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
• Train staff in safety procedures: Educate and train team members in the safety procedures relevant to the mission of the team.
• Train staff in quality procedures: Educate and train team members in the quality procedures related to the mission of the team.
• Define quality standards: Define, in collaboration with managers and quality experts, a set of quality standards to ensure compliance with regulations and help achieve customers’ requirements.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
• Use non-destructive testing equipment: Use specific non-destructive testing methods and equipment that do not cause any damage to the product, such as X-rays, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, industrial CT scanning and others, in order to find defects in and assure quality of a manufactured and a repaired product.
• Maintain test equipment: Maintain equipment used for testing the quality of systems and products.
• Provide advice on breaches of regulation: Advise on preventive and corrective actions; correct any breaches of or non-compliance with legal regulations.
• Manage periodic calibration plans: Identify the measurement equipment, periodicity, and methodology for calibrating equipment considering an acceptable error margin.
• Read engineering drawings: Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
• Conduct performance tests: Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.
• Recommend product improvements: Recommend product modifications, new features or accessories to keep customers interested.
• Develop procedures in case of defects: Determine the steps and corrective actions to be taken in case of quality flaws such as the introduction of new quality management systems or the replacement of machinery.
• Use technical documentation: Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
• Develop corporate training programmes: Design, create and review new corporate training programmes to meet the developmental demands of a certain organisation. Analyse the efficiency of these educational modules and apply changes to it if necessary.
• Analyse production processes for improvement: Analyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.
• Lead inspections: Lead inspections and the protocol involved, such as introducing the inspection team, explaining the purpose of the inspection, performing the inspection, requesting documents and asking appropriate questions.

7543 – Product graders and testers (excluding foods and beverages)

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References

1. ESCO
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Quality Inspector Job Description – Betterteam
4. Quality Control Inspector Career Profile | Job Description, Salary & Growth | Truity
5. Featured image: By Danishdanmomin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0