Lead Quality Control Inspector

Job Summary: The Lead QC Inspector — Fabrication/Assembly is responsible for in-process quality inspection at BPP’s production facilities and serves as the on-site quality point person for their assigned primary facility. Each Lead Inspector carries primary responsibility for one facility (Fabrication or Assembly) while maintaining the ability to float to the other as workload and coverage needs require. This role performs in-process inspections at defined critical points in the production workflow, assists with incoming material inspections, documents and initiates nonconformances, and performs final QC inspection before product ships to customers or transfers to Assembly (Fabrication Lead Inspector only).
Beyond inspection duties, the Lead partners with the Quality Engineer and QC Manager to develop and refine inspection processes, mentors and onboards QC Inspectors, and serves as the first point of escalation for inspection questions at the primary facility. This is a technical lead role with no formal supervisory authority (hiring, performance management, or scheduling). The Lead QC Inspector reports to the QC Manager and works closely with the Quality Engineer to ensure defects are caught early. Key Responsibilities:
Lead Responsibilities:

• Serve as the on-site inspection point of contact at the primary facility — first point of escalation for inspection-related questions before looping in the QC Manager
• Partner with the Quality Engineer and QC Manager to develop, review, and refine in-process inspection criteria, checklists, and sampling plans
• Support onboarding of new QC Inspectors — walking through inspection points, documentation standards, and hold/NCR procedures at the primary facility
• Mentor QC Inspectors at the primary facility on an ongoing basis, sharing inspection techniques and judgment developed through experience
• Help calibrate inspection judgment across shifts and inspectors so criteria are applied consistently
• Provide improvement suggestions to the Quality Engineer based on recurring defect patterns and inspection observations. Assist in troubleshooting issues and providing solutions
• Assist the Quality Engineer with the gauge/equipment calibration program at the primary facility
• Coordinate float coverage logistics with the QC Manager

In-Process Inspection — Primary Facility:

• Perform in-process quality checks at defined critical points in the production workflow at the primary assigned facility
• Verify dimensional, visual, and workmanship requirements against drawings, specifications, and work instructions
• Identify, document, and segregate nonconforming product
• Apply hold tags, initiate NCRs, and notify the QC Manager or Quality Engineer of nonconformances
• Record inspection results and maintain inspection documentation
• Fabrication Lead Inspector: perform final QC inspection before product ships to customers or transfers to Assembly, per applicable pre-shipment inspection procedures

Incoming Material Inspection:

• Support Procurement in conducting incoming material inspections per established procedures
• Verify material certifications, Certificates of Conformance (COCs), and supplier documentation against purchase order requirements
• Identify and segregate nonconforming incoming material
• Document findings, initiate NCRs as applicable, and escalate to the Quality Engineer or QC Manager

Cross-Facility Float Coverage:

• Float to the secondary facility as workload and coverage needs require, providing inspection continuity during absences or volume peaks
• Perform in-process quality checks per defined inspection criteria at the secondary facility
• Identify, document, and segregate nonconforming product at the secondary facility
• Apply hold tags, initiate NCRs, and notify the Quality Engineer or QC Manager

Documentation & Reporting:

• Complete all required inspection records, logs, and checklists accurately and in a timely manner
• Document and initiate NCRs; escalate to the Quality Engineer or QC Manager with clear documentation of the nonconformance
• Provide input on recurring defect patterns observed at the primary facility and incoming inspection
• Support data collection for rework tracking by origin (Fabrication vs. Assembly) to build the quality cost baseline

Qualifications:
Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 4+ years of experience in quality inspection or quality control in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications
• Familiarity with basic measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, tape measures, gauges)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify workmanship defects
• Ability to clearly document findings in writing
• Comfortable working across both shop Fabrication and Assembly environments
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to guide/support other inspectors informally
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• Experience with incoming material inspection and supplier documentation review

Preferred:

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in manufacturing, quality, or related field
• Experience in electrical equipment, switchgear, panel, or metal fabrication manufacturing
• UL 891 certification or experience
• ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT)
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Prior experience mentoring, training, or informally leading other inspectors
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain

Core Competencies:

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Dependability and consistency
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to serve as primary inspector and technical lead at one facility while adapting to float coverage needs at the other
• Sound judgment in escalation — knowing when to resolve at the inspector level versus loop in the QC Manager or Quality Engineer
• Teamwork and collaboration with Production and Quality teams
• Willingness to mentor others and expand inspection capabilities over time

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