How to Be Materials Quality Control Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 26, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The quality of materials used in manufacturing affects the overall quality of the finished products. If the materials used are of poor quality, the products created can be defective, lead to customer dissatisfaction, and potentially cause harm or injury. Quality Control Inspectors are responsible for ensuring that the materials used in production meet the quality standards.

They test the raw materials for compliance with industry regulations, inspect incoming and outgoing shipments for defects, and ensure that the production process does not produce substandard products. Quality Control Inspectors are a crucial part of ensuring that the end product is safe and of the highest quality. They play an important role in maintaining customer satisfaction, protecting public safety, and ensuring a company's reputation for producing quality products.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent for a quality control inspector. Courses in math, science and computers are beneficial, although not always required.
Complete post-secondary training, if required. Depending on the type of Materials Quality Control Inspector you want to become, it may be necessary to complete some post-secondary education. This could include an associate's degree in quality control or a certificate in a related field.
Get on-the-job training. Most employers require some type of on-the-job training before hiring a Materials Quality Control Inspector. This training may involve a period of observation, followed by hands-on instruction in inspecting materials and maintaining records.
Pursue voluntary certification. Professional certification is not always required for Materials Quality Control Inspectors, but it is recommended for those who want to demonstrate their commitment to their profession and enhance their earning potential. The American Society for Quality offers several certification options, including Certified Quality Technician and Certified Quality Inspector.
Consider obtaining a license. Depending on the state you work in, you may need to obtain a professional license to work as a Materials Quality Control Inspector. Licensing requirements vary by state and can typically be obtained by passing an exam or completing a certain amount of on-the-job training.

Quality Control Inspectors are essential to ensuring that all materials used in a production process meet the necessary standards. Without quality control inspectors, there is a risk of materials being of low quality or not meeting the required specifications. Poor quality materials can lead to production delays, increased costs, and a decrease in customer satisfaction.

Quality Control Inspectors have an important role in identifying any issues before they become a problem and ensuring that the materials used are of the highest quality. They use a variety of inspection techniques to assess the quality of materials and ensure that they are up to the required standard. This in turn helps to ensure a smooth production process with minimal delays and disruptions, as well as satisfaction for customers.

You may want to check Materials Accounting Clerk, Raw Materials Specialist, and Materials Handler for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect incoming raw materials for quality and conformance to company standards.
Perform quality control tests on incoming materials to ensure they meet company and industry standards.
Use measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and other gauges to verify material dimensions.
Analyze test results and report any non-conformities to the appropriate personnel.
Prepare inspection reports and maintain accurate records of inspection results.
Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the inspection area.
Investigate customer complaints and identify root causes of defects.
Work with vendors to ensure quality of supplied materials.
Review drawings and technical specifications to ensure accuracy of incoming materials.
Stay up-to-date on industry standards and regulatory requirements for quality control.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of quality control procedures
Knowledge of inspection methods and techniques
Knowledge of applicable standards and regulations
Ability to read and interpret technical documents
Ability to use mechanical measuring instruments
Ability to communicate effectively with other departments
Ability to identify and inspect defective components
Ability to detect and document nonconforming parts
Ability to follow safety guidelines
Ability to maintain accurate records and data
Attention to detail, accuracy and precision
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Computer literacy, including knowledge of CAD software

The role of a Materials Quality Control Inspector is essential to ensure the quality of materials used in production. This role requires great attention to detail, and an eye for identifying discrepancies. The ability to detect defects quickly and accurately is a must, as well as the ability to think logically and understand the results of inspections in order to identify root causes.

In addition, strong communication skills are necessary in order to communicate the results of inspections, both verbally and in written form, to supervisors and other personnel. Furthermore, a Materials Quality Control Inspector must have a good grasp of statistics and be able to interpret them correctly in order to identify trends and anomalies in production materials. Without these skills, it is impossible to ensure the quality of materials used in production, resulting in an increased risk of defective products and customer dissatisfaction.

Materials Technician, Materials Supervisor, and Materials Planner are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How do you ensure that all materials meet quality standards?
Do you have experience carrying out inspections on a range of materials?
What techniques do you use to inspect for defects?
How do you keep up to date with the latest standards and regulations for materials quality control?
How do you go about troubleshooting and resolving problems with faulty materials?
What tools and equipment do you use when conducting inspections?
How do you ensure that all defects are accurately documented?
Do you have experience using software to evaluate material quality?
What steps do you take to maintain a safe working environment when conducting inspections?
How do you ensure the accurate and timely reporting of any material defects?

Common Tools in Industry

Calipers. A precision measurement tool used to measure linear dimensions such as length, width and thickness. (eg: measuring the diameter of a hole in a metal plate).
Micrometers. A precision measurement tool used to measure small distances or thicknesses. (eg: measuring the thickness of a thin sheet of metal).
Gauges. A device used to measure the size of a physical dimension such as a hole or a shaft. (eg: measuring the diameter of a pipe).
Optical Comparators. A device used to compare the size and shape of an object to a standard or reference. (eg: comparing a machined part to its design drawing).
X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer. A device used to analyze the elemental composition of materials. (eg: determining the chemical composition of a steel alloy).
Metallurgical Microscope. A device used to inspect the microstructure of metals and alloys. (eg: inspecting the grain structure of a sample of aluminum to verify its purity).
Non-Destructive Testing Instruments. A variety of instruments used to detect flaws and defects in materials without damaging them. (eg: using ultrasound to check for cracks in welds).
Hardness Testers. A device used to measure the hardness of metals and other materials. (eg: testing the hardness of a steel shaft).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
American Welding Society (AWS)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
International Institute of Welding (IIW)
International Register of Certified Auditors (IRCA)
Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)

We also have Materials Coordinator, Materials Scheduler, and Materials Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Quality Assurance (QA). The process of maintaining a high standard of quality in a product or service. This includes setting and meeting standards, monitoring production processes, and performing tests to ensure that products meet the required criteria.
Quality Control (QC). The process of inspecting, testing, and verifying that a product meets quality standards. This includes verifying that all components are present, that no defects are present, and that all processes have been followed correctly.
Non-Conformity. A failure to meet a specified requirement or standard. Non-conformities can be identified during a Quality Control inspection, and must be documented and addressed.
Statistical Process Control (SPC). A technique used to monitor and control quality by tracking key performance metrics over time. This helps to identify trends and potential issues before they become serious problems.
Calibration. The process of verifying the accuracy of measuring equipment by comparing it against a known standard. Calibration is often performed during a Quality Control inspection to ensure that the equipment is producing accurate results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Materials Quality Control Inspector?

The primary responsibility of a Materials Quality Control Inspector is to ensure that materials meet quality standards and specifications by inspecting incoming, in-process and finished products.

What qualifications are required to become a Materials Quality Control Inspector?

To become a Materials Quality Control Inspector, individuals typically need at least a high school diploma, though some positions may require a 2-year degree in an engineering or related field. Additionally, experience in quality control is preferred and certification from an accredited organization is often beneficial.

What tools or equipment does a Materials Quality Control Inspector use?

A Materials Quality Control Inspector typically uses various tools and instruments to inspect materials, such as calipers, micrometers, thickness gauges, hardness testers and visual inspection equipment.

What techniques does a Materials Quality Control Inspector use to evaluate materials?

A Materials Quality Control Inspector typically uses various techniques to evaluate materials, such as visual inspection, measurement, comparison and testing. They may also use specialized processes such as X-ray fluorescence or non-destructive testing.

How do Materials Quality Control Inspectors document their results?

Materials Quality Control Inspectors typically document their results in detailed reports that include measurements and other relevant information about the inspected materials, such as acceptance or rejection of the materials. They may also provide recommendations for improvement.