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

Jul 20, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The lack of a quality control inspector can lead to a variety of negative outcomes. Poorly manufactured products can result in customer dissatisfaction, product recalls, and even injury or death. In addition, errors in production can cause delayed delivery times, resulting in lost sales and revenue.

Quality control inspectors are essential to verify that products meet the required standards of safety, quality, and performance. Regular inspections ensure that product quality is maintained, and any defects can be identified and corrected before they become a problem. As a result, businesses can increase customer satisfaction, prevent costly recalls, and protect their reputation.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement for most quality control inspector positions.
Pursue Education in a Relevant Field. Some employers may prefer or require a bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, or a related field for quality control inspector positions.
Earn Certifications. Obtaining certifications from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or other relevant organizations may help job seekers stand out from the competition.
Acquire Experience. Prospective quality control inspectors should consider gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in related fields such as manufacturing or engineering.
Get Familiar with Quality Control Standards. Quality control inspectors must understand the specific standards and expectations of the products they are inspecting. They should familiarize themselves with industry-specific standards, regulations, and protocols.
Develop Professional Skills. Quality control inspectors must have strong attention to detail and be able to communicate effectively with others. They should also possess problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.

Staying ahead and competent as a Quality Control Inspector requires continual learning and effort. To achieve this, it is important to keep up with the latest standards and regulations, as well as advancements in technology and industry best practices. staying organized and developing an efficient system for tracking inspections will help keep the process running smoothly.

Furthermore, staying ahead of the curve by attending seminars and workshops will help ensure that the inspector is up-to-date on the newest trends and techniques in the industry. By investing time and effort into these areas, Quality Control Inspectors will be able to stay ahead of the competition and remain competent in their field.

You may want to check Quality Assurance Supervisor, Quality Control Lead, and Quality Improvement Analyst for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect finished products, raw materials, and components for defects and deviations from customer specifications.
Monitor production processes to make sure that they meet quality standards.
Test products and materials to ensure that they meet quality and safety standards.
Prepare detailed reports outlining the results of inspections, tests, and measurements.
Record data from inspections, tests, and measurements in company databases.
Use precision measuring instruments and other testing equipment to ensure product specifications are met.
Monitor inventory levels and report when supplies need to be ordered.
Investigate customer complaints regarding product quality and take appropriate corrective actions.
Update existing quality control procedures as necessary.
Train new employees on quality control processes and procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of quality control principles and procedures
Familiarity with industry standards and regulations
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong attention to detail
Communication and interpersonal skills
Computer literacy
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to read and interpret technical documents
Ability to use and understand measuring and testing equipment
Ability to make decisions and take necessary corrective action

Quality Control Inspectors play an important role in ensuring the quality of products. Their primary responsibility is to identify any defects or issues that may arise during the manufacturing process. To be successful in this role, an individual must have a keen eye for detail and exceptional problem-solving skills.

They must also have the ability to recognize potential issues and take action to resolve them before they become a major issue. In addition, Quality Control Inspectors must have excellent communication and organizational skills to effectively communicate with other departments and manage their workload. By having these attributes, Quality Control Inspectors can prevent defective products from entering the market and ensure customer satisfaction.

This in turn can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty, which can help to improve the overall profitability of a company.

Quality Assurance Auditor, Quality Control Manager, and Quality Support Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Quality Control Inspection?
Describe a situation in which you had to identify an issue with a product or process and implement a solution to resolve it.
How would you approach inspecting a product for defects?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and quality control?
How do you handle issues when dealing with vendors or suppliers?
What techniques do you use to identify root causes of quality problems?
What safety procedures do you follow while inspecting products?
Describe how you would set up processes and procedures for a new product.
How do you keep up with the latest developments in quality control inspection?
How would you handle a situation where a client requests an inspection that does not comply with standard regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Calipers. Used for measuring distances between two opposing sides of an object. (Eg: Measuring the diameter of a cylinder)
Micrometer. Used for measuring very small distances with accuracy. (Eg: Measuring the thickness of a sheet of metal)
Vernier Scale. Used for measuring small distances with accuracy. (Eg: Measuring the depth of a groove)
Optical Comparator. Used for comparing the shape and size of an object to a template. (Eg: Comparing machined parts to a blueprint)
Coating Thickness Gauge. Used for measuring the thickness of layers of coating on objects. (Eg: Measuring the thickness of paint on a car)
Tensile Strength Tester. Used for testing the strength of materials by pulling them apart. (Eg: Testing the tensile strength of a metal rod)
Hardness Tester. Used for testing the hardness of materials by pressing them together. (Eg: Testing the hardness of a steel pipe)
Optical Microscope. Used for inspecting objects at very high magnification. (Eg: Examining the surface finish of a machined part)
Infrared Thermometer. Used for measuring the temperature of objects from a distance. (Eg: Measuring the temperature of a bearing assembly)
Force Gauge. Used for measuring force by pressing objects together or pulling them apart. (Eg: Measuring the force required to pull a spring apart)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Quality (ASQ)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Society of Quality Assurance (SQA)
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Conference on Quality Control and Metrology (QCM)
International Quality Federation (IQF)

We also have Quality Improvement Technician, Quality Performance Manager, and Quality Systems Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Quality Assurance. A set of processes and activities that are used to ensure that products and services meet the quality standards set by the company.
Statistical Process Control (SPC). A method of quality control used to monitor and control processes that rely on statistics to determine if a process is performing correctly.
Quality Management System (QMS). A system used to manage the quality of a product or service by setting quality standards, measuring and analyzing data, and making necessary adjustments to ensure that the product or service meets the established standards.
Non-conformance. A situation in which a product or service does not meet the established standards or requirements.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA). A method used to identify and address the underlying causes of a problem or issue.
Calibration. The process of verifying and adjusting a measuring device so that it is accurate and reliable.
Tolerance. The allowable limit of variation in a product or service before it is considered non-conforming.
Compliance. The adherence to regulations, policies, and standards set by a governing body or organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are necessary to become a Quality Control Inspector?

Quality Control Inspectors typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience in quality control or a related field. In addition, many employers require certification from an accredited body such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

What are the primary duties of a Quality Control Inspector?

The primary duties of a Quality Control Inspector are to inspect materials and products for defects, conformance to specifications, and adherence to quality control standards. Inspectors also document results of their inspections and may suggest process improvements.

What skills are important for a Quality Control Inspector?

Quality Control Inspectors need to have strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and an ability to follow procedures. They also need to have good communication and organizational skills, as well as knowledge of appropriate industry standards.

What technology do Quality Control Inspectors use?

Quality Control Inspectors may use a variety of tools and technologies including calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, ultrasound equipment, and computer applications such as spreadsheets and databases.

How much does a Quality Control Inspector earn?

The median annual wage for Quality Control Inspectors is $38,250, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries may vary based on experience, certifications, location, and other factors.

Web Resources

What Does a Quality Control Inspector Do? | Goodwin University www.goodwin.edu
Quality Control Inspector Career Center | University of Southern ... careers.usc.edu
Quality Control Inspector - Santa Fe Community College www.sfcc.edu