Job Title: QA/QC Inspector
Job Summary:
The Senior QA/QC Inspector is responsible for leading and managing the quality assurance and quality control processes within a manufacturing, construction, or production environment. This includes overseeing inspection activities, implementing quality control measures, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. The Senior QA/QC Inspector will mentor junior and mid-level inspectors, manage complex quality issues, and work directly with senior management, production teams, and clients to ensure the highest level of product quality and operational efficiency. This role is critical to maintaining the organization’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Assurance and Control Leadership:
- Lead and manage the overall quality control strategy and ensure consistent execution of quality assurance procedures across all departments.
- Design, implement, and continuously improve the QA/QC processes, focusing on efficiency, reliability, and compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.
- Ensure products meet or exceed the required specifications, performance, and safety standards throughout production, installation, or delivery.
- Oversee product inspections at different stages of the production process, including raw material, in-process, and final inspections.
Team Management and Mentorship:
- Supervise, mentor, and provide technical leadership to junior and mid-level QA/QC inspectors, ensuring their professional development and adherence to quality standards.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and set goals for team development and training to ensure the team meets high standards.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability within the QA/QC department.
- Guide the team in troubleshooting complex quality issues and resolving challenges effectively and efficiently.
Audits and Compliance:
- Lead and coordinate internal and external audits to assess quality control compliance and ensure adherence to industry regulations (e.g., ISO 9001, CE, UL).
- Ensure that all inspections, tests, and audits meet regulatory requirements, company standards, and customer specifications.
- Provide expertise during external audits by regulatory bodies, clients, or third parties, and ensure the preparation of all necessary documentation and evidence for audit purposes.
- Review and ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations as they relate to quality standards.
Non-Conformance Management and Corrective Actions:
- Take the lead in identifying, documenting, and analyzing non-conformances, discrepancies, and quality issues across various stages of the product lifecycle.
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for non-conformances, ensuring root cause analysis is conducted and effective solutions are implemented.
- Ensure that corrective actions are tracked, followed through, and successfully resolve any recurring quality issues.
Process Improvement and Innovation:
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives by evaluating current processes and suggesting improvements in production methods, testing procedures, or product designs to enhance quality and efficiency.
- Promote the adoption of best practices, lean principles, and Six Sigma tools to reduce waste, enhance quality, and improve product performance.
- Stay updated with industry trends and innovations, and propose new quality control technologies, tools, and methodologies that can optimize operations.
Client Interaction and Technical Support:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding product quality, inspection reports, and any issues related to quality control.
- Communicate complex technical issues to clients in a clear and concise manner, offering practical solutions and guiding them through quality resolution processes.
- Participate in client meetings to ensure that quality expectations are met and provide technical support and consultation on quality matters as required.
Documentation, Reporting, and Analysis:
- Oversee the creation and maintenance of comprehensive quality documentation, including inspection reports, quality metrics, test records, and certifications.
- Prepare detailed analysis reports on product quality, inspection results, and non-conformance trends for senior management and clients.
- Analyze inspection data, customer feedback, and product returns to identify opportunities for quality improvement.
Product Testing and Validation:
- Manage the planning, execution, and analysis of product testing activities to validate product performance against specifications and standards.
- Ensure that testing methods and equipment are calibrated and maintained, and that test procedures are followed rigorously.
- Lead the implementation of product validation procedures, ensuring that they meet client specifications and industry regulations.
Health, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure that quality assurance and control processes are compliant with applicable safety standards, environmental laws, and health regulations.
- Conduct regular safety audits to verify that the team follows all safety protocols during inspections and tests.
- Ensure that all products are compliant with relevant industry certifications and regulatory approvals, facilitating the product certification process.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Extensive knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles, methodologies, and tools (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, Root Cause Analysis).
- Strong understanding of quality management systems (QMS) and experience implementing and maintaining systems such as ISO 9001, CE, and other relevant standards.
- In-depth knowledge of inspection techniques, testing procedures, and the use of measurement and testing instruments.
- Advanced problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex quality issues and implement corrective actions.
- Leadership skills with experience managing teams and driving process improvement initiatives.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with clients, senior management, and production teams effectively.
- Ability to interpret technical specifications, blueprints, and product drawings.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and QMS software.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
- Relevant certifications in quality management (e.g., Six Sigma Black Belt, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor) are highly preferred.
Key Focus Areas:
Advanced Power Distribution Network Inspection
- Leading quality inspections of complex power distribution systems, ensuring alignment with project specifications and industry standards.
SCADA and PLC Systems Quality Oversight
- Supervising the testing, integration, and performance validation of SCADA and PLC systems across multiple projects.
Electrical Safety Standards and Code Compliance (IEC, NEC)
- Enforcing strict adherence to IEC, NEC, and other safety codes, conducting audits, and addressing non-conformance issues.
QA/QC Process Leadership
- Developing and implementing QA/QC procedures, reviewing inspection plans, and ensuring continuous quality improvement.
Experience:
- 5-7 years of experience in QA/QC inspection or quality management in manufacturing, construction, or a related industry.
- Proven experience leading quality control and assurance processes, including conducting audits, inspections, and developing corrective actions.
- Hands-on experience with implementing and maintaining quality management systems (QMS), industry standards, and regulatory compliance.
Tools and Technologies:
- Proficiency with quality management and reporting software (e.g., SAP, Minitab, or other QMS tools).
- Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA).
- Familiarity with testing and measurement tools used in quality control (e.g., micrometers, calipers, gauges, and other precision measuring instruments).
Other Requirements:
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions on quality control matters.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated on industry standards and best practices.
- Willingness to travel for client meetings, audits, and site inspections as necessary.