1st Shift Quality Inspector

Location: Gastonia, NC 28056
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Schedule: Monday through Thursday
1st Shift: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Inspector to support a fast-paced automotive manufacturing operation in Gastonia, NC. This position is responsible for inspecting metal and mechanical components to ensure they meet engineering specifications, customer requirements, and established quality standards.

The ideal candidate has hands-on manufacturing quality experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to confidently read blueprints and use precision measuring equipment.

Previous manufacturing quality inspection experience is required. Candidates must be able to read blueprints and accurately use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other inspection tools.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Inspection & Measurement

• Perform visual and dimensional inspections of metal and mechanical automotive components.
• Inspect incoming materials, in-process parts, and finished products for quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Use calipers, micrometers, height gauges, inspection gauges, and other precision measuring instruments.
• Operate Coordinate Measuring Machines, or CMMs, when required and based on experience.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and inspection requirements.
• Verify components meet dimensional tolerances, GD&T requirements, customer specifications, and internal quality standards.
• Identify defects, dimensional variations, surface imperfections, and other non-conforming conditions.
• Perform additional inspections, including surface finish, hardness, or material verification, when required.
• Separate and properly identify non-conforming material to prevent unintended use or shipment.

Quality Documentation

• Accurately document inspection findings and measurement results.
• Complete inspection reports and maintain required product traceability records.
• Prepare and assist with Non-Conformance Reports, or NCRs.
• Maintain accurate records within applicable quality or manufacturing systems.
• Support PPAP documentation, control plans, inspection plans, and work instructions as needed.

Production Quality Support

• Monitor manufacturing processes for compliance with established quality requirements.
• Communicate defects, process variations, and quality concerns to production and quality leadership.
• Support containment and sorting activities involving non-conforming products.
• Assist with root-cause analysis using methods such as 5-Why and Fishbone analysis.
• Participate in corrective and preventive action activities.
• Work with production teams to address quality concerns before defective material moves to the next stage of production or reaches the customer.

Quality & Safety Compliance

• Follow established ISO 9001, IATF 16949, customer-specific, and internal quality procedures as applicable.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party quality audits.
• Verify inspection equipment is within calibration requirements before use.
• Properly handle, maintain, and store measuring equipment.
• Follow all workplace safety procedures, quality standards, and Personal Protective Equipment requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Hands-on experience using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, inspection gauges, and similar precision measuring tools.
• Understanding of dimensional inspection and measurement techniques.
• Ability to recognize defects and determine whether manufactured components meet specifications.
• Basic computer and data-entry skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate quality concerns clearly and professionally.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience inspecting automotive, metal, machined, stamped, or mechanical components.
• Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, or GD&T.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or related quality management standards.
• Experience with Statistical Process Control, or SPC.
• Experience using ERP or Quality Management Systems.
• CMM operating or basic programming experience.
• Familiarity with PPAPs, control plans, NCRs, and corrective action processes.
• Technical certification or training in quality, manufacturing, machining, or a related field.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong inspection and measurement accuracy.
• Ability to identify defects and recognize out-of-specification conditions.
• Effective documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to follow detailed inspection procedures and work instructions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining production and quality expectations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, squat, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to safely handle parts and precision measuring equipment.
• Ability to visually inspect components and accurately read measurement instruments.
• Ability to work the complete scheduled shift.

Work Environment

This position is performed in an automotive manufacturing environment and may involve exposure to machinery, manufacturing noise, dust, and changing temperatures. Required Personal Protective Equipment must be worn, and all safety and quality procedures must be followed.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Quality Supervisor or Quality Manager
Works With: Quality, Production, Engineering, and Operations teams