Quality Control Inspector [Fabrication]

Description:

Position Summary

The QC Fabrication Inspector is responsible for performing structured in-process and final inspections throughout the fabrication and coating process to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and internal manufacturing controls.

This role functions as an internal quality control authority within the Fabrication Department and is responsible for validating work at defined QC gates, including post-cutting, post-forming, during and after welding, and final inspection after powder coating.

The QC Fabrication Inspector provides documented verification and formal sign-off for fabricated components, including metal parts, copper components, and synthetic barrier materials, ensuring that only conforming product advances to the next stage of production.

This position operates independently within defined quality procedures and reports directly to the Fabrication Operations Manager.

Core Responsibilities

1. In-Process Inspection & QC Gate Validation

· Perform inspections at defined fabrication QC gates, including:

o Post-laser cutting validation

o Post-forming (press brake) inspection

o Fit-up verification prior to welding

o In-process weld inspection

o Post-weld dimensional and visual inspection

o Final inspection following powder coating

· Verify that work conforms to released engineering drawings, tolerances, and specifications.

· Confirm material type, thickness, and part identification.

· Inspect copper components and synthetic barrier installations for accuracy and compliance.

· Ensure that only conforming product is released to the next stage of fabrication.

2. Welding Inspection

· Inspect welds for:

o Proper fit-up and alignment

o Weld size, penetration, and profile

o Visual defects (porosity, undercut, lack of fusion, cracks, etc.)

· Verify compliance with applicable weld procedures and fabrication standards.

· Coordinate with welding supervisors to resolve nonconformances immediately.

3. Powder Coating Final Inspection

· Inspect coated parts for:

o Coverage completeness

o Surface preparation quality

o Coating thickness (if required)

o Visual defects (runs, contamination, pinholes, orange peel, etc.)

· Verify proper masking and protection of critical surfaces.

· Ensure parts meet cosmetic and functional finish requirements prior to release.

4. Documentation & Sign-Off Authority

· Sign off on each item at defined manufacturing QC checkpoints.

· Document inspection results in accordance with internal quality procedures.

· Maintain traceability of inspected components.

· Generate Nonconformance Reports (NCRs) for any deviations.

· Support root cause investigations for fabrication-related discrepancies.

· Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 quality management system requirements.

5. Process Compliance & Material Control

· Enforce strict adherence to material movement and verification procedures.

· Prevent advancement of undocumented or nonconforming material.

· Verify correct palletization, labeling, and part identification.

· Support material transfer authorization (MTA) validation where applicable.

6. Continuous Improvement Support

· Identify recurring quality issues and communicate trends to Fabrication Operations leadership.

· Recommend corrective actions to improve process consistency.

· Support internal audits and customer audits as required.

· Assist in maintaining updated inspection checklists and standard work documentation.

Requirements:

Qualifications & Experience

· Minimum 3–5 years of experience in fabrication quality control, welding inspection, or manufacturing inspection.

· Strong ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings and blueprints.

· Working knowledge of fabrication tolerances and measurement tools.

· Experience inspecting welded assemblies and coated components.

· Familiarity with ISO-regulated manufacturing environments preferred.

· Experience working in sheet metal fabrication environments preferred.

Technical Competencies

· Proficient in use of inspection tools including calipers, micrometers, squares, levels, and measuring gauges.

· Strong understanding of weld inspection criteria.

· Ability to identify cosmetic and structural coating defects.

· Working knowledge of material types including carbon steel, copper, and synthetic barrier materials.

The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate

· High attention to detail

· Strong integrity and independent judgment

· Structured documentation discipline

· Clear communication with supervisors and operators

· Confidence to hold work at a QC gate when nonconforming

· Commitment to process compliance and quality standards

Work Environment

This position operates primarily on the fabrication shop floor in an industrial manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with welding, forming, coating, and production personnel.