Lead NDT/QC Inspector

Position Summary: The Lead NDT/QC Inspector oversees daily non-destructive testing (NDT) and quality control inspection activities to ensure results are accurate, compliant, and properly documented. This role supports defect prevention, stabilizes inspection workflows, and ensures inspection processes meet customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements.

Essential Functions:

• Lead daily NDT and QC inspection workflows, prioritize jobs, and support production and shipment schedules.
• Perform NDT inspections in accordance with procedures and ensure all inspection records are accurate, complete, and properly maintained.
• Ensure inspectors are trained, qualified, and following procedures; maintain and update qualification records as required.
• Coordinate with the QA/QC Manager and Tech Compliance Lead on compliance activities, audits, and corrective action support.
• Control nonconforming material through proper identification, segregation, documentation, and communication with responsible departments.
• Maintain inspection equipment, including calibration verification, proper storage, and readiness for use.
• Provide technical guidance on acceptance criteria, indications, inspection methods, and reporting requirements.
• Support internal and customer audits and assist in addressing and closing audit findings.
• Review defect trends and recommend prevention-focused improvements to Engineering and Operations.
• Promote safe inspection practices and ensure PPE compliance; identify and resolve hazards promptly.

Level Differentiation

Level I: Leads daily inspection activities, maintains documentation accuracy, and supports routine audits.
Level II: Improves inspection capability through training, procedure refinement, and trend-driven prevention actions.
Level III: Leads complex customer certifications, expands NDT capability, and supports enterprise inspection standards.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Proficiency in NDT methods (e.g., PT, MT, RT, UT) and QC inspection techniques.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and acceptance criteria.
• Strong documentation skills with emphasis on accuracy, completeness, and traceability.
• Ability to coach, train, and guide inspectors in proper inspection and documentation practices.
• Effective communication skills for coordination across QA, Engineering, Operations, and Compliance teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills for identifying, documenting, and escalating nonconformances.
• Familiarity with quality systems, internal audits, and corrective action workflows.

Education, Experience, or Formal Training

• Experience in NDT and QC inspection within a manufacturing environment.
• Formal NDT certification or qualification preferred when applicable to the methods used.
• 5+ years of inspection experience with demonstrated leadership or lead-level responsibility.
• Strong understanding of inspection procedures, acceptance criteria, documentation standards, and calibration/verification discipline.

Working Environment

Inspection environment within industrial manufacturing areas; exposure to noise, heat, dust, oils, coolants, and moving equipment. May require extended or flexible hours to support urgent inspections or audit needs.

Physical Demands

• Standing and walking for extended periods; frequent fine-motor tasks for measurement and inspection.
• Occasional lifting of up to approximately 30 lbs (gages, parts, inspection equipment).
• Ability to wear required PPE and work in varied inspection conditions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality and consistency of NDT and QC inspection results
• Stability and flow of daily inspection processes
• Accuracy and completeness of inspection documentation
• Reduction of NDT/QC-related defect escapes
• Effectiveness of equipment readiness and calibration verification practices
• Inspector training and qualification maintenance
• Support and closure of audit-related activities
• Timeliness and clarity of nonconformance identification and reporting
• Contribution to prevention-focused improvements driven by defect trends
• Collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Operations

SMART Goals

• Strengthen inspection consistency by reinforcing standard work, documentation accuracy, and proper use of inspection procedures.
• Improve defect prevention by identifying trends and collaborating with Engineering and Operations on corrective and preventive actions.
• Enhance inspection team capability by supporting training, qualification maintenance, and coaching.
• Improve audit readiness by maintaining complete records, supporting audit activities, and helping resolve findings.
• Strengthen equipment readiness by ensuring calibration and verification processes are followed and documented.
• Support improved nonconformance control by identifying issues early and maintaining accurate, complete records.
• Foster a safe working environment by reinforcing PPE use, addressing hazards promptly, and promoting safe inspection practices.
• Improve cross-functional communication by providing clear updates on inspection status, risks, and findings.