A quality control inspector makes sure that manufactured products meet the specified standards before they progress to the next phase of production or are sent out to customers.
The role varies widely, depending on the sector. For example:
- A quality control inspector working in engineering might use special gauges and other equipment to check that parts have been properly assembled or welded.
- In the food sector, an inspector might make sure that cakes are a standard size and colour, and that they have been packaged in line with specified requirements.
- In the clothing industry, an inspector might examine seams and stitching to ensure they are neat and strong, or check that all products are produced to the same size and standard.
- In a pharmaceutical company, an inspector might check test records to decide whether batches of drugs are safe for use by patients.
An inspector’s tasks are likely to include:
- ensuring that their measuring and testing equipment is set correctly
- selecting a sample from a production batch for inspection or testing
- checking and testing materials and parts from outside suppliers to ensure they meet specification requirements for quality and, where appropriate, safety
- monitoring the production process at different stages
- carrying out tests on products that come off the production line, by observing or measuring dimensions, weight, or physical or chemical characteristics against specified requirements
- keeping accurate records of checks
- producing statistics of the results, and analysing them to decide whether products are acceptable
- writing reports on test results
- identifying inconsistencies and faults and discovering their root causes
- discussing any problems with suppliers or production staff
- helping to develop solutions to problems
- reviewing current work practices to improve quality standards
- developing systems to monitor customer satisfaction levels.
Besides production staff, quality control inspectors may work closely with other colleagues. For example, sales or account managers may liaise with the inspector to pass on concerns from clients that need to be addressed in the production process.
Inspectors may also deal with external auditors and customers’ inspectors, who visit to check the production process and quality control systems.
Hours and environment
Quality control inspectors usually work 35 to 40 hours a week. They often work shifts, including evenings, nights and weekends. It may be possible to work part time.
Inspectors are usually based in a workshop, laboratory or office. However, they often visit the factory floor or warehouses to check the production process, collect samples and talk to production staff. They may spend a lot of time on their feet.
Depending on the sector, factory premises may be clean and airy or dirty and dusty. They can also be noisy. Protective clothing, such as overalls, plastic overshoes and hairnets, may be worn, for safety reasons and to avoid contaminating the products.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Salaries for quality control inspectors may start at around €26,000 a year.
- With some experience, an inspector may earn around €35,000.
- Inspectors with wider responsibilities may earn up to €45,000 and, in certain industries (such as the pharmaceutical sector), as much as €55,000.
Skills and personal qualities
A quality control inspector needs to be:
- responsible, accurate and thorough, with a sharp eye for detail
- methodical and willing to work within set procedures and time constraints
- able to stay alert while doing repetitive tasks
- skilled at communicating with others verbally and in writing, and influencing people to improve standards
- good with numbers and able to analyse and interpret statistics
- equipped with the right technical or scientific knowledge, depending on the sector they work in
- computer literate
- able to act on their own initiative and work as part of a team.
Interests
A quality control inspector should:
- enjoy doing careful, detailed work
- be interested in getting things absolutely right.
Getting in
Employers include manufacturers in many sectors, such as:
- pharmaceuticals
- cosmetics
- building and construction
- food and drink
- automotive
- aerospace
- textiles
- electrical
- plastics
Entry routes
The role of quality control inspector is usually taken on by people with experience in the relevant industry. They often start out in production or engineering roles.
Quality control inspectors typically hold a bachelor’s degree in quality management or a related field, such as chemistry or biology.
Useful Links:
National Standards Authority of Ireland