Description

A quality assurance (QA) or quality control (QC) inspector works for a company to inspect, test, and sample materials, parts, or products for defects and any deviations from specifications. The inspector will discard anything that does not meet with company standards, including products, materials, and equipment used by the company in processing. A QA or QC inspector will observe production operations and equipment to ensure that specifications are being met and to make or order necessary adjustments to processes or assemblies. The inspector will discuss results and findings with those in charge of the products, and recommend any required corrective actions. A high school diploma is required to obtain employment as a quality assurance or quality control inspector, and a formal college degree (bachelor's or associate's, depending on employer preferences) is also sometimes needed. Previous experience carrying out the duties and responsibilities of an inspector is preferable, but on-the-job training can be provided by many companies. A keen attention to detail is central to the job in order to detect defects that could be easily missed by the consumer but still present a safety risk, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively when reporting issues and defects is necessary. An inspector should be able to interpret blueprints and other drawings that detail product specifications. Experience with measuring tools is required as well, and a quality assurance inspector should be able to work under pressure. Hours will vary, but an inspector can plan on working a set schedule that could be on the first, second, or third shift in a production factory or plant.

Roles & Responsibilities

With over 9 years of experience as a Quality Assurance/Quality Control QA/QC Inspector in Australia, the main responsibilities include:

  • Conduct thorough inspections of products, materials, and processes to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications, documenting findings and identifying non-conformities.
  • Develop and implement quality control procedures, including the creation of inspection plans, checklists, and test protocols.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues, provide technical expertise, and recommend corrective actions to improve product quality and reliability.
  • Participate in audits and certifications to assess and maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Inspector job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • In-depth knowledge of quality control procedures and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with industry standards and guidelines.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to conduct thorough inspections and audits of products, processes, and documentation, identifying and addressing any deviations or non-conformities.
  • Proficient in using various testing equipment, instruments, and software to perform accurate and reliable quality assessments.
  • Excellent communication skills to effectively communicate findings, recommendations, and quality-related information to internal teams, suppliers, and customers.

Essential Skills For Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Inspector

1

Auditing

2

ISO

3

Microsoft Excel

4

Measuring

5

Quality Control

Skills That Affect Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Inspector Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Office 365

34%

Career Prospects

For a QA/QC Inspector with 9+ years of experience in Australia, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are four options to explore:

  • Quality Assurance Manager: A position that involves overseeing the entire quality management system, ensuring compliance with regulations, and implementing process improvements.
  • Compliance Officer: A role focused on ensuring adherence to industry standards, regulations, and internal policies, conducting audits, and creating training programs for employees.
  • Operations Manager: A position that involves overseeing day-to-day operations, managing resources, optimizing processes, and ensuring efficiency and productivity.
  • Supplier Quality Engineer: A role that focuses on evaluating and managing suppliers, conducting quality audits, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives in the supply chain.

How to Learn

According to recent data from Google, the role of Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Inspector in Australia is expected to experience steady growth in the job market. Over the past 10 years, this position has shown a positive trend in terms of employment opportunities. The projected growth of this role suggests that there will be an increasing number of employment opportunities available in the future. It is recommended to refer to the latest available data from reliable sources for more detailed information on the number of job openings in this field.