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

As a Quality Assurance/Quality Control QA/QC Inspector with 3-6 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting thorough inspections of products, materials, and processes to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications. You will perform detailed inspections and tests to verify that products, materials, and processes meet the required quality standards and specifications.
  • Documenting and reporting inspection results, including non-conformances and corrective actions. You will accurately record and report inspection findings, documenting any instances of non-conformance and suggesting corrective actions to address them.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and implement process improvements. You will work closely with various departments to address quality issues, identify root causes, and implement process improvements to enhance overall product quality.
  • Conducting supplier assessments and audits to ensure compliance with quality requirements.

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

Windows System

2

Auditing

3

Quality Management

4

Microsoft Excel

5

Food Safety

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.

Windows System

28%

Auditing

58%

Quality Management

7%

Microsoft Excel

21%

Food Safety

8%

Career Prospects

The role of a Quality Assurance QA / Quality Control QC Inspector in Australia, with 3-6 years of experience, is crucial for ensuring product quality and adherence to standards. Here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Quality Assurance Manager: A position involving overall management of the quality assurance process, including developing and implementing quality systems, conducting audits, and overseeing compliance.
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist: A role focused on ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards, managing submissions for regulatory approvals, and providing guidance on regulatory requirements.
  • Supplier Quality Engineer: A position that involves assessing and managing the quality of materials and components supplied by vendors, conducting supplier audits, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
  • Process Improvement Analyst: A role centered around analyzing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency and quality throughout the organization.

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.