A materials inspector is in charge of inspecting the materials used to manufacture items in various industries, as well as the materials that come in and out of an organization’s inventory. This position is also known as a quality control inspector in some companies. Materials inspectors ensure that the food they inspect does not make people sick, that the auto components they inspect last for years, and that the steel used in aircraft frames they inspect is of the highest quality available. Some inspectors use a hand-held tool, mechanical device, or electronic monitoring device in their work, depending on the industry. Other responsibilities include adhering to contract specifications and ensuring compliance, as well as working with government and industry regulatory agencies and conducting investigations.
A materials inspector may work as part of a team of inspectors due to the emphasis on producing high-quality products. This team is responsible for not only looking for defects, but also for determining the root cause of those defects and ensuring that the problem is resolved. The materials inspector may be responsible for monitoring equipment, reviewing output, and performing random inspections on products or materials in companies that use machines to find and even automatically repair defects.
A materials inspector also ensures that all materials inspected meet a set of requirements. These guidelines may be established by a specific industry, a company, or a government agency. A pre-specified maximum electrical voltage level may be set, for example, in the production of certain electronic components. A device may be used by the inspector to test a component by passing an electrical current through it. Materials inspectors use their senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste to ensure that specific materials are up to code.
A materials inspector’s job entails conducting investigations to determine the root causes of product failure, defects, or non-compliance. An investigation may be necessary if an inspector finds that a product or the materials used to make or build that product are defective or do not meet the required standard. This job may also include reviewing reports, records, computer data, and other documents in order to establish facts or detect problems. In some cases, the inspector is required to collect and evaluate evidence. A materials inspector may also collaborate with law enforcement or testify in court or administrative hearings.