The role of Quality Control in production is crucial. QC inspectors ensure their company follows all specifications and certifies that the end product, from gadgets and tools to houses and airplanes, is safe and reliable. The company’s reputation relies on the quality of its product, and the QC department ensures that quality happens.
Catapulting your manufacturing experience into a position in Quality Control is a great career move, but it comes with responsibilities, including –
- Reading blueprints and specifications
- Ensure the company’s operations meet industry guidelines and standards
- Make recommendations to improve efficiency, safety, or cost reductions
- Inspecting, testing, or measuring final products
- Accepting or rejecting finished items
- Removing products that fail to meet specifications
- Reporting inspection and testing data
There is a perception that quality control jobs are “office” jobs, complete with a desk and air conditioning. Although it may involve office time, it can be very physical. QC inspectors climb onto roofs, crawl inside tanks, run tests in research and development labs, work alongside the people on the production line, and more.
Moving into Quality Control means you will no longer be working with your hands to create the products your company sells. Instead, you will focus more on testing, measuring, and collecting data. Instead of building, you will oversee production and inspect the goods.
You will be responsible for returning defective parts to vendors or reassigning production parts for rework or repair. It may require the confidence to stand up to managers more interested in meeting deadlines.
Besides a solid working knowledge of your company’s products or manufacturing processes, an effective QC inspector must be detail-oriented, organized, and patient.
There is no room for cutting corners or skipping steps, even if it involves multiple inspections and measurements. Your signature on the quality certificate carries your company’s reputation and guarantees a safe and reliable product.
The average pay for a QC inspector in the US is $49K, topping around $80K. Most Quality Control jobs are salaried instead of hourly, often including additional benefits.
If the idea of QC appeals to you, learn all you can about your company’s processes. Educate yourself about the various regulations and laws that govern your field. Don’t let the lack of a college degree keep you from applying. Hands-on experience is often valued as much, or even more, than a degree.
Are you seeking a position for your QC skills? Gillman Services is dedicated to helping you make the most of your career. We are committed to providing the best opportunities to skilled laborers, focusing on commercial, industrial, mining, manufacturing, and marine construction. Call us today!
