What a quality control inspector does
Quality control inspectors check incoming materials, in-process work and finished products against drawings, specifications and customer requirements. They measure parts with calipers, micrometers, height gauges and sometimes a coordinate measuring machine, record results, hold or reject nonconforming material and write up issues for corrective action. In food plants, the role focuses on sampling, label checks and documentation for food safety programs. Either way, the inspector is your last line of defence before a problem reaches a customer.
A strong inspector combines technical skill with the confidence to stop product when something is wrong. Finch looks for candidates who understand the quality system your plant runs, whether ISO 9001, IATF 16949 for automotive or a food safety standard, and who keep records that stand up to an audit. We screen for measurement experience, drawing-reading ability and judgement, so you meet people who can protect your standards from their first week.
Typical responsibilities
- Inspect incoming, in-process and finished goods against drawings and specifications
- Measure parts using precision instruments and record results accurately
- Tag, segregate and document nonconforming product
- Complete first-article and in-process inspection reports
- Support root cause investigations and corrective action
- Maintain inspection records for customer and third-party audits
Qualifications and credentials
- Not a licensed role in Ontario; employers often look for a college diploma in quality, manufacturing or engineering technology
- Skill with calipers, micrometers and gauges; CMM experience is valued in machining
- Ability to read engineering drawings, and familiarity with GD&T for precision parts
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or food safety programs such as HACCP
- Some employers value ASQ certifications such as Certified Quality Inspector
Who hires a quality control inspector
- Automotive parts suppliers
- Aerospace and precision machining shops
- Food and beverage manufacturers
- Medical device and pharmaceutical packaging companies
- Plastics and metal fabrication plants
Where we recruit quality control inspector candidates
We fill quality control inspector roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Inspection tools and measurement methods the candidate has used
- Drawing-reading and GD&T knowledge relevant to your parts
- Experience with your quality standard and audit preparation
- Quality of written records, using a sample report where possible
- Judgement and willingness to hold product when needed
Interview questions to ask
- Tell me about a time you rejected a lot that production wanted to ship. How did you handle it?
- Which measuring instruments have you used daily, and how do you confirm they are calibrated?
- Walk me through how you would complete a first-article inspection on a new part.