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Entry Level Quality Control Inspector Jobs in Reston, VA

The Quality Control Engineer (QCE) is responsible for performing many of the quality control tasks ... Inspections are conducted to verify that trade partner work complies with the project ...

Provides inspection services for compliance with plans and specifications, prepares required contract documentation, and follows prescribed Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures. What You ...

Provides inspection services for compliance with plans and specifications, prepares required contract documentation, and follows prescribed Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures. What You ...

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Entry Level Quality Control Inspector information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$22

$34

How much do entry level quality control inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level quality control inspector in Reston, VA is $22.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level quality control inspectors, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level quality control inspectors often face challenges such as learning to identify subtle defects, understanding complex product specifications, and adapting to fast-paced production environments. To overcome these challenges, new inspectors can benefit from thorough training, seeking feedback from experienced colleagues, and consistently referencing quality standards. Collaborating closely with production and engineering teams also helps clarify expectations and improve inspection accuracy. With time and practice, inspectors typically develop sharper attention to detail and greater confidence in their assessments.

Is QC inspection a good career?

A career as a quality control inspector involves inspecting products and materials to ensure they meet quality standards, often requiring attention to detail and knowledge of industry regulations. It can offer stable employment with opportunities for advancement and skill development, especially with certifications like ASQ CQI. The role typically involves working in manufacturing or production environments and may require familiarity with testing tools and quality management systems.

What is the difference between Entry Level Quality Control Inspector vs Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Quality Control InspectorQuality Assurance Technician
CertificationsBasic quality control certifications or on-the-job trainingOften requires certifications like ASQ CQPA or related training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, production lines, warehousesLaboratories, production facilities, quality departments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automotive, electronicsPharmaceuticals, food production, manufacturing
Job FocusInspecting products for defects, measuring, testingDeveloping quality processes, audits, compliance

While both roles focus on quality, the Entry Level Quality Control Inspector primarily conducts product inspections and measurements on the production line. In contrast, the Quality Assurance Technician often works on developing and maintaining quality systems, performing audits, and ensuring compliance with standards. Both roles are essential in manufacturing but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What qualifications do you need to be a quality control inspector?

Entry-level quality control inspectors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic math, and familiarity with inspection tools or testing equipment; some positions may require certification or training in quality standards like ISO or Six Sigma.

What does an Entry Level Quality Control Inspector do?

An Entry Level Quality Control Inspector is responsible for examining products and materials to ensure they meet specific standards of quality. This typically involves visual inspections, measuring products, and recording the results of tests. Inspectors may also identify defects, report issues to supervisors, and help maintain clean and safe work environments. Their work is essential for ensuring that only products meeting company and regulatory standards reach customers.

How to become a QA inspector?

To become a quality control inspector, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, and relevant skills in inspection techniques, attention to detail, and knowledge of industry standards are important. Many employers prefer candidates with experience or certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI). Gaining hands-on experience through entry-level positions and developing skills in measurement tools and quality management systems can help advance in this field.

How to become a quality control inspector with no experience?

To become an entry-level quality control inspector with no experience, focus on developing attention to detail, basic understanding of manufacturing processes, and familiarity with inspection tools like calipers or gauges. Completing a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, and some employers offer on-the-job training or may prefer candidates with certifications such as a Quality Control or Six Sigma certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Quality Control Inspector, and why are they important?

To excel as an Entry Level Quality Control Inspector, you need keen attention to detail, basic math skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with measurement tools like calipers, micrometers, and quality management systems (QMS) is typically required. Strong observation, communication, and teamwork skills help inspectors spot defects and collaborate effectively with production teams. These abilities are crucial for maintaining product standards, ensuring safety, and supporting efficient manufacturing processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Quality Control Inspector jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Quality Control Inspector jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Quality Control Inspector jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Quality Control Inspector jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Quality Control Inspector jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Quality Control Inspector jobs in Reston, VA are:
Electrical Quality Control Inspector-Aldie,Virginia

Electrical Quality Control Inspector-Aldie,Virginia

M.C. Dean, Inc

New Baltimore, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 355 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
The Quality Control Inspector is responsible for following the M.C. Dean Quality Control (QC) Program to achieve and verify quality expectations for a durable and reliable installation. The Quality Control Officer is responsible for performing field inspections to ensure work is in compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct inspections to ensure compliance and conformance with project or contract specifications
  • Conduct inspections in accordance with Quality Control Plan
  • Conduct inspections to ensure adherence to applicable legal requirements
  • Confer with Quality Assurance, Manager as appropriate
  • Read blueprints and specifications
  • Monitor operations to ensure that they meet specifications
  • Recommend adjustments to the assembly or installation process
  • Inspect, identify, and submit material, components, or products for testing and measurement
  • Operate electronic inspection equipment and software
  • Document approval or rejection of inspected material, components, or products
  • Identify for removal all components, products and materials that fail to meet specifications
  • Report inspection and test data and quantities inspected
  • Participate in the Preparatory Meeting for each definable feature of work to review pertinent sections of the plans and specs requirements with the foreman supervising the work.
  • Participate in Initial Inspection to assure all required/approved materials, personnel and equipment are available, verify the site conditions, inspect the initial installation of the work and identify the required level of workmanship, quality, and safety measures
  • Participate in Follow-up Inspections continuously to insure professional workmanship, quality and safety in accordance with contract documents.
  • Perform inspections on all work performed in detail, efficiently, and in conjunction with Owner/QC.
  • Collect data, analyze for continuous improvement, and share with project team weekly.
  • Participate in the daily Operational Risk Management (ORM) meetings ensuring Quality items/issues for the scope of the work are discussed and present at least 2-3 quality tips of the day relevant to the scope of work.
  • Document daily QC reports
  • Understand and follow all applicable quality system procedures, performing all assigned responsibilities outlined in the QMS.
  • Perform Receiving (REC), First Article (FAI), In-Process (IP) and Final Inspections (FI) on electrical and mechanical assemblies visually and/or with inspection equipment.
  • Immediately notify operators, or supervision of any non-conformances in products
  • Perform all quality reporting requirements outlined in the MCD Quality Management System (including the inspection checklists, Data Collection Reports (PDCR), hold logs, discrepancy notices, waiver logs etc.) Identify for segregation nonconforming units following the MCD Nonconformance procedure for prefabricated and purchased products.
  • Assist in the training of operators and provide guidance.
  • Assist in the problem-solving process.
  • Participate in the Daily ORM work briefings to represent the Quality Portion.
  • Assist in root cause, corrective and preventive action development for systemic issues.
  • Advise appropriate party of any corrective action to be taken.
  • Coordinate with supervisor to ensure all shifts are covered appropriately in case of absence of an inspector.

Qualifications
Experience / Education Required:
  • Associates Degree in Technical Discipline (may be substituted for quality related experience)
  • At least 4 years hands-on experience in the electrical industry.
  • To possess or have the ability to obtain a state issued Journeyman License within 6 months of hire
  • Experience with reading and interpreting contractual requirements, drawings, BIM models, specifications, current NEC codes, NETA and other applicable standards
  • Experience with receiving, production, shipping and quality processes
  • Excellent communication skills (written, and verbal)
  • Strong attention to details, highly organized and computer literate
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid-time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time
  • Sitting for extended periods of time
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person

What M.C. Dean employees say

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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