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Lead Inspector Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Positioned between a Quality Lead and a CMM Programmer, this role combines hands-on inspection capability with strong print interpretation and requirements understanding, while executing structured ...

Quality Inspectors uphold the safety policies of the company, and ensure our products meet Triumph ... Lead through ingenuity and entrepreneurship. * Act with Velocity - Partner, anticipate and ...

Quality Inspectors uphold the safety policies of the company, and ensure our products meet Triumph ... Lead through ingenuity and entrepreneurship. * Act with Velocity - Partner, anticipate and ...

Quality Inspectors uphold the safety policies of the company, and ensure our products meet Triumph ... Lead through ingenuity and entrepreneurship. * Act with Velocity - Partner, anticipate and ...

Lead the timely and accurate completion of inspection deliverables, including bridge inspection reports and bridge scoping reports, in accordance with contractual requirements. * Coordinate traffic ...

Lead the timely and accurate completion of inspection deliverables, including bridge inspection reports and bridge scoping reports, in accordance with contractual requirements. * Coordinate traffic ...

Lead the timely and accurate completion of inspection deliverables, including bridge inspection reports and bridge scoping reports, in accordance with contractual requirements. * Coordinate traffic ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Inspector information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$13

$30

$59

How much do lead inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead inspector in Detroit, MI is $30.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $39.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead inspector do?

A lead inspector examines homes or buildings for the presence of lead paint or other material with a lead base. In this career, you may work in residential homes, public facilities, or commercial buildings. Most facilities that serve children, such as schools, need to have their buildings checked for lead content. You walk through the building, inspecting every wall and surface for the possibility of lead and test the paint to determine the severity of the hazard. After each inspection, you document your findings for your client or company.

What are some common challenges faced by a lead inspector, and how are they typically addressed?

Lead Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing tight project deadlines, coordinating with multiple teams, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. To address these, they rely on strong organizational skills, clear communication, and up-to-date knowledge of industry standards. Building strong relationships with team members and stakeholders also helps streamline inspection processes and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring projects remain on track and compliant.

How much do lead inspectors make?

Lead inspectors typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry or region. In some areas, experienced lead inspectors with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially if working in construction, safety, or quality assurance environments.

What is a lead inspector?

Lead Inspectors are professionals responsible for identifying the presence of lead-based paint and other lead hazards in homes, schools, and other buildings. They conduct visual assessments, collect samples of dust, paint, and soil, and use specialized equipment to detect lead contamination. Their work is crucial for ensuring that environments meet safety standards and protect occupants, especially children, from the harmful effects of lead exposure. Lead Inspectors often work with property owners, contractors, and government agencies to recommend and oversee remediation efforts.

What is the difference between Lead Inspector vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectLead InspectorQuality Control Inspector
CertificationsOften requires certifications like ASQ CQI, API, or specific industry standardsMay require basic certifications, but less frequently
Work EnvironmentSupervises inspection teams, coordinates inspections, and ensures compliancePerforms inspections, checks products or processes, and reports issues
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and oil & gas industriesCommon across manufacturing, automotive, and production sectors

The main difference between a Lead Inspector and a Quality Control Inspector is that the Lead Inspector oversees inspection teams and manages inspection processes, while the Quality Control Inspector primarily conducts inspections and reports on product quality. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in ensuring compliance and quality standards within various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Inspector, you need strong attention to detail, knowledge of industry regulations, and relevant experience or certifications in inspection practices. Familiarity with inspection tools, quality management systems, and reporting software is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and resolve issues efficiently. These skills are crucial to ensure compliance, maintain safety standards, and drive continuous improvement within inspection processes.
Infographic showing various Lead Inspector job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,599 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Quality Inspector

Kratos Defense

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

 

 

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Quality Inspector (Incoming & CMM Operator) is responsible for verifying the quality and conformance of incoming materials, components, and assemblies, while operating Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) using pre-programmed routines. This role ensures that all incoming product meets engineering, customer, and regulatory requirements prior to release into production.

Positioned between a Quality Lead and a CMM Programmer, this role combines hands-on inspection capability with strong print interpretation and requirements understanding, while executing structured measurement processes using calibrated inspection equipment.

This position reports to the Quality Manager or Quality Lead and works closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supplier Quality to ensure incoming quality, traceability, and compliance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Incoming Inspection & Verification

  • Perform inspection of incoming materials, components, and assemblies against:
    • Engineering drawings and specifications
    • Purchase order requirements
    • Customer and regulatory standards (AS9100)
  • Verify dimensional, visual, and documentation compliance prior to acceptance
  • Ensure all incoming product is properly identified, tagged, and traceable
  • Support receiving inspection processes aligned to MP&L and Supply Chain
  • Final inspection of product & assist in generating certificates of conformity
  • Validating processes and maintaining adherence to aerospace standards, for  complete serial-number and lot-level traceability

CMM Operation (Pre-Programmed)

  • Operate CMM equipment using pre-existing inspection programs
  • Load, fixture, and align parts for accurate measurement execution
  • Execute inspection routines and verify output data integrity
  • Identify out-of-tolerance conditions and escalate appropriately
  • Ensure proper handling, calibration awareness, and care of inspection equipment

Print Reading & Requirements Interpretation

  • Interpret engineering drawings including:
    • GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
    • Critical-to-quality characteristics
    • Dimensional and tolerance requirements
  • Understand part requirements and inspection criteria
  • Validate inspection results against defined acceptance criteria

Documentation & Data Entry

  • Record inspection results in:
    • Inspection reports
    • First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation (AS9102 support)
    • QMS systems (UniPoint) and/or ERP/PLM systems
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and traceable inspection records
  • Ensure inspection data is aligned to part configuration and revision

Nonconformance Identification & Control

  • Identify and document nonconforming material
  • Support containment activities including segregation and tagging
  • Generate or support Nonconformance Reports (NCRs)
  • Interface with Quality Engineer and Supplier Quality Engineer on disposition

Cross-Functional Support

  • Interface with:
    • Supply Chain / Receiving - incoming material flow and documentation
    • Manufacturing - acceptance of parts into production
    • Engineering - clarification of drawing/specification requirements
    • Quality Engineering - root cause and corrective action support
  • Ensure alignment between inspection results and operational needs

Equipment & Calibration Awareness

  • Ensure use of calibrated inspection tools and equipment
  • Follow calibration control processes and equipment handling procedures
  • Maintain cleanliness and proper setup of inspection areas and equipment

Continuous Improvement & Quality Discipline

  • Support improvements in incoming inspection processes and workflows
  • Identify recurring supplier or part issues and escalate trends
  • Reinforce standard work and inspection consistency
  • Support AS9100 compliance and audit readiness

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

  • No direct supervisory responsibility
  • Works under direction of the Quality Manager / Quality Lead

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

  • Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
  • Hands-on experience with inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc.)
  • Ability to operate CMM equipment using pre-programmed routines
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Understanding of inspection processes and quality requirements
  • Ability to document and communicate inspection results clearly
  • Basic computer skills (Excel, data entry systems)

Preferred

  • Experience in aerospace or AS9100-regulated environment
  • Familiarity with UniPoint (QMS) and/or Costpoint ERP
  • Experience supporting FAI (AS9102) documentation
  • Basic understanding of CMM programming concepts (not required to program)
  • Exposure to root cause and corrective action processes

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 2-5 years of inspection or quality experience in manufacturing environment

Preferred

  • Technical training or certification in inspection or metrology
  • Experience in precision machining or aerospace components

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Shop floor and quality lab environment
  • Frequent interaction with parts, components, and inspection equipment
  • Ability to stand for extended periods
  • Ability to lift materials or components up to 40 lbs
  • Requires precision hand movement and attention to detail

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimal (<10%)

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY.   THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

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