Professional First Article Inspector Jobs in Texas

PositionSummary
The QualityInspector supports Willbanks Metals' commitment to product integrity, customersatisfaction, and disciplined process execution by performing inspections,managing nonconformance workflows, and reinforcing quality standards at thefloor level.
This roleserves as a hands-on quality partner to Operations, Shipping, Sales, andProduction by verifying product conformance, coordinating internal and externalRMAs and NCRs, training operators on quality expectations, and escalating riskwith clarity and urgency. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, operationallycredible, and comfortable balancing inspection rigor with practical problemsolving in a fast-paced steel service center environment.
KeyResponsibilities
• Perform incoming, in-process, and finalinspections on steel products and processed material to verify conformance tocustomer, internal, and specification requirements.
• Review work orders, purchase orders, mill testreports, certifications, dimensional requirements, and customer-specificquality documents to ensure product traceability and compliance.
• Own and administer internal and external RMA andNCR activity, including intake, documentation, segregation, investigationsupport, follow-up, and final disposition tracking.
• Partner with operations leadership and floorpersonnel to identify defects, process drift, recurring issues, andbottlenecks, then communicate practical containment and corrective actionrecommendations.
• Train and coach operators at the floor level oninspection points, customer requirements, work instructions, documentationexpectations, and proper escalation of nonconforming material.
• Support first article inspections, PPAP-relateddocumentation, and audit readiness activities when required by customer orinternal quality processes.
• Conduct layered process checks and routinequality walkthroughs to verify adherence to procedures, specifications,housekeeping expectations, and quality controls.
• Maintain accurate inspection records,nonconformance logs, return data, and supporting quality documentation inaccordance with company procedures.
• Coordinate with Sales, Operations, Shipping, andPurchasing on customer complaints, returns, rework decisions, and dispositionof suspect or rejected material.
• Assist in calibration tracking and verificationof measuring tools and inspection equipment used in the plant and yard.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, andISO 9001-related compliance efforts by preparing documentation and verifyingexecution at the operating level.
• Monitor quality trends and recurring issues,escalating meaningful patterns and improvement opportunities to the ContinuousImprovement and Quality Director.
• Operate with a strong safety mindset whileworking around heavy steel products, overhead cranes, forklifts, and productionequipment.
Leadershipand Operating Expectations
• Maintain a visible, credible presence on theproduction floor and build trust with operators through consistency,responsiveness, and technical judgment.
• Communicate clearly with leaders and frontlineemployees on defects, priorities, and containment steps without creatingambiguity.
• Use sound judgment to balance speed, customerservice, and compliance while protecting quality standards.
• Model accountability, urgency, andprofessionalism in resolving issues that affect customers, production flow, orquality system performance.
Required Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED required; additional technical training in quality, manufacturing, or industrial operations is a plus.
• 3+ years of experience in quality inspection, production support, manufacturing quality, or a related role in a steel service center, metal processing, fabrication, or industrial environment.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, purchase orders, customer requirements, basic drawings, and inspection criteria.
• Hands-on experience handling nonconforming material, quality documentation, and issue follow-up in an operating environment.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation discipline, and follow-through.
• Ability to train and influence operators and lead quality conversations professionally on the shop floor.
• Crane and forklift certified, or able to obtain certification and operate safely within company requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort working in ERP or production systems.
Preferred Qualifications
• Familiarity with PPAP documentation and customer-specific quality submissions.
• Experience performing first article inspections and supporting corrective action processes.
• Exposure to internal, customer, or certification audits.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 principles, documentation control, and process discipline.
• Understanding of steel grades, shapes, coil or sheet processing, and traceability expectations.
• Experience with root cause analysis, trend reporting, or continuous improvement initiatives.
CoreCompetencies
• Inspection discipline and documentation accuracy
• Issue ownership and timely follow-up
• Operator training and floor-level coaching
• Cross-functional communication
• Customer-focused problem resolution
• Root cause thinking and process awareness
• Safety awareness in a heavy industrial environment
WorkEnvironment and Physical Requirements
• Work is performed in both office and plant/yardenvironments with frequent exposure to heavy steel products, moving equipment,noise, dust, and changing temperatures.
• Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching,and visual inspection activity are required throughout the shift.
• Must be able to safely work around overheadcranes, forklifts, production lines, and material handling equipment whilefollowing all safety rules and PPE requirements.
PositionNotes
This job description is intended to describe the general nature andlevel of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list ofall duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Duties may bemodified to meet business needs.
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