QA Inspector-Marine Coatings 001

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaizen Lab Inc. in Norfolk, VA is seeking a Quality Assurance Inspector for Coatings & Testing to develop, schedule, and track tests and inspections, and ensure documentation aligns with test and inspection plans per Quality Department standards.

The role focuses on inspecting in-process and final craft work, calibrating gauges, and verifying subcontractor QA submittals, with emphasis on regulatory and contract compliance.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of marine coatings inspection experience.
• Proficient with SSPC/NACE standards.
• Ability to read/interpret complex contracts, specs, and drawings.
• Excellent communication, planning, and documentation skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and QA databases.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer test/inspection plans per quality and contract requirements (e.g., NAVSEA, USCG, classification societies).
• Coordinate with supervision, crafts, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure all inspections meet contract specs before final regulatory sign-off.
• Monitor workmanship for compliance with applicable standards and shipbuilding practices.
• Ensure calibration of gauges/instruments.
• Report deficiencies via IDRs, QDRs, and NCS per QMS.
• Support development of test memos and process control procedures.
• Train supervisors and test directors on inspection requirements.
• Verify subcontractor qualifications and QA submittals.
• Review external QA requirements to ensure compliance without exceeding contract scope.
• Ensure blasting and coating activities meet regulatory, code, and manufacturer standards.
• Confirm employee certifications and competency for assigned tasks.
• Perform random material compliance checks.

Skills

Marine coatings inspection

SSPC/NACE standards

Read/interpret contracts/specs/drawigs

Communication & documentation

MS Office & QA databases

Customer service & conflict resolution

Job description

Quality Assurance Inspector – Coatings & Testing

Position Summary

Responsible for developing, scheduling, and tracking tests and inspections; inspecting in-process and final craft work; and ensuring documentation aligns with test and inspection plans per Quality Department standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and administer test/inspection plans per quality and contract requirements (e.g., NAVSEA, USCG, classification societies).
• Coordinate with supervision, crafts, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure all inspections meet contract specs before final regulatory sign-off.
• Monitor workmanship for compliance with applicable standards and shipbuilding practices.
• Ensure calibration of gauges/instruments.
• Report deficiencies via IDRs, QDRs, and NCS per QMS.
• Support development of test memos and process control procedures.
• Train supervisors and test directors on inspection requirements.
• Verify subcontractor qualifications and QA submittals.
• Review external QA requirements to ensure compliance without exceeding contract scope.
• Ensure blasting and coating activities meet regulatory, code, and manufacturer standards.
• Confirm employee certifications and competency for assigned tasks.
• Perform random material compliance checks.

Qualifications

Required Experience:

• 2+ years of marine coatings inspection experience

Required Certifications:

• NACE or SSPC Coatings Inspector (Level 1+ preferred)
• NBPI Certification (for US Navy projects)
• Valid Driver’s License

Required Skills:

• Proficient with SSPC/NACE standards and marine inspection tools
• Strong knowledge of ship repair, class society surveying, and inspection practices
• Ability to read/interpret complex contracts, specs, and drawings
• Excellent communication, planning, and documentation skills
• Proficient in MS Office and QA databases
• Strong customer service and conflict resolution abilities

Physical & Work Environment

• Shipyard setting with exposure to noise, weather, confined spaces, and production areas

Frequent walking, climbing, bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs)

EOE/M/F/AA/Disability/Vet | Drug-Free Workplace