Quality Inspector

Laitram LLC; Harahan (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Laitram Machine Shop is seeking a Quality Inspector to join our Quality Control team in Harahan, LA. You will perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections, interpreting drawings and GD&T while ensuring materials meet all requirements.

This role supports root-cause investigations and continuous improvement in a high-mix manufacturing setting. Strong attention to detail and experience with standard inspection tools are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have at least a high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or machining environment.
• At least 6 months of experience in a quality control/inspection role.
• Proven ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail in a high-mix, fast-changing production environment.
• Good time management, independence, and strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming raw materials and machined components to ensure conformance to drawings, specs, and quality standards.
• Perform first article, in-process, and final inspections across a wide variety of parts and materials.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications to determine inspection requirements.
• Generate, document, and manage nonconformance reports; quarantine nonconforming material.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions to prevent recurrence of quality issues.
• Maintain clean, organized, audit-ready inspection area and QC lab.
• Collaborate with machinists, supervisors, and engineering to resolve quality issues quickly.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Time management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Teams

Job description

Laitram Machine Shop is seeking a Quality Inspector to work in our Quality Control department. Laitram, LLC, is a global manufacturing company that has been part of the Louisiana business landscape for more than 50 years. Laitram employs over 3,000 people worldwide across four operating divisions – Intralox LLC, Laitram Machinery, Inc., Lapeyre Stair, Inc., and Laitram Machine Shop LLC. Laitram has been recognized for innovation and workplace excellence, including the New Orleans City Business “Best Place to Work” award. Laitram Machine Shop provides cost effective, zero-defect inventory parts and components to other Laitram divisions, while supporting new product development through technical expertise and rapid turnaround.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming raw materials and machined components to ensure conformance to engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards prior to release to inventory or production.
• Perform first article, in-process, and final inspections across a wide variety of parts and materials.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications to determine inspection requirements.
• Generate, document, and manage nonconformance reports (NCRs); identify, segregate, and quarantine nonconforming material.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions to prevent recurrence of quality issues.
• Ensure adherence to established sampling plans and inspection procedures.
• Accurately record inspection results and maintain data integrity in quality systems and databases.
• Use inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gages, indicators, and other precision measurement tools.
• Assist with CMM, vision systems (e.g., Keyence), or other advanced measurement systems as required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready inspection area and QC lab.
• Collaborate with machinists, supervisors, and engineering to resolve quality issues quickly in a high-mix environment.
• Assist in training cross-functional personnel on quality requirements, inspection techniques, and best practices.
• Communicate quality concerns and trends clearly through reports, metrics, and direct interaction with team members.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, improving processes, and increasing efficiency.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or machining environment.
• At least 6 months of experience in a quality control/inspection role.
• Proven ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail, especially in a high-mix, frequently changing production environment.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient in basic computer applications (Microsoft Office, Excel, Teams, etc.).
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal).