Quality Inspector

American Rheinmetall; Slidell (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

American Rheinmetall in Slidell, LA is seeking a detail-oriented Quality Inspector to join the manufacturing quality team. You will perform in-process inspections, record results, and verify conformance to drawings, specifications, and DoD standards.

The role requires reading blueprints/ GD&T, using calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other inspection tools, and contributing to CAPA and SPC activities to support continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of quality inspection experience in manufacturing.
• Familiarity with MIL-SPEC, ISO 9001, and AS9100 preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-process inspections and record results.
• Conduct visual inspections of painted parts and assemblies.
• Test at designated process stages including coatings and measurements.
• Verify paperwork and certifications at workstations.
• Interpret drawings to confirm tolerances and specifications.
• Use precision tools to generate dimensional reports.
• Support containment and CAPA/RCAs as needed.
• Communicate quality issues with engineering and production.

Skills

Quality assurance

GD&T reading

Blueprint reading

CMM usage

Inspection tools

Education

High school diploma

GED acceptable

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

CMM

Gage blocks

Job description

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets at the speed of need. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.

Job Summary:

Tests and inspects products at various stages of production process and compiles and evaluates statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products by performing the following duties.

Located in the Slidell, LA area. Contract only.

Essential Functions:

• Perform in-process inspections and measurements, accurately recording results in accordance with quality requirements.
• Conduct visual inspections of painted parts across all conversion lines to ensure compliance with customer specifications.
• Select and test products at designated stages of the Painting and Conversion Coating processes, including temperature, paint thickness, adhesion, concentration, titration, and pH testing on products and/or approved samples.
• Verify that all required paperwork, documentation, and certifications are present and properly maintained at workstations.
• Interpret blueprints and technical drawings to confirm specifications and tolerances for a wide range of machined components.
• Utilize precision inspection tools and equipment to complete dimensional reports and validate conformance to requirements.
• Initiate and support containment activities when discrepancies or nonconformances are identified.
• Review and refine data collection requirements based on customer drawings, models, work orders, purchase orders, sketches, and PPAP standards.
• Participate in Gage R&R studies and other measurement system analyses to support continuous improvement.
• Perform additional quality-related duties as assigned by management to meet organizational and customer needs.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments.
• Ensure that measuring and testing equipment are calibrated and maintained properly.
• Conduct regular checks on equipment accuracy.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders regarding quality issues, improvements, and resolutions.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to address quality-related feedback.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge of quality assurance methods, inspection processes, and defense/aerospace quality standards, including MIL-SPEC, ISO 9001, and AS9100.
• Ability to interpret and apply technical drawings, blueprints, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Proficient in the use of precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, gauges, CMM, etc.) and inspection equipment.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, assembly, and coatings, and how they impact product quality.
• Skilled in documenting inspection results accurately within quality management systems (QMS) and ERP software.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis (RCA), corrective/preventive actions (CAPA), and statistical process control (SPC).
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineering, production, and program management teams.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams while maintaining strict attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD) regulations, ITAR/EAR compliance, and adherence to security requirements.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Additional technical training or coursework in quality control, manufacturing technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a quality inspection or quality assurance role within a manufacturing environment, preferably in the military or defense industry.
• Experience with inspection tools, blueprint reading, and working to industry standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100 is preferred.

Background Prerequisites:

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing. Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain suitability requirements for access to classified information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience, education, certification that would be nice to have but are not required

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and handle materials or components up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, and crouching as needed to inspect parts at various stages of production.
• Visual acuity to perform detailed inspections, including close vision, color vision, and depth perception.
• Manual dexterity to use precision measuring tools and handle small parts and equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment that may include exposure to moderate noise, dust, fumes, and varying temperatures.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.