Quality Paint Inspector

American Rheinmetall; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 27,552 - 48,216; Full time

Job summary

American Rheinmetall seeks a quality inspector to join its Michigan production quality team. You will perform in-process inspections, read blueprints, and ensure product conformance with GD&T and precision measurement tools.

Role emphasizes data collection, QMS/ERP documentation, and collaboration with engineering, production, and program management to support DoD-compliant processes and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of quality assurance methods and defense/aerospace quality standards (MIL-SPEC, ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Ability to interpret drawings, GD&T, and use precision measurement tools.
• Experience documenting inspection results in QMS/ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-process inspections and record results according to quality requirements.
• Conduct visual inspections of painted parts and verify specifications on conversion lines.
• Test products in painting/conversion coating processes including thickness, adhesion, and pH.
• Verify paperwork and certificates are present and maintained at workstations.
• Interpret blueprints and GD&T to confirm tolerances for machined parts.
• Utilise precision tools to complete dimensional reports and ensure conformance.
• Containt discrepancies and support root-cause analyses and CAPA activities.
• Capture data per drawings, PPAP standards, and customer specifications.
• Participate in Gage R&R studies and other measurement system analyses.
• Perform additional quality duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.

Skills

Quality assurance

Inspection processes

GD&T

MIL-SPEC/AS9100

Precision measurement

Documentation in QMS/ERP

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High-school diploma or GED

Quality control training

Tools

CMM

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

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. 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.

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 certificates are present and properly maintained at workstations.
• Interpret blueprints and technical drawings to confirm specifications and tolerances for a wide range of machined components.
• Utilise 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 organisational and customer needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing):

• Knowledge of quality assurance methods, inspection processes, and defence/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 programme management teams.
• Ability to work independently and in cross‑functional teams while maintaining strict attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Department of Defence (DoD) regulations, ITAR/EAR compliance and adherence to security requirements.

Education:

• High‑school diploma or GED required.
• Additional technical training or coursework in quality control, manufacturing technology or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a quality paint inspection or quality assurance role within a manufacturing environment, preferably in the military or defence 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 and controlled substance testing.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• 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, colour 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, colour, 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.