Receiving Inspector Technician

Harvard Bioscience; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Bioscience is seeking a Receiving Inspection Technician for our Saint Paul, MN location. You will inspect incoming materials, components, and finished goods against drawings and specifications, document results, and support nonconformance processes to maintain production flow.

The role requires at least two years in receiving/quality inspection, ability to read engineering drawings, and proficiency with measurement tools. JD Edwards experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Two years minimum in receiving inspection, quality inspection, or related manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, and inspection instructions.
• Experience with dimensional inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) and standard measurement practices.
• Proficient in documenting inspection results and maintaining traceability in ERP/quality systems.
• Strong attention to detail, good judgment, and documentation accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Inspect incoming materials, components, assemblies, and finished goods against drawings and purchase requirements.
• Use inspection tools and equipment to verify dimensional and visual requirements.
• Review supplier documentation for conformance (certificates, test reports, certifications).
• Record inspection results accurately in ERP systems and maintain records per document-control standards.
• Identify nonconforming material, initiate nonconformance records, and support disposition activities.
• Communicate inspection status and priorities with Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Receiving, and Production.
• Maintain calibration status of inspection equipment and ensure tools are within calibration.
• Assist supplier-quality investigations, audits, and corrective actions as needed.

Skills

Reading drawings & specs

Dimensional inspection methods

Attention to detail

Written & verbal communication

Inspection planning & prioritization

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

JD Edwards

Job description

About Harvard Bioscience

Harvard Bioscience is a leading developer, manufacturer and seller of technologies, products and services that enable fundamental research, discovery, and pre-clinical testing for drug development. Our customers range from renowned academic institutions and government laboratories, to the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract research organizations. With operations in North America, Europe, and China, we sell through a combination of direct and distribution channels to customers around the world. We are a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: HBIO).

A career with Harvard Bioscience is more than a job – it is an experience where our employees are energized, engaged and aligned to our mission:

To enhance human health by empowering researchers with precise, reliable life science techniques, support and services that accelerate discovery and development.

We value behaviors that advance our mission, strengthen our culture, and uphold scientific excellence across all regions and functions. We foster:

Passion and Ownership – Take initiative and own our results.

Resilience – We persevere through challenges with determination and optimism.

Ethics – We act with honesty and accountability in everything we do.

Collaboration – We success together through teamwork and respect.

Innovation – We think boldly and drive creative solutions in support of

Excellence – We strive for the highest standards in all we do.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Data Sciences, a division of Harvard Bioscience, is seeking a Receiving Inspection Technician for our St. Paul location.

The Receiving Inspection Technician performs inspections of incoming materials, components, and finished goods to verify conformance with drawings, specifications, purchase requirements, and quality procedures. This role records inspection results, identifies and controls nonconforming material, maintains complete and accurate quality records, and works closely with Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations to support timely material disposition and uninterrupted production.

Essential Job Functions

• Inspect incoming raw materials, components, assemblies, and finished goods against engineering drawings, specifications, purchase orders, approved samples, and inspection plans.
• Use appropriate inspection and measurement equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, optical equipment, and other tools, to verify dimensional and visual requirements.
• Review supplier documentation, including certificates of conformance, material certifications, test reports, and traceability records, for completeness and compliance.
• Document inspection results accurately in the quality and ERP systems and maintain inspection records in accordance with document-control and retention requirements.
• Identify, label, segregate, and process nonconforming material; initiate nonconformance records and support material review and disposition activities.
• Communicate inspection status, discrepancies, and material priorities to Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Receiving, and Production personnel.
• Maintain calibrated inspection equipment and verify that tools are within calibration before use.
• Support supplier-quality investigations, corrective actions, audits, first-article inspections, and continuous-improvement activities as assigned.
• Follow established quality procedures, safety requirements, and good documentation practices while maintaining an organized inspection area.

Skills and Abilities Required

Successful Candidate Will:

• Have at least two years of experience in receiving inspection, quality inspection, manufacturing quality, or a related technical environment.
• Be able to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, inspection instructions, and purchase requirements.
• Have working knowledge of dimensional inspection methods and common measurement tools, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to recognize and document nonconforming conditions.
• Have experience using JD Edwards and/or other ERP or quality management systems.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally and collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Operations, and suppliers.
• Organize and prioritize multiple inspections while responding to changing production needs.
• Be proficient with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Education and Experience and/or Equivalent

High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant receiving inspection, quality inspection, or manufacturing experience. Technical coursework or training in dimensional inspection, blueprint reading, metrology, manufacturing, or quality is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Physical demands

• Regularly sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands and fingers to handle parts, documents, computers, and precision measurement equipment.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or material-handling equipment as appropriate.
• Perform repetitive and precise hand movements when measuring, manipulating, labeling, and documenting components.
• Maintain the visual acuity, color perception, depth perception, and manual dexterity needed to identify surface conditions, read detailed drawings and labels, and inspect small components.
• Work in office, warehouse, and production environments with exposure to moving equipment, varying noise levels, and occasional temperature fluctuations.
• Use required personal protective equipment and follow all applicable safety procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without employer sponsorship.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERAN/DISABILITY

FLSA

Non-Exempt

ADA Disclaimer

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.