What does a lead inspector do?
Lead inspector responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead inspector resumes:
- Manage survey crews on prelim route survey, and HDD core sample crews.
- Coordinate joint surveys with SATORP inspectors and manage clearance of all issue active LBE and NCR.
- Authore numerous new corporate NDT procedures, update procedures and administer all NDE corporate activities.
- Comply with all AS9100 and NADCAP requirements.
- Inspect articles to correct design, tooling and jigs.
- Total of 7 HDD crossings and 2 major highway crossings.
- Used blueprints, engineering orders, jigs and fixtures for fabrication.
- Complete and submit first article documentation (AS9102) to customers.
- Utilize both manual and programme CMM in the inspection of complex parts.
- Audit piping inspection plans against GMISS/GMIM, API 570 and business specific requirements.
- Operate CMM to test tolerances of fixtures, gauges, and parts in production.
- Follow the inspection check sheets and apply the correct sampling plans per QA procedures.
- Make sure that processes are compliant with customer requirements and specifications.Good knowledge of AS9102.
- Review drawings for RFI s and to insure accuracy and quality of final product.
- Assign duties to NDE technicians as needed for repair and alterations of tanks and piping.
Lead inspector skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Lead Inspectors are proficient in NDT, API, and NDE. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Math skills, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Lead Inspectors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- NDT, 7%
Led and managed the NDT Department in response to challenging defensive aircraft and weapon testing by providing continuous NDT capability support.
- API, 6%
Worked at Pump Station 1 performing API 653 inspection and the removal and replacement of a new floor.
- NDE, 5%
Coordinated multiple NDE crews on compliance work and directions on specific job tasks or projects.
- Inspection Reports, 5%
Compiled and reviewed all daily inspection reports ensuring compliance with contract requirements and Construction Management Procedures.
- III, 5%
Received two promotions in an 8 month period, went from a Level I inspector to a Level III inspector.
- Corrective Action, 4%
Developed and implemented the Corrective Action Tracking database to search and increase inspection finding tracking capabilities.
Common skills that a lead inspector uses to do their job include "ndt," "api," and "nde." You can find details on the most important lead inspector responsibilities below.
Math skills. Another essential skill to perform lead inspector duties is math skills. Lead inspectors responsibilities require that "knowledge of basic math is important for measuring, calibrating, and calculating specifications in quality control testing." Lead inspectors also use math skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "perform various in-process tests, qualitative and quantitative, in order to ensure that the material meets quality standards. "
Mechanical skills. lead inspectors are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to lead inspector responsibilities, because "quality control inspectors use tools and machinery when testing products." A lead inspector resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "trained and mentored less skilled employees and apprised customers of mechanical defects and corrective action(s). "
Physical strength. A big part of what lead inspectors do relies on "physical strength." You can see how essential it is to lead inspector responsibilities because "quality control inspectors may be required to lift or maneuver heavy production materials or finished products." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical lead inspector tasks: "perform physical and visual inspection on 400 or more hydraulic cylinders for taylor wharton coyne. "
Technical skills. Another common skill required for lead inspector responsibilities is "technical skills." This skill comes up in the duties of lead inspectors all the time, as "to ensure that products and parts meet quality standards, inspectors must understand the relevant blueprints, technical documents, and manuals." An excerpt from a real lead inspector resume shows how this skill is central to what a lead inspector does: "prepared and generated technical inspection reports. "
The three companies that hire the most lead inspectors are:
- Honeywell13 lead inspectors jobs
- APi Group7 lead inspectors jobs
- Colorado State Express5 lead inspectors jobs
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Compare different lead inspectors
Lead inspector vs. Catcher
The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement. Additionally, you will assemble electronics in their boxes and notify the quality/test engineer if the test yields below the acceptable levels.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between lead inspectors and catcher. For instance, lead inspector responsibilities require skills such as "ndt," "api," "nde," and "inspection reports." Whereas a catcher is skilled in "quality checks," "ppe," "tape measure," and "safety committee." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Catchers tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $34,416. In contrast, lead inspectors make the biggest average salary, $67,608, in the energy industry.catchers tend to reach lower levels of education than lead inspectors. In fact, catchers are 5.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Lead inspector vs. Quality control inspector lead
Quality Assurance Auditors are employees who ensure the adherence of other employees to company processes and guidelines. They are expected to be experts on quality assurance processes and procedures. They also have in-depth knowledge of the expected outcomes of such processes to ensure that the company only provides quality products and services. Quality assurance auditors are also familiar with regulatory laws and policies of governing bodies that oversee companies in their particular industry. They ensure that their companies are compliant and may conduct random quality checks every now and then.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, lead inspector responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "aerospace," "inspection process," "test results," and "computer programs." Meanwhile, a quality control inspector lead has duties that require skills in areas such as "calipers," "micrometers," "control inspection," and "non-conformance." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, quality control inspector leads achieve similar levels of education than lead inspectors. They're 3.8% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead inspector vs. Test operator
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from lead inspector resumes include skills like "ndt," "api," "nde," and "inspection reports," whereas a test operator is more likely to list skills in "test equipment," "hand tools," "test procedures," and "safety rules. "
Test operators earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $44,634. Comparatively, lead inspectors have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $67,608.test operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to lead inspectors. Specifically, they're 3.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead inspector vs. Quality assurance inspector
Types of lead inspector
Updated January 8, 2025
