What does a mechanical inspector do?
Mechanical inspectors are skilled professionals who are responsible for inspecting the electrical, mechanical, and other systems for commercial and residential buildings. These inspectors are required to inspect equipment such as boilers, HVAC systems, and elevators to ensure they are properly functioning. They must ensure that the works done are following local regulations while investigating reports of code violations. Mechanical inspectors must also interpret engineering drawings and specification requirements while performing quality evaluations on materials to determine the acceptance of products.
Mechanical inspector responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real mechanical inspector resumes:
- Inspect parts to blueprints using all measuring equipment; micrometer, surface plate, calipers, customer certifications and P.O.
- Review vendor supply certifications and first article inspection reports for accurate completion of documentation.
- Draft ISO's as needed.
- Adhere to FDA and ISO compliance.
- Assemble composite assemblies in jigs.
- Program and operate Mitutoyo CMM.
- Monitor hydro testing and NDT testing.
- Attend all QC meetings with client representatives.
- Well verse in reading mechanical drawings, ANSI standards.
- Preform detailed first piece inspections in accordance with AS9102.
- Maintain daily QC inspector reports and QA computer data base.
- Examine parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges.
- Take measurements using micrometers to determine if parts are within specify tolerances base on manuals and drawings.
- Skil using precision measuring instruments including calipers and micrometer.
- Perform inspection activities (using measurement equipment, gauges, CMM, non-contact measurement system etc . )
Mechanical inspector skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Mechanical Inspectors are proficient in Calipers, Micrometers, and Mechanical Inspection. They’re also known for soft skills such as Dexterity, Math skills, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Mechanical Inspectors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Calipers, 10%
Skilled using precision measuring instruments including calipers and micrometer.
- Micrometers, 9%
Take measurements using micrometers to determine if parts are within specified tolerances based on manuals and drawings.
- Mechanical Inspection, 8%
Programmed and operated high precision video and mechanical inspection equipment to measure plastic parts for steel mold qualifications.
- GD, 6%
Weld qualification analysis GD & T per ASME Y14.5M Calibration.
- Engineering Drawings, 6%
Read and interpret GD&T blueprints, and engineering drawings in accordance with local inspection criteria/ requirements and customer specifications.
- Aerospace, 4%
Inspected mechanical components for aerospace industry for compliance to government specifications and blueprints.
Common skills that a mechanical inspector uses to do their job include "calipers," "micrometers," and "mechanical inspection." You can find details on the most important mechanical inspector responsibilities below.
Math skills. Many mechanical inspector duties rely on math skills. "knowledge of basic math is important for measuring, calibrating, and calculating specifications in quality control testing.," so a mechanical inspector will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways mechanical inspector responsibilities rely on math skills: "maintained and kept good data entry and math skills. "
Mechanical skills. This is an important skill for mechanical inspectors to perform their duties. For an example of how mechanical inspector responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "quality control inspectors use tools and machinery when testing products." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a mechanical inspector: "well versed in reading mechanical drawings, ansi standards. ".
Physical strength. A big part of what mechanical inspectors do relies on "physical strength." You can see how essential it is to mechanical 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 mechanical inspector tasks: "used surface plate, optical comparator, height gauges, calipers, gauge blocks and pins for physical inspection on parts. "
Technical skills. Another common skill required for mechanical inspector responsibilities is "technical skills." This skill comes up in the duties of mechanical 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 mechanical inspector resume shows how this skill is central to what a mechanical inspector does: "compiled and explained first article inspection packages including specifications and technical drawings in support of assembly and manufacturing processes. "
The three companies that hire the most mechanical inspectors are:
- Verify14 mechanical inspectors jobs
- BAE Systems6 mechanical inspectors jobs
- Stratasys5 mechanical inspectors jobs
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Compare different mechanical inspectors
Mechanical 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 mechanical inspectors and catcher. For instance, mechanical inspector responsibilities require skills such as "calipers," "micrometers," "mechanical inspection," and "gd." Whereas a catcher is skilled in "quality checks," "assembly line," "ppe," and "tape measure." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Catchers really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $34,416. Comparatively, mechanical inspectors tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $56,115.The education levels that catchers earn slightly differ from mechanical inspectors. In particular, catchers are 3.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a mechanical inspector. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Mechanical inspector vs. Test operator
An inspector general is responsible for doing audit reports and inspections to ensure that no possible fraud, misconduct, corruption, or power abuse in the government or private sector occurs. Their role is to monitor and inspect the agencies' effectiveness, assess possible mismanagement of a company, and improve the economy. Also, they usually conduct and review audit reports or investigations to ensure an agency's compliance to the policies and guidelines.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that mechanical inspector responsibilities requires skills like "calipers," "micrometers," "mechanical inspection," and "gd." But a test operator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "test procedures," "test results," "safety rules," and "circuit boards."
On average, test operators earn a lower salary than mechanical inspectors. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, test operators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $44,634. Whereas mechanical inspectors have higher pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $56,115.test operators earn similar levels of education than mechanical inspectors in general. They're 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Mechanical inspector vs. Inspector general
A certified welding inspector is primarily in charge of inspecting welding works, ensuring its' strength and quality. Their responsibilities also entail checking safety equipment and materials, understanding project requirements, testing welds to ensure it functions according to its purpose, and evaluating the daily operations of welders to ensure that they adhere to the safety standards and regulations while operating various tools and equipment. Moreover, a certified welding inspector also helps welders by developing welding techniques to optimize operations, teaching the correct welding practices, and maintaining the cleanliness of work areas.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a mechanical inspector is likely to be skilled in "calipers," "micrometers," "mechanical inspection," and "gd," while a typical inspector general is skilled in "ig," "oig," "dod," and "corrective action."
Inspectors general earn the best pay in the government industry, where they command an average salary of $59,592. Mechanical inspectors earn the highest pay from the government industry, with an average salary of $56,115.When it comes to education, inspectors general tend to earn higher degree levels compared to mechanical inspectors. In fact, they're 12.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 3.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Mechanical inspector vs. Certified welding inspector
Types of mechanical inspector
Updated January 8, 2025
