Quality Assurance & Control Inspector

About Columbia Energy

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.

Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges. Recently, we expanded our operations to Idaho Falls, ID, reflecting our ongoing growth and dedication to broadening our capabilities. We take pride in maintaining a strong reputation for quality and integrity while ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards.

Why Join Columbia Energy?

At Columbia Energy, we foster a supportive and innovative environment where team members can thrive. As a growing small business with ambitious goals, we value initiative, teamwork, and a dedication to quality. This role offers the opportunity to work on impactful projects while advancing your career in a company that values precision, efficiency, and collaboration.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Quality Assurance & Control Inspector to join our team. This role is critical in ensuring the integrity, reliability, and compliance of our fabricated products and assemblies. The Quality Assurance & Control Inspector will be responsible for conducting inspections, verifying compliance with industry standards and customer requirements, and collaborating with engineering and production teams to maintain our commitment to excellence.

This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving quality concerns. The ideal candidate will have experience in quality control for fabricated components, familiarity with industry codes and standards, and a strong understanding of inspection techniques and documentation.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

• Inspection & Quality Control:
  • Perform mechanical, physical, and visual inspections of raw materials, in-process components, and final assemblies to verify compliance with customer requirements and engineering specifications.
  • Ensure that fabricated parts meet quality standards, using precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, FARO Arms, CMMs, and Micro-Vu.
  • Execute quality assurance processes in accordance with NQA-1, ISO 9001, and other applicable industry codes and standards.
  • Conduct first article inspections and final product assessments, maintaining thorough records of findings.
• Process Surveillance & Compliance:
  • Monitor and perform in-process inspections and process surveillance, ensuring compliance with approved procedures.
  • Verify and document test results for hydrostatic and pneumatic testing per B31.1 or B31.3 standards.
  • Review and inspect industrial control panels built to UL 508A or UL 698A for compliance with electrical safety and fabrication requirements.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Maintain clear and accurate inspection records, ensuring compliance with company and customer quality assurance plans.
  • Identify and document non-conformances, collaborating with engineering and production teams to address and resolve quality issues.
  • Provide timely reports to supervisors regarding quality concerns, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives.
• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:
  • Work closely with engineers, project managers, and production staff to resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Assist in training personnel on quality standards, inspection techniques, and best practices.
  • Support department and company training objectives by sharing knowledge and ensuring adherence to best practices in quality assurance.
• General Responsibilities:
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all company safety policies and procedures.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support the success of the quality team and overall company objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend technical documents, engineering drawings, GD&T call-outs, blueprints, and specification sheets.
• Proficiency with basic measuring equipment (tape measure, calipers, micrometers, etc.).
• Experience with advanced measuring equipment, such as FARO Arm, CMM, or Micro-Vu.
• Strong understanding of quality control principles, inspection techniques, and compliance with industry standards.
• Must pass a background check, employment record review, and drug screening (drug and alcohol-free workplace).
• Due to government contract requirements, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within NQA-1 and/or ISO 9001 quality programs.
• Previous experience conducting or witnessing B31.1 or B31.3 hydrostatic or pneumatic testing.
• Familiarity with inspecting and testing industrial control panels built to UL 508A or UL 698A standards.
• Strong knowledge of welding codes, non-destructive examination (NDE) methods, and material specifications.

Key Success Attributes

• Mechanical Aptitude: Strong technical understanding of fabrication, machining, and inspection processes.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to identify inconsistencies, deviations, and non-conformances with a high level of accuracy.
• Team-Oriented: Willingness to collaborate with engineers, production teams, and customers to ensure product quality.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: Ability to recognize quality issues, propose corrective actions, and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Highly Motivated & Independent: Self-starter with the ability to work effectively with varying degrees of supervision.

Core Competencies

• Consistency & Reliability: Demonstrates strong organizational skills and commitment to meeting quality standards.
• Effective Communication: Clearly conveys technical information and inspection findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Trustworthiness & Ethics: Maintains integrity and confidentiality in all quality-related activities.
• Commitment to Excellence: Continuously seeks to improve processes and ensure compliance with quality standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, and lift for prolonged periods throughout the workday.
• Frequent use of hands and arms to grasp, hold, turn, push, and pull tools, controls, and materials.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 40 lbs. as required.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, ear protection, respirators, safety vests, gloves, and steel-toed work boots.
• Work may be performed in varying environmental conditions, including hot, cold, and damp environments.

Working Conditions

• This position is performed in a dynamic shop setting, where deadlines, quality, and safety are top priorities.
• The environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring adaptability and a strong commitment to quality.
• Employees must adhere to strict safety protocols while working around fabrication equipment and heavy machinery.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

If you are passionate about quality assurance, committed to precision, and thrive in a hands-on manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dedicated team!

Salary : $25 - $40