Quality Inspector/Technician for Foundry - Norwich, KS

Farrar Corporation•Norwich, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Foundry Quality Technician performs inspections on products before processing and conducts routine quality inspections, testing, and process verification throughout foundry operations. The role ensures products meet established quality standards, customer specifications, and internal requirements. It provides hands-on quality support across foundry production, including inspecting castings, identifying and documenting defects, laboratory testing, and verifying process compliance. The technician works closely with production personnel, supervisors, and the Foundry Quality Supervisor to identify quality concerns, prevent defective material from advancing through production, and support corrective action efforts. The position also assists with laboratory operations, maintains accurate quality records, and provides inspection coverage across shifts as needed. The role supports consistent product quality, defect detection, and the effectiveness of the foundry quality system.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, quality inspection, and product specifications.
Ability to identify visual defects, recognize nonconforming material, and follow established inspection criteria.
Ability to learn and perform laboratory testing procedures, including sand, hardness, and tensile testing and other quality-related tests.
Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately record inspection results and test data.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with production and quality personnel.
Ability to work in a foundry environment and perform inspections and testing on the production floor and in the laboratory.
Ability to follow established procedures, work instructions, and safety requirements.
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Manufacturing or foundry environment experience; relevant hands-on manufacturing experience is considered.
1–3+ years of quality inspection or manufacturing experience, preferably in a foundry or metals manufacturing environment.
Experience identifying casting defects and understanding common foundry quality issues.
Familiarity with ductile iron, green sand molding, core making, and foundry production processes.
Previous experience with laboratory testing equipment, including spectrometers, hardness testers, tensile testing equipment, metallography equipment, and sand testing equipment.
Knowledge of quality systems, inspection procedures, and ISO 9001 requirements.
Experience documenting defects, nonconforming material, scrap, and inspection results.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability and willingness to cross-train in multiple quality and laboratory functions to provide shift coverage.
Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and maintaining consistent quality standards.

Responsibilities

Perform routine inspections of castings throughout foundry production to verify conformance to quality standards and customer requirements.
Inspect castings coming off production lines and identify defects, nonconforming material, and workmanship concerns.
Identify, document, and communicate casting defects to production supervisors and the Foundry Quality Supervisor.
Verify first-piece, job change, pattern change, and process change inspections as required.
Identify and communicate potential quality concerns before defective material progresses to subsequent operations.
Assist with containment, segregation, and identification of nonconforming material.
Perform routine foundry laboratory testing, including sand, hardness, and tensile testing, and other assigned quality tests.
Assist with spectrographic analysis, metallurgical sample preparation, microstructure evaluation, and related laboratory activities.
Collect and prepare sand, iron, and casting samples for testing and evaluation.
Provide iron tensile bars to the machine shop for machining and testing.
Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and testing areas.
Provide coverage for laboratory personnel during absences as assigned and maintain familiarity with laboratory procedures, testing methods, and process specifications.
Identify and classify casting defects using established standards.
Document scrap, rework, and inspection findings to support quality reporting and defect analysis.
Participate in scrap reviews and assist with investigating recurring quality issues.
Communicate recurring defects, unusual trends, and potential process concerns to the Foundry Quality Supervisor.
Support root cause investigations by collecting samples, inspection results, production information, and other data.
Verify corrective actions and process adjustments as assigned.
Assist with inspection and evaluation of returned castings and nonconforming material.
Follow inspection procedures, work instructions, control plans, and quality requirements.
Maintain accurate inspection records, laboratory results, test reports, and other quality documentation.
Assist with reviewing and updating inspection procedures and work instructions as needed.
Verify required inspections and testing are completed and documented.
Maintain traceability and proper identification of samples, castings, and nonconforming material.
Communicate deviations from established specifications and procedures to the Foundry Quality Supervisor.
Provide quality inspection coverage across assigned production areas and shifts as needed.
Cross-train in essential laboratory functions to provide backup coverage and support consistent inspection practices across shifts.
Communicate quality concerns, outstanding issues, and inspection findings during shift handoffs.
Assist in maintaining records required for ISO 9001 compliance and customer requirements.
Ensure inspection and testing activities follow established procedures, and report quality concerns, procedural noncompliance, and documentation gaps to the Foundry Quality Supervisor.
Collaborate with production, engineering, maintenance, and quality personnel to support foundry quality objectives.
Promote quality awareness, maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, and perform other duties as assigned by the Foundry Quality Supervisor.