About the Role
Enerpan builds engineered products across four manufacturing divisions on a single Louisville campus — Large Format, ETO (Engineer to Order), Platform, and Welding. We are hiring a Quality Inspector to be the person who verifies our work is built correctly, completely, and to standard before it moves forward or ships.
This is a dedicated quality role, not a production role wearing a quality hat. You will have the authority to stop work, withhold a signature, and hold a unit until a defect is resolved — and that authority is not subject to override by production leadership. You report through Quality, not through production scheduling.
We are hiring at two levels. Most candidates will come in as a Quality Inspector. If you bring lead-level experience — or grow into it here — the Quality Lead role directs the inspection work of a division and carries a higher rate. Tell us in your application which you are targeting; we will place you based on demonstrated experience.
Hourly Range
Quality Inspector: $22.00 – $25.00
Quality Lead: $26.00 – $30.00
What You'll Do as a Quality Inspector
Inspection
- Conduct in-process inspections of assemblies, components, and completed units at defined hold points throughout production.
- Verify work against drawings, work instructions, specifications, and Enerpan workmanship standards.
- Perform dimensional checks, weld inspections, coating and finish verification, labeling verification, and electrical installation inspections.
- Perform final inspection and release verification prior to shipment.
Incoming Material
- Inspect incoming raw material and purchased components against purchase order requirements, specifications, and approved submittals.
- Verify that certifications, mill reports, and material documentation are received, complete, and filed.
- Tag, segregate, and report non-conforming material so it never reaches production.
Quality Authority
- Withhold approval on inspection forms, checklists, and SOP quality gates when work does not meet standard.
- Prevent units from advancing to the next production phase, or from shipping, when defects are present.
- Escalate unresolved issues to the Quality Lead or Quality Manager.
Non-Conformance & Documentation
- Initiate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and verify that rework and corrective actions are completed and documented before release.
- Maintain complete, accurate, traceable inspection records, NCRs, and rework files.
- Track recurring defects and supply that data to support continuous improvement work.
- Communicate findings clearly and professionally to team leads and superintendents.
Tools & Safety
- Verify calibration status and condition of measurement and inspection tools before use; report damaged or out-of-tolerance equipment immediately.
- Follow all safety policies, wear required PPE, and report incidents and near-misses the same day.
Your first 6–8 weeks: Before taking on full inspection responsibility, you'll work alongside our production teams in fabrication, assembly, paint, and finishing to learn our products, installation methods, and where quality risk actually lives on the floor.
What Changes at the Quality Lead Level
The Quality Lead is a working lead — roughly half the day is still hands-on inspection, including the critical, complex, first-article, and escalated inspections. The rest of the day is:
- Assigning daily inspection priorities and coverage across the division's inspectors based on production schedule, hold points, and ship dates.
- Protecting required hold points when volume, overtime, shift changes, or absences shift the workload.
- Serving as the first point of escalation for quality disputes, with authority to sustain or overturn an inspector's disposition.
- Reviewing inspectors' NCRs for accuracy and completeness, and leading division-level root-cause analysis with Production and Engineering.
- Training new inspectors, overseeing their familiarization period, and holding the team to a consistent standard.
- Owning the division's calibration records and periodic quality reporting to the Quality Manager.
What You Need
Quality Inspector
- High school diploma or equivalent; trade school or technical training preferred.
- 2–4 years of experience in a quality, inspection, manufacturing, fabrication, or construction role.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical specifications.
- Familiarity with fabrication, assembly, paint, or electrical installation processes.
- Basic understanding of quality systems, NCRs, and inspection documentation.
Quality Lead (in addition to the above)
- Minimum 5 years in quality, inspection, manufacturing, or fabrication, including at least 2 years in a dedicated quality inspection role.
- Prior lead or supervisory experience preferred.
- Experience with non-conformance management and root-cause analysis.
- Knowledge of welding, coatings, and industrial fabrication practices preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and quality tracking systems.
What we're really looking for
- Strong attention to detail and a trained eye for workmanship defects.
- Discipline in documentation — if it isn't recorded accurately, it didn't happen.
- The integrity and steadiness to hold a quality position when the schedule is under pressure, and the professionalism to do it without making it personal.
- Judgment about when to disposition an item yourself and when to escalate.
- Willingness to spend most of your day on the production floor.
Certifications
Required, or obtained within 90 days of hire (we support you in getting these)
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry (OSHA 30-Hour for the Lead level)
- Enerpan Quality Program orientation and inspection method training (internal)
- Forklift and aerial lift operator certification where required for inspection access
Preferred
- ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT)
- Coating inspection credential (NACE / AMPP or equivalent)
- First Aid and CPR
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Work is performed primarily on active manufacturing floors, with exposure to welding, coating, and paint operations. Required PPE in designated areas.
- Regular movement on foot between division facilities on the Enerpan campus throughout the day.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work at heights, on ladders, and from elevated work platforms.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
- Overtime and shift coverage as required to inspect work in progress and meet shipment schedules.
- Travel: minimal — all divisions are on one campus, within walking distance.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Life and disability insurance
How to Apply
Apply through Indeed with your resume. In your application, let us know whether you're applying at the Inspector or Lead level, whether you hold an inspection certificate, and briefly describe the products or processes you've inspected.
Enerpan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Pay: $22.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
