QUALITY INSPECTOR in Gallatin, Tennessee at Laminate Technologies

Founded as a privately held company in 1985, Laminate Technologies (LamTech) has transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making us an employee-owned company. As one of the largest custom laminators and panel suppliers in America, we provide creative solutions to the fabricating needs of our customers with a commitment to quality, service, and innovation, as every team member has a vested interest in our success.

We are a one-source solution for customized laminated panels, substrates (MDF, PB, Lam Grade plywood, Platforms, Primed Plywood, UV Plywood), specialty hardwood plywood panels, and fabricated components. Our ESOP structure ensures a deeper dedication to excellence, empowers our team to drive innovation, and strengthens our long-term vision of building sustainable partnerships.

Laminate Technologies, Inc. employee advantage:

• $1,500 Sign on Bonus
• $1,500 Employee Referral Bonus
• Competitive Salaries
• Profit Sharing
• Benefits Available after 30 days
• 10-hour shifts (Monday-Thursday)
• 401K
• 80 hours paid PTO in the first year
• 80 hours of personal time in the first year
• Attendance Bonuses

Job Title: Quality Inspector

Department: Quality

Reports To: Quality & Compliance Manager

EEO Classification: Technician

Summary: The Quality Inspector is responsible for inspecting, auditing, and verifying materials, processes, and products to ensure they meet Laminate Technologies' quality standards. This role plays a vital part in identifying non-conformances, documenting findings, and supporting root cause and corrective action activities. The position works closely with production and quality teams to monitor compliance and support a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Perform routine in-process and final product inspections using established quality procedures, tools, and documentation practices.
2. Inspect raw materials and purchased parts for conformance to specifications.
3. Accurately record inspection results and maintain organized, detailed documentation of findings.
4. Identify and report any quality issues, trends, or deviations to leadership and assist in root cause analysis and corrective action.
5. Conduct audits and verifications of processes, documentation, and finished goods per internal standards.
6. Support quality assurance activities such as First Article Inspections, Gemba walks, and internal process checks.
7. Follow established SOPs, work instructions, and quality standards to ensure product integrity and compliance.
8. Assist in calibration and maintenance of measuring tools and inspection equipment.
9. Communicate effectively with operators, supervisors, and other inspectors to resolve issues and maintain a focus on product quality.
10. Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing facility.
11. Understand, drive and implement the Lam Tech Quality System throughout the production plant.
12. Follow established company and work area safety policies including the wearing of all required PPE’s.
13. Follow established company policies, including policies and rules outlined in Member Handbook as well as procedures required in the standard operating procedures/work instructions.
14. Other duties and responsibilities as directed by your direct leader.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Minimum education: High school diploma. Technical training or associate degree in a quality-related field preferred.
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in a quality inspection role in a manufacturing environment, preferably wood, laminate, or related industries.
• Experience with measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and gauges.
• Basic understanding of quality systems, and non-conformance documentation.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles is a plus.

The Quality Inspector must be detail-oriented and capable of identifying product and process defects. The role requires sound judgment to determine when products or processes deviate from standards and effective communication to escalate issues and contribute to resolution. Must manage time efficiently and maintain accuracy under pressure.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

· Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and technical specifications.

· Working knowledge of quality inspection techniques and tools.

· Ability to enter and analyze data using basic Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word).

· Good written and verbal communication skills including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook.

· Able to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

· Knowledge of SPC, root cause analysis, and 5S is preferred.

· Bilingual (Spanish or Portuguese) is a plus.

Work Environment:

Fast-paced manufacturing setting with frequent interaction on the shop floor. Expected to spend 70% at factory floor (Gemba) and 30% in the office. Requires the ability to adapt to changing priorities, work with diverse teams, and maintain professionalism and integrity. Occasional overtime and shift work may be required based on production needs. Occasionally travels for training or support will be needed in other plants.

Physical Demands:

This position requires frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting of items up to 40 lbs. Must be able to visually inspect products for extended periods and use hands with dexterity for precise measuring and documentation tasks.

Competency:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

· Attention to detail and high sense of accountability.

· Strong work ethic and dependable performance.

· Ability to handle repetitive tasks without loss of accuracy or quality.

· Effective time management and organization.

· Team player with a safety-first mindset.

Resilience in dealing with quality challenges and production demands