Surface Quality Inspection Technician (SQM – Flat Rolled Metals) at greenvalleysearch.com – Starkville, Mississippi

Surface Quality Inspection Technician (SQM – Flat Rolled Metals)Starkville, MS | On-site | Full-TimeRelocation support available
A modern flat-rolled metals operation in Starkville, MS is expanding its automated surface-inspection capabilities. The team is hiring a Surface Quality Inspection Technician (SQM) to support installation, maintain system accuracy, and help ensure high-quality coil and strip production.
This role sits at the intersection of quality, operations, and automated inspection—working with the machine-vision tools that detect surface anomalies on high-speed processing lines.
What You’ll Do
Support New Line Installs & Startup• Assist in setting up, mounting, and aligning machine-vision cameras• Help configure lighting, lenses, exposure, and inspection zones• Participate in calibration runs, line trials, and acceptance testsDaily SQM System Ownership• Monitor surface-inspection alerts during coil/strip production• Adjust thresholds to minimize false calls while keeping detection accurate• Troubleshoot issues with cameras, lighting, sensors, or image quality• Maintain calibration schedules, logs, and software updates• Review defect images (streaks, chatter, inclusions, roll marks, scratches, digs)• Communicate recurring patterns or anomalies to quality/operations leadersQuality & Production Support• Help operators interpret SQM alarms and decide when to slow, adjust, or stop the line• Assist with defect investigations when results point to upstream process issues• Support continuous improvement as new alloys, widths, and tempers are introduced
What You Bring• Experience in surface inspection, SQM, coil/strip quality, or related plant-floor technical roles • Familiarity with machine-vision systems (Dr. Schenk, ISRA, Cognex, Keyence, Parsytec, or similar) is a plus • Understanding of lighting, optics, cameras, or sensors helpful but not required • Strong troubleshooting instincts and comfort working on a fast-paced production line • Degree not required — hands-on metals or manufacturing experience is highly valued
Benefits of Joining the Team• Hands-on ownership of new, modern inspection technology• Visible impact on product quality and line performance• Opportunity to support future expansions and upgrades• Competitive pay, bonus potential, and relocation support• Stable long-term role with strong internal support