East-Team Leader QA Hold Inspector- 1st shift - Columbus, IN

NTN DRIVESHAFT, INC.

Job Title: Team Leader- Hold Inspector

Report To: QA Manager

Location: East Plant

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Hold Inspector Team Lead oversees all inspection activities related to held product, ensuring company and customer quality standards are consistently met. This role provides daily leadership to inspection staff, coordinates quality containment activities, verifies compliance to procedures, and communicates results to both production and quality management. The Team Leader supports continuous improvement efforts and ensures accurate documentation throughout all inspection processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily hold-inspection operations and provide direction to inspection team members
• Coordinate and oversee containment, rework, and sorting activities for quality issues
• Perform and review inspection checks, quality tests, and equipment calibrations
• Monitor line conditions and ensure proper escalation of quality deviations
• Verify accuracy of check sheets, training matrices, and standardized work documents
• Serve as the primary liaison between production and the QA department regarding quality issues and countermeasures
• Ensure effective communication of quality concerns, status updates, and resolutions across all shifts
• Conduct assembly tear-downs, de-rusting, cleaning, and repacking activities when required
• Support production with non-standard items and process verification
• Oversee and validate trials and new line start-ups
• Collect, review, and analyze quality data to support continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain full control and accuracy of document management, including NCMR reports
• Train and mentor inspection personnel in proper quality standards, processes, and tools

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND ABILITIES

• 2-5 years of experience in assembly or inspection roles
• Prior leadership or team lead experience strongly preferred
• Proficiency in JDE, including hold transfer processes
• Strong assembly inspection knowledge; heat-treat familiarity preferred
• Forklift certification or willingness to become forklift certified
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. repeatedly as required
• Ability to sit, kneel, squat, bend, walk, or stand for extended periods
• Experience using gauging instruments and related inspection tools
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to learn and use various software systems

High School Diploma or equivalent

PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS:

• Lift and Carry: Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 to75 pounds occasionally
• Standing & Walking: Ability to stand for extended periods and walk long distances, often on concrete or uneven surfaces and up and down steps.
• Repetitive Motion: Capable of performing repetitive tasks, including grasping, lifting, twisting and bending.
• Hand-eye coordination: Ability to use hands and fingers to handle and feel objects, tools, and controls and make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Fine Motor Skills: Ability to use manual dexterity to operate levers, buttons, and controls
• Vision & Attention to Detail: good close, distance, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus and ensure safe operations, including reading gauges and safety indicators.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to maintain focus and physical energy throughout the workday, which may include handling loads, stacking, and organizing materials in a fast-paced environment.
• Balance & Mobility: Must have good balance and be able to move freely in tight spaces.
• Environmental Conditions: Ability to work in various conditions including varying temperatures, exposure to manufacturing oils and fluids and moderate noise levels.

**Note: If you are forklift certified, you will also have to comply with the requirements on the Material Handler Job Description.