Inventory Control & QA Specialist

Inventory Control & QA Specialist Position Summary Cantrell-Gainco provides equipment and aftermarket parts that help poultry processors keep their operations running efficiently. The Inventory Control & QA Specialist helps maintain accurate inventory and ensures that the parts and equipment we purchase, manufacture, and ship meet product specifications and customer requirements. This hands-on role works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Warehouse, and Customer Service to verify product quality, resolve discrepancies, and improve processes that support accurate, timely customer fulfillment. Key Responsibilities Inventory Control and Accuracy Perform routine cycle counts and support physical inventories to maintain accurate inventory records. Investigate discrepancies between physical inventory and ERP records, document findings, and coordinate approved adjustments. Verify part identification, quantities, and storage locations, and support accurate recording of receipts, transfers, and material movements. Coordinate the segregation and inventory status of damaged, returned, or nonconforming materials. Recommend improvements to storage, handling, and inventory transaction accuracy. Product Inspection and Specification Compliance Inspect incoming materials, purchased parts, manufactured components, and finished assemblies against engineering drawings, product specifications, purchase orders, and customer requirements. Use calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection tools to verify dimensions, tolerances, and workmanship. Check materials, fit, finish, assembly, and part identification through in-process and final inspections. Document inspection results and communicate discrepancies clearly to the appropriate teams. Maintain inspection equipment and coordinate calibration or verification as needed. Nonconformance and Issue Resolution Identify, document, and help contain nonconforming materials and products to prevent unintended use or shipment. Work with Engineering to evaluate discrepancies and determine appropriate disposition, including rework, replacement, return to supplier, or approved acceptance. Verify that reworked or replacement products meet requirements before release. Support investigations of customer complaints, returned parts, supplier defects, and manufacturing quality issues. Help identify root causes, track corrective actions, and verify that improvements prevent repeat problems. Customer Fulfillment and Cross-Functional Support Partner with Customer Service, Warehouse, and Shipping to address inventory and quality concerns affecting customer orders. Verify part numbers, revisions, quantities, product condition, and applicable order requirements during designated quality checks. Help resolve discrepancies that could cause incorrect shipments, installation problems, customer downtime, or avoidable returns. Communicate inventory discrepancies and quality risks promptly to support production priorities and delivery commitments. Continuous Improvement and Documentation Track recurring defects, inventory discrepancies, rework, and returns to identify improvement opportunities. Support practical improvements that reduce errors, scrap, delays, and unnecessary handling. Help develop and maintain inspection checklists, work instructions, acceptance criteria, and accurate inventory and quality records. Provide feedback to Engineering when drawings or specifications are unclear, incomplete, or difficult to verify. Participate in continuous improvement activities and follow company safety procedures. Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Experience in quality inspection, quality assurance, machining, manufacturing, or a related technical role. Experience with inventory transactions, cycle counting, or inventory reconciliation in a manufacturing or warehouse environment. Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and product specifications. Working knowledge of common measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges. Strong attention to detail and the ability to document findings accurately. Practical problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate concerns constructively. Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively across departments. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic recordkeeping systems. Preferred Qualifications Technical training or an associate degree in manufacturing, mechanical technology, quality, or a related field. Experience with machined parts, fabricated components, mechanical assemblies, or industrial equipment. Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Experience supporting supplier quality, customer returns, root-cause analysis, or corrective actions. Familiarity with ERP inventory systems and continuous improvement methods. Experience with poultry processing equipment or aftermarket replacement parts. Measures of Success Accurate inventory records, timely cycle counts, and fewer recurring inventory discrepancies. Accurate, timely inspections and complete quality records. Fewer repeat defects, avoidable returns, and fulfillment errors. Timely containment and resolution of inventory and quality issues. Practical improvements that support on-time delivery and reduce rework, waste, and customer disruption. Work Environment This position works across manufacturing, warehouse, and office environments and requires regular use of inspection tools and computers. Duties may involve standing, walking, bending, and handling parts or materials. Required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position. Employment with Cantrell-Gainco is contingent upon successfully completing both a pre-employment background check and a drug screening. All candidates hired must be able to provide proper documentation of their eligibility to work in the United States through the Form I-9 process. Cantrell-Gainco is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities / Females / Disabled / Veterans (M/F/D/V). For information about your rights under federal employment discrimination laws, please review the EEOC’s Know Your Rights notice.