Precision devices inspectors and testers examine a variety of devices to ensure that they function properly. These devices may fall into one of several categories, including large industrial equipment and home electronics. People who work in this field need to be comfortable working with technology, familiar with the specifications and functions of the devices they inspect, and able to keep detailed records.
When precision devices inspectors and testers find a problem with the product they are inspecting, they need to complete the appropriate paperwork and notify the responsible authorities. While some defects that are discovered are merely inconvenient, like a TV that won’t change channels, others can have serious consequences if they go undetected.
For instance, a power tool designed to be used in an industrial setting can put many people in danger if it has a defect that causes it to overheat while in use. For this reason, it is important that precision devices inspectors and testers pay close attention to detail and take their work seriously.
Of course, it would be far too time-consuming and labor-intensive to inspect every single device of a particular type, so inspectors and testers usually select a device at random to check. If that device passes their evaluation, it is assumed that the rest of the items in that batch also meet established quality standards.
Summary
- Precision devices inspectors and testers usually have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but most employers prefer to hire candidates with at least some form of post-secondary education for the most technical positions.
- Good computer skills are a great asset in this line of work.
- These workers are typically scheduled for a 40 hour work week, although early, late and overnight shifts may be required from time to time.
Work Environment for Precision Devices Inspectors and Testers
The specific work environment for precision devices inspectors and testers can vary considerably depending on the industry they work in and the types of products they are charged with inspecting. On the whole, however, these workers spend the majority of their time indoors in an office or manufacturing facility.
Precision devices inspectors and testers are often required to spend long hours on their feet or seated at a computer, depending on the specific nature of the devices they inspect. Additionally they may need to be able to lift heavy objects on a regular basis.
Education, Training and Licensing
Most employers prefer to train their employees on the job to a certain extent, although they do like their precision devices inspectors and testers to have some experience or knowledge of the items they will be inspecting. In addition, strong computer skills and an attention to detail are important and desirable qualities in these workers.
A high school diploma or equivalent is often the minimum educational requirement for work in this field, although some vocational or post-secondary education can help to set a candidate apart from the pool. Also, anyone looking to advance to a supervisory or managerial position in the field will increase their chances greatly by completing either a two or four-year college degree.
Employment Figures, Projections, Outlook and Earnings
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) there were 430,450 people employed as inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers and weighers in May 2009. This includes precision devices inspectors and testers. It is expected that the overall employment in this field will decline slowly over the next few years as the inspection process becomes increasingly automated.
The median annual income for these workers in May 2009 as reported by the BLS was $32,330. The middle 50% of wage earners in this category made between $24,990 and $41,770, while the bottom 10% made less than $19,990. However, the highest 10% of wage earners, usually the more skilled workers (of which the majority are precision devices inspectors and testers) made more than $54,160.