Surface Quality Inspection Technician (SQM – Flat Rolled Metals)
Starkville, MS | On-site | Full-Time
Relocation 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 tests
Daily 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 leaders
Quality & 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