WIP Quality Inspector

At Bose Corporation, we believe sound is the most powerful force on earth - and for over 60 years, we have been a company built on innovation, excellence, and independence. Privately owned, fiercely customer-focused, and driven by our values, we continue to lead industries and transform lives through sound.

Today, Bose Corporation is entering an exciting new era. Across multiple global Business Units and Global Functions, we are shaping the future of audio technology, automotive, luxury, and premium experiences. We invite you to join us in this transformation.

Job Description

The Work-In-Process (WIP) Quality Inspector is responsible for ensuring products, components, and manufacturing processes meet company quality standards throughout the production cycle. This role performs product inspections and process audits across multiple manufacturing areas, including Final Assembly, Glass Fabrication, Metal Finishing, and Silk-Screening operations.

The inspector serves as both a quality gatekeeper and process auditor, verifying workmanship, cosmetic appearance, component installation, assembly accuracy, and adherence to standardized work. Through proactive inspection and auditing activities, the WIP Quality Inspector identifies defects, process deviations, and opportunities for improvement before products advance to subsequent manufacturing stages.

This position reports directly to the Quality Manager and is stationed throughout the manufacturing floor to support quality objectives in a high-mix, low-volume production environment producing luxury audio products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Final Assembly Inspection

• Verify correct assembly of audio products including amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, CD players, preamplifiers, and related products.
• Inspect units prior to electrical test to ensure compliance with established quality standards.
• Verify proper routing and placement of wiring harnesses and electrical connections.
• Confirm Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) connections are fully seated and properly installed.
• Inspect for missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed hardware.
• Verify proper screw placement and torque requirements where applicable.
• Examine products for cosmetic defects including scratches, dents, blemishes, finish imperfections, and assembly-related damage against established visual standards.
• Ensure assemblies conform to engineering drawings, work instructions, quality standards, and approved manufacturing processes.

Glass Area Inspection

• Inspect glass assemblies for RTV silicone leaks, excess sealant, or incomplete bonding around endcaps.
• Verify proper placement and adhesion of plexiglass components and foam tape.
• Inspect illuminated assemblies for light leakage through faceplates, displays, and other cosmetic surfaces.
• Ensure glass surfaces are free from scratches, chips, contamination, fingerprints, and other cosmetic defects.
• Verify completed assemblies meet workmanship and appearance requirements before release to subsequent operations.

Metal Finishing and Silk Screen Inspection

• Inspect stainless steel and powder-coated components for finish quality and cosmetic appearance.
• Identify defects including scratches, dents, discoloration, contamination, coating inconsistencies, orange peel, blemishes, and surface imperfections.
• Verify powder-coated finishes meet approved cosmetic standards.
• Inspect silk-screened components for print quality, completeness, clarity, and durability.
• Confirm proper alignment and positioning of all screen-printed nomenclature, logos, graphics, and product markings.
• Prevent non-conforming materials from progressing through production.

Process Auditing

• Conduct routine process audits across manufacturing departments, including Final Assembly, Glass, Metal Finishing, and Silk Screening operations.
• Verify operators are following current work instructions, visual standards, standard operating procedures, and standardized work practices.
• Audit critical-to-quality characteristics including wiring configurations, hardware installation, torque requirements, material handling practices, cosmetic standards, and component traceability.
• Observe manufacturing operations to identify process deviations, inefficiencies, or risks that may impact product quality.
• Document audit findings and communicate non-conformances to production leadership and the Quality Manager.
• Track audit findings through resolution and verify effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Support implementation and sustainment of quality improvements and standardized work.
• Participate in root cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives targeting recurring defects and process failures.
• Promote defect prevention by ensuring processes are executed correctly at the source rather than relying solely on detection after defects occur.

Quality Control Activities

• Conduct routine in-process inspections throughout manufacturing operations.
• Document inspection results and maintain accurate quality records.
• Identify, segregate, and report non-conforming materials and products.
• Collaborate with production teams to resolve quality concerns in a timely manner.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Support internal quality initiatives and maintain compliance with quality management system requirements.
• Provide objective feedback regarding product quality, process performance, and adherence to standards.
• Act as a quality advocate throughout the manufacturing process.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in quality inspection, manufacturing, assembly, or related production environments.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify cosmetic and workmanship defects.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, assembly drawings, quality standards, and manufacturing documentation.
• Basic computer skills for documentation, record retention, and reporting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining close collaboration with production and quality teams.

Preferred

• Experience inspecting electronic assemblies or consumer electronics products.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with process auditing, quality control methodologies, and inspection techniques.
• Experience utilizing visual standards and cosmetic acceptance criteria.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including assembly, finishing, painting, glass fabrication, and silk screening.
• Experience using inspection and measurement equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods.
• Ability to move between multiple production departments during the workday.
• Ability to perform detailed visual inspections of products and components.
• Ability to distinguish cosmetic defects, finish variations, and workmanship concerns.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials and products in accordance with plant safety requirements.

At Bose, you're inspired to be and do your best and are rewarded for your unique talents! Our compensation is thoughtfully tailored to your skills, experience, education, and location, and goes beyond base salary. The hiring range for this position in the primary work location of Binghamton, New York is: $16.01-$22.03 per hour.The hiring range for other Bose work locations may vary. In addition to competitive base pay we offer rewards including bonus programs, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, plus exclusive perks designed to support your wellbeing, and a generous employee discount where you can immerse yourself in our products and experiences. We are a proudly independent company-driven by purpose, guided by our values, and united by a belief in the power of sound. As the world leader in audio experiences, we’re creating what’s next-pushing boundaries and delivering transformative sound experiences for people everywhere. Join us and make your next career move a mic-drop. Let’s Make Waves.

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