Job Summary
Guardian Bikes is a leading direct-to-consumer kids' bike brand, known for its patented SureStop brake technology and a mission to build the safest kids' bikes in the industry. Guardian is building a vertically integrated, AI-driven manufacturing and commerce company - we design, manufacture, fulfill, and sell directly from our U.S. factory floor to the customer's door. The company has grown from a small startup into a major brand, selling over a million bikes to families across the country.
The Quality Inspector makes sure every frame, component, and finished bike leaving our Seymour factory meets Guardian's specs and federal safety requirements. You will inspect parts as they arrive, check work in process across welding, paint, and assembly, and audit finished bikes before they ship. When something is off, you document it, stop it, and work with production to fix the root cause.
Key Responsibilities
Incoming inspection
- Inspect raw materials and purchased parts (tubing, tires, chains, plastics, hardware) against drawings, specs, and supplier certificates.
- Accept, reject, or quarantine lots and log results in the quality system.
In-process inspection
- Check laser-cut and formed parts and robotic welds for dimensions, alignment, penetration, and visual defects.
- Verify paint and finish quality, including coverage, adhesion, and decals.
- Audit assembly stations for correct torque, cable routing, and fastener installation.
- Inspect SureStop brake assemblies for correct fit, adjustment, and function.
Final inspection and audits
- Pull finished bikes for audit, including ride checks, brake performance, wheel true, and packaging.
- Confirm bikes meet Guardian specs and CPSC bicycle requirements (16 CFR Part 1512) before release.
Documentation and problem solving
- Record inspection data accurately and on time; write nonconformance reports with photos.
- Tag and segregate nonconforming product and support rework and root-cause investigations.
- Read and apply blueprints, GD&T callouts, inspection plans, and work instructions.
- Maintain and verify calibration of gauges and measuring tools.
- Flag trends early to production leads and the Quality Manager, and help train operators on quality standards.
- Follow all safety rules and 5S practices.
Qualifications
Skills & Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- 1+ year of quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Skilled with calipers, micrometers, height gauges, go/no-go gauges, and torque tools.
- Able to read blueprints and technical drawings.
- Strong attention to detail and the confidence to stop product that doesn't meet spec.
- Basic computer skills for entering data in spreadsheets and quality software.
- Clear written and verbal communication with operators, leads, and engineers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience inspecting welded assemblies; AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) training is a plus.
- ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or similar certification.
- Familiarity with GD&T, SPC, and first-article inspection.
- Exposure to ISO 9001, 8D, or other root-cause methods.
- Knowledge of bicycle mechanics or consumer product safety standards such as 16 CFR Part 1512 and CPSIA.
- Experience with CMMs, vision systems, or other digital measuring equipment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods (up to a full shift)
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable with repetitive bending, reaching, kneeling, and fine motor tasks (handling small parts and hardware)
- Sufficient hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise assembly work
- Visual acuity sufficient to inspect parts and identify defects
Skills & Abilities
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
- Ability to read and follow build instructions, diagrams, and work orders
- Basic math skills for measuring and counting components
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven production environment
- Comfortable using basic hand tools and possibly pneumatic tools