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Job Description:

Starting wage is based on experience and shift. In addition to a base wage, every associate is eligible for quarterly profit sharing!! Various shifts are available and off shifts include additional shift differential pay.

The CEA Inspector position safeguards Ruger’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction by verifying action feel, cosmetic appearance, serial number compliance, adherence to machining and assembly specifications along with Point of Aim / Point of Impact validation pre and post final pack.

This position will provide oversight in the form of an Audit to the Customer Buy Off (CBO) Inspectors to ensure compliance to Ruger’s Firearm standards are maintained.

2. Scope

• Key Roles:
  • In-process inspection to validate compliance to machining, sub-assembly, and final assembly standards.
  • Point of Aim / Point of Impact functional validation.
  • Final inspection prior to packaging and shipment.
  • This person is one of the last points of contact with firearms prior to pack. This person’s role if to communicate to leadership all nonconformance situations leading to and including recommendations to pause production.

3. Responsibilities

• Conduct in-process inspections at defined checkpoints during machining, assembly and final gun validation.
• Perform final inspections of completed firearms, ensuring compliance with specifications.
• Audit firearm quality from any/all Ruger firearm models manufactured at the facility.
• Evaluate action feel (trigger pull, safety engagement, slide/cylinder movement, fit/function).
• Inspect cosmetic appearance, including coatings, finishes, markings, and fit.
• Verify serial numbers are applied correctly, legible, and documented per ATF and Ruger requirements.
• Use inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, gauges, functional testers) as required.
• Record inspection data accurately in logs, databases, or traveler documents.
• Identify, document, and segregate nonconforming product in accordance with Ruger procedures.
• Support corrective action by providing clear defect descriptions and feedback to supervisors, engineering, machinists, and assemblers.
• Maintain compliance with ATF, and Ruger internal standards.
• Uphold Ruger’s safety requirements and ensure firearms are always handled securely.

4. Required Competencies

• Technical Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of Ruger machining and assembly processes.
  • Strong functional understanding of Ruger Firearms.
  • Proficiency with inspection equipment and visual standards.
  • BONUS: Familiarity with engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Inspection Skills:
  • Ability to consistently evaluate firearm action feel.
  • Attention to detail in identifying cosmetic defects.
  • Capable of verifying serialized parts for compliance.
• Soft Skills:
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Ability to work in a team with machinists, assemblers, and engineers.
  • Strong organizational and documentation habits.

5. Qualifications

• Prior experience with Ruger machining and assembly processes (required).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in firearm inspection, machining, or assembly (required).
• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Technical training in machining, quality inspection, or firearms (preferred).

6. Pysical Requirements

• Ability to handle firearms repetitively and safely during inspection activities.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity for handling small components.
• Visual acuity (corrected if necessary) for cosmetic and dimensional inspections.
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs.

7. Training Requirements

• Ruger new-hire orientation and safety training.
• Quality system training (ATF compliance, Ruger standards).
• Inspection equipment calibration and usage training.
• Firearm handling and safety certification (internal Ruger program).

8. Performance Metrics

• Accuracy of inspection records.
• Support Permanent Corrective Actions to reduce the number of defects identified at final inspection.
• Containment and escalation of nonconforming product.
• Adherence to inspection schedule/takt time.
• Compliance with Ruger safety and quality procedures.

9. Document Control

This job description is controlled by the Quality Department and subject to periodic review and update in accordance with Ruger document control procedures.