noun
A person who conducts an official inquiry, inspection, or examination. Often used in contexts like insurance, accidents, or government surveys.
保険会社の調査員が事故現場を調べた。
The insurance company's investigator examined the accident scene.
彼は税務署の調査員として働
He works as an examiner for the tax office.
探偵 typically refers to a private detective, whereas 調査員 is broader and includes corporate or institutional investigators.
Compound of 調査 (investigation) + 員 (member, person). A straightforward Sino-Japanese formation.