Description
Job Summary:
We seek a highly skilled Quality Technician II to join our Quality Assurance team in Wolcott, IN. Reporting directly to the Quality Assurance Manager, this role ensures that all incoming parts, in-process components, and finished goods meet established quality control standards. In addition, the Quality Technician II will troubleshoot assembly line issues, resolve supplier-related concerns, and drive process improvements. This role is key to maintaining compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards, supporting internal and third-party audits, and ensuring the effective training of plant personnel on quality processes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- First Piece and In-Process Inspections:
- Inspect first piece samples for conformance to current engineering drawings and specifications.
- Conduct random or planned inspections and audits of plant production operations as requested by management or supervision.
- Incoming & Final Inspection:
- Assist with the inspection of incoming parts using various test devices and measuring instruments to ensure conformance to engineering drawings and specifications.
- Assist with the inspection of finished products to assess the quality of workmanship, calibration, and conformance to standards.
- NIST Certification:
- Oversee and/or complete National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) certifications for applicable products to ensure timely delivery and conformance to industry standards.
- Corrective Actions and MRB/DMR Support:
- Support the Material Review Board (MRB) and Discrepant Material Report (DMR) processes and assist in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation as required.
- Calibration & Certification Support:
- Assist with the recalibration and certification of inspection tools, gages, and meters as required.
- Customer Returns and RMA Analysis:
- Facilitate the analysis of Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) and customer returns to determine failure modes, record information, and advise the Quality Engineer and Supervisors accordingly.
- Scrap Data Analysis:
- Provide support and facilitate the analysis of scrap data, offering insights to improve processes and reduce waste.
- Documentation & Record Keeping:
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and charts on production and quality control information, using standard forms and electronic systems as required.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) & Work Instructions:
- Create and maintain Standardized Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions as assigned and assist with training personnel to ensure adherence.
- Sampling and AQL Standards:
- Understand and follow instructions regarding sample sizes and rejection standards, such as Acceptable Quality Level (AQL), to ensure proper inspection practices.
- Workplace Safety & Housekeeping:
- Perform work in a safe, accurate, and efficient manner, adhering to company safety protocols and industry standards.
- Maintain a clean and organized workstation to promote efficiency and safety.
- Employee Relations:
- Maintain an effective dialogue with all employees to foster good employee morale and a collaborative work environment.
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate’s degree or technical certification in Quality Assurance, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in quality control, quality assurance, or related field within a manufacturing environment.
- Prior experience in optical or vision system inspections, as well as familiarity with traditional measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gages.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency with inspection tools and traditional measurement instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers, height gages, thread gages, etc.).
- Strong understanding of quality inspection techniques and the ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and quality control procedures.
- Certifications:
- Certification in quality control (e.g., CQIA, Six Sigma, or similar) is a plus.
- Experience with NIST calibration procedures is preferred.
- Problem-Solving Skills:
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities to identify root causes of quality issues and implement corrective actions.
- Communication Skills:
- Effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with all levels of personnel and report findings clearly.
- Computer Skills:
- Familiarity with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.) and quality management software/systems.
Physical and Mental Essential Functions:
The Quality Technician II must be able to perform the following physical and mental functions to carry out job responsibilities effectively:
- Physical Stamina:
- Able to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time during inspections, troubleshooting, and documentation tasks.
- Communication Skills:
- Must be able to read, write, and speak in English, with the ability to understand and follow both verbal and written instructions clearly.
- Able to interact and communicate respectfully with coworkers, supervisors, and management to promote a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Basic Arithmetic and Sorting:
- Capable of accurately counting, sorting, and organizing parts, materials, or inspection data.
- Manual Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination:
- Able to perform repetitive tasks that require frequent wrist rotation and fine motor control (e.g. using measuring instruments, turning gages, or operating inspection equipment).
- Able to control hand or foot-operated tools and equipment (e.g. calibration equipment and other inspection devices).
- Reaching and Lifting:
- Able to reach above shoulder height and perform tasks requiring pushing or pulling motion as necessary.
- Able to lift and carry objects up to 10 pounds as required for inspections, tool handling, or other related activities.
- Attention to Detail and Focus:
- Ability to concentrate and maintain focus on inspections and quality control tasks for extended periods of time with a high degree of accuracy.
- Problem-solving and Critical Thinking:
- Mentally able to analyze issues, identify potential defects or non-conformances, and recommend solutions to prevent recurrence.
- Workplace Organization and Safety:
- Must maintain an organized workstation and ensure all activities are performed per safety standards to maintain a safe working environment.
- Work Environment:
- The work environment is fast-paced and often requires the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and tasks.
- Tasks may be repetitive and sometimes performed directly on the plant floor, requiring attention to detail and accuracy in a dynamic setting.
- This position may involve exposure to typical manufacturing conditions, including noise, temperature variations, and industrial equipment.
- Job Flexibility:
- Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned or changed at any time, with or without notice, as directed by the Plant Manager, Quality Engineer, Supervisor, or Line Leader(s).
- The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not intended to be exhaustive and may evolve based on the company's needs.