Job Title: Quality TechnicianJob DescriptionThe Quality Technician supports continuous quality improvement, process control, and the start-up of new product production in a precision manufacturing environment. This role works closely with the Quality Engineer and Quality Manager to perform First Article Inspections (FAI), generate and manage nonconformance reports (NCR/MDR), execute Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities, and oversee precision measuring equipment. The Quality Technician also supports document control and helps maintain and improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
Responsibilities- Monitor and audit manufacturing operations and processes to ensure compliance with internal quality standards and customer requirements.
- Assist the Quality Manager in implementing, maintaining, and improving the Quality Management System (QMS).
- Investigate nonconforming products and quality issues, apply appropriate problem-solving methodologies to determine root cause, and support implementation of corrective actions.
- Generate, track, and maintain Material Discrepancy Reports (MDRs), and follow up to ensure timely resolution.
- Collaborate with the Quality Engineer to prepare and submit complete PPAP documentation to customers, including Control Plans, Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIR), material and steel certifications, PFMEA, process flow charts, and Part Submission Warrants.
- Collect and verify certifications from vendors and outside processors, such as steel suppliers, heat treaters, and plating providers, to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Assist with Continuous Improvement projects, contributing quality-related data, analysis, and recommendations when requested.
- Perform audits and inspections of production parts, including detailed First Article Inspections (FAI), to verify conformity to drawings and specifications.
- Coordinate and deploy training materials related to quality standards, inspection practices, and good manufacturing practices to support production and quality teams.
- Promptly alert department leads and management to conditions or situations that could negatively impact safety, quality, or productivity.
- Assist the Quality Engineer and Quality Manager in the disposition of nonconforming products, ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-up.
- Provide backup support for receiving inspection and final inspection, and fill in for other positions within the Quality Control department as needed.
- Maintain accurate and organized records, reports, inspection data, forms, and corrective action documentation in accordance with QMS requirements.
- Perform Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gauge R&R) studies and capability studies when required to validate measurement systems and processes.
- Oversee and manage precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, gauges, and related tools, ensuring proper use and care.
- Support and maintain the overall QMS by adhering to established procedures and contributing to continuous improvement of quality processes.
Essential Skills- At least 2 years of professional experience in quality inspection or quality engineering within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong experience with First Article Inspections (FAI) and production part inspections.
- Ability to generate and manage nonconformance reports and Material Discrepancy Reports (MDRs).
- Hands-on experience with PPAP documentation, including Control Plans, ISIR, PFMEA, process flow charts, and Part Submission Warrants.
- Proficiency in blueprint reading and the ability to interpret engineering drawings, concepts, and customer specifications.
- Practical knowledge of precision measurement tools, including calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, dial bore gauges, and dial indicators.
- Basic-level knowledge of Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) operation.
- Ability to perform Gauge R&R and capability studies to validate measurement systems and process capability.
- Experience with audits and inspections in a machining or manufacturing environment.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording and maintaining inspection data and quality documentation.
- Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and management.
- Capability to identify quality issues, participate in root cause analysis, and support corrective and preventive actions.
Additional Skills & Qualifications- Machining experience or prior work in a machine shop environment is a plus.
- Experience overseeing and maintaining precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, and