Quality Lab Technician

Job DetailsJob Location: Anatometal - Santa Cruz, CA 95060Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $22.00 - $25.00 HourlyJoin Anatometal, a leading name in body jewelry manufacturing located in beautiful Santa Cruz, CA, serving a dedicated worldwide customer base since 1991. At Anatometal, we deeply value our team, offering comprehensive training and opportunities for leadership and skill development.

The Quality Lab Technician is responsible for ensuring that all jewelry products, from raw materials to finished goods, meet established quality standards, design specifications, and regulatory requirements, including ISO 9001. This role involves meticulous testing, inspection, documentation, and collaboration with production teams to uphold product integrity and support the company's Quality Management System (QMS). 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

•    Gemological Analysis: Utilize standard and advanced gemological instruments (e.g., magnifiers, microscopes, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators) to
     analyze, grade, and authenticate colored gemstones, checking for defects and verifying material characteristics.
•    Inspection and Testing: Perform detailed inspections and tests on incoming raw materials (metals, gemstones, components), in-process items, and finished
     jewelry products to verify compliance with specifications and quality benchmarks
•    Equipment Maintenance & Calibration: Calibrate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on all laboratory and testing equipment to ensure accuracy and
     reliability of results.
•    QMS Adherence & Support: Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and safety protocols, ensuring strict adherence to the established Quality
     Management System (QMS) aligned with ISO 9001 standards. Contribute and lead in developing and revising Quality Management System documents as
     necessary. Complete process walk-throughs to verify process compliance and provide best practice support.
•    Documentation and Reporting: Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all inspection and test results in CORE.
•    Problem Solving & Corrective Action: Identify non-conformities and quality issues, reporting findings to the Quality Manager and collaborating with production
     teams on root cause analysis and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
•    Continuous Improvement: Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma) to enhance product quality, reduce waste,
     and improve overall process efficiency.
•    Training: Assist in training production staff on new quality control procedures and best practices.
•    Performs other related duties as required. 

SKILLS:

•    The ability to quickly learn and adapt to the various quality control systems.  
•    Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.  
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  
•    Diligent documentation and record keeping skills 
•    Mathematical calculation and conversion skills required 
•    Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 

•    High school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Materials Science, Chemistry, Gemology,
     Manufacturing/Quality Engineering) is preferred.
•    Previous experience (2+ years preferred) in a quality control/assurance role within a manufacturing or laboratory setting, preferably the jewelry industry.
•    Strong understanding of quality management principles and practices, with specific knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and experience working in an ISO-
     certified environment.
•    Excellent color aptitude. 
•    Proficiency in using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) and laboratory instruments. Ability to read and interpret manufacturing
     blueprints and technical specifications.
Qualifications