Quality Assurance Technician I

Job Description

The purpose of the Quality Assurance Technician I is to support Plant and Business Quality Control needs.  These include gage calibrations and maintenance, gage trouble shooting and maintenance, first piece / first article inspections, production quality assurance, supplier quality assurance, warranty returned product analysis, and/or ISO quality system audits if assigned.  Duties include testing and inspecting products at various stages of the production process- incoming inspection of products through finished goods.  Problem solving, attention to detail, teamwork, effective communication, the use of lean manufacturing principles, mechanical aptitude, the ability to read product drawings and specifications are required.  This is an entry level position- training in any or all of these areas may be provided.  This is a hands on as well as a technical position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:           

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Complete 1st piece / 1st article inspection and communicate results with the production lines producing the 1st pieces. Audit production line quality for product conformance.
• Assist production associates with production line quality assurance and trouble shooting.
• Working in conjunction with the QC team, complete product tare downs and warranty analysis and report the technical results.
• Working in conjunction with the QC team, complete measurement and analysis of non-conforming material and assist in dispositioning and processing of these materials. 
• Assist in processing material in the non-conforming hold tag area.
• Working in conjunction with the QC team, complete measurement, analysis, and disposition of supplier purchased product.
• Measure dimensions of products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as steel rules, calipers, gauges, micrometers, CMM’s, etc.
• Support if or as requested the calibration of measurement devices such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators, as well as verifying that various hard gaging is within acceptable dimensional tolerances.
• Support if or as requested the repair, purchasing, and disposal of gages while maintaining current and accurate documentation of those schedules and results.
• Read blueprints, data, manuals, or other materials to determine specifications, inspection and testing procedures, adjustment methods, certification processes, formulas, or measuring instruments as required.
• Record inspection or test data, such as weights, temperatures, grades, or moisture content, and quantities inspected or graded.
• May be required to spend limited time on an alternate shift(s) for training and understanding of daily priorities.
• Will assume lead role for their area/shift in addressing any quality concerns or defects that may develop throughout the shift.
• Conduct training sessions with the associates to raise awareness and resolve quality issues.
• May assist and govern the training of all new associates to ensure consistency and transferred understanding.  
• Training will include measurement methods, gage use and care, understanding the first piece inspection process, and completing all necessary paperwork.
• Will lead by example and provide coaching to all associates as needed to ensure quality products are produced. 
• Examples include, but are not limited to, safe work practices, time management, adherence to the plant work rules, and quality processes.
• Interface with the previous and/or subsequent shift Quality Associates, Supervisor, or Team Leader(s) to pass on relevant information.
• Subject to standard overtime scheduling and rotation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS and COMPETENCIES:

• Communicates effectively with production associates, management, shipping, & supervisors.
• Ability to trouble shoot issues and solve simple problems while maintaining a positive deposition.
• Demonstrated professionalism, passion, and initiative with projects and tasks. Strong work ethic, including the ability to be self-directed and self-motivated.
• Must be well organized, efficient and resourceful self-starter with problem solving skills, attention to detail, interpersonal skills and time management.
• Highly productive with a