Quality Assurance Technician

Overview

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure consistent compliance with company standards and customer requirements. This role emphasizes document control, process documentation, internal auditing, corrective action management, and system discipline. The focus is on building structured, preventative quality systems rather than primarily performing inspection activities.

Responsibilities

Quality Management System (Primary Focus)

• Maintain and continuously improve the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
• Manage document control processes, including:
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Work instructions
• Forms and quality records
• Revision control and change management
• Ensure controlled documents are current, accurate, accessible, and aligned with actual shop-floor practices.
• Coordinate internal audit activities.

Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA)

• Facilitate structured root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D, etc.).
• Ensure containment plans are clearly defined, communicated, and implemented.
• Track recurring issues and drive systemic corrective actions.
• Verify effectiveness of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Process Documentation & Standardization

• Partner with Engineering and Operations to:
• Document critical processes
• Clarify quality requirements
• Standardize inspection and acceptance criteria
• Develop visual standards and job aids to support “quality at the source.”
• Ensure documentation reflects current production practices.
• Reduce reliance on tribal knowledge through structured documentation.

Supplier & Customer Quality Support

• Support supplier quality oversight and corrective action follow-up.
• Assist with customer complaints, RMAs, and quality-related inquiries.
• Ensure structured communication and documentation of quality issues.

Secondary Responsibilities (As Needed)

• Provide guidance to QC inspectors and production teams.
• Support First Article Inspections (FAI), process validation, or capability studies when required.
• Assist with training on quality procedures and documentation practices.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Quality, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Systems, or manufacturing quality.
• Working knowledge of document control and QMS structure.
• Experience participating in or supporting internal audits.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis methodologies.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality software systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ISO 9001 or similar quality standards.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement tools.
• Internal auditor training or certification.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and change control processes.

Key Competencies

• Systems Thinking – understands how processes connect across departments.
• Process Discipline – ensures standards are defined, followed, and maintained.
• Accountability – drives corrective actions to closure.
• Analytical Thinking – uses data to identify trends and risk.
• Communication – translates quality requirements into clear, practical expectations.
• Change Management – supports implementation of process improvements.