Lead Quality Technician

Scope of Position

Lead Quality Technician provides senior technical leadership and operational oversight of quality activities within an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified manufacturing environment. The role serves as the primary quality point of contact for an assigned shift, area, or product line and is responsible for coordinating quality efforts, supporting audits, leading corrective actions, mentoring quality staff, and ensuring consistent application of quality and environmental standards.

The position carries decision‑making authority without direct people‑management responsibility.

• Serve as the lead quality resource for the assigned shift, manufacturing area, or product line, including off shift or limited‑supervision periods.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to Quality Technicians, Inspectors, and Manufacturing Associates.
• Ensure effective shift‑to‑shift communication and continuity of quality controls.
• Coordinate and prioritize quality activities to ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, customer, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Develop, revise, and control quality and environmental documentation (procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, records) in accordance with document control standards, including release, revision, training, and archival.
• Lead and perform product, process, layered, and internal system audits; support external registrar and customer audits.
• Lead complex root cause investigations and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities, including verification of effectiveness and sustainability.
• Support review and approval of PPAP and First Article Inspection documentation in collaboration with Quality Engineering.
• Support production decision‑making related to product conformity, containment, release, deviations, and disposition.
• Lead or represent Quality in Material Review Board activities, including evaluation of nonconforming material and analysis of scrap, rework, and cost of quality data.
• Apply statistical methods, SPC, and data analysis tools to identify risk, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze and communicate supplier, in‑process, customer quality, and environmental performance metrics.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, Planning, Supply Chain, and EHS to resolve quality and environmental issues.
• Support identification, control, and improvement of environmental aspects and impacts per ISO 14001, including waste minimization and proper material handling.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and comply with safety, environmental, and quality policies, including PPE requirements.
• Promptly report job‑related injuries, illnesses, environmental incidents, or significant quality issues.
• Maintain attendance, punctuality, and flexibility to support shift coverage as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Quality Manager or Supervisor.

• High school diploma or GED required; advanced quality, technical, or environmental training preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality role, including senior or lead‑level responsibilities.
• Advanced knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems, audits, CAPA ownership, risk‑based thinking, and document control.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, standards, and controlled documentation.
• Strong proficiency with inspection tools, measurement techniques, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and make decisions without direct authority.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (advanced Excel preferred); MRP/ERP experience preferred.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands while supporting production and maintaining compliance.

• Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as…