Quality Team Lead Mechanical

Classification: Salary Non-Exempt

Reports to: In-Process Supervisor

American Art Clay Company (AMACO) was founded in 1919 by Ted O. Philpott. AMACO is known for being the first to commercially manufacture ceramic and non-ceramic clays, lead‑free glazes, electric kilns, and potter’s wheels. AMACO is a founding member of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute, which established safety standards for children’s art materials in 1936. Today AMACO continues to manufacture ceramic supplies with the highest standards of quality and safety.

AMACO is a fourth–generation family‑owned and operated company with a strong belief that art and creating art fosters well‑being for the individual while enriching society as a whole. Making art facilitates tactile learning, encourages self‑expression, develops craft skills, and cultivates creativity. AMACO promotes a culture of continuous improvement and change; and a working environment that embraces innovation at all levels, from the factory floor to the executive offices.

Everyone is empowered to improve their role and collaborative processes and participate in the common goals of safety, quality, customer care, teamwork, respect, and learning and development.

The Quality Assurance Mechanical Team Lead will be given the authority to manage the daily workflows and priorities of the Mechanical department of three + people as their main focus and be the main point of contact for quality issues in the Mechanical Department. QA Lead will participate in planning and oversight of operations within the Mechanical QC Department. The Team Lead will work closely with the QA manager, communicating information and assigning tasks and instructions as needed.

Additional assistance may also be needed but not limited to Gemba, Report Outs, Kaizen, and Tracker. Participation in meetings may also be required. The expectation of this position is to help balance the best quality AMACO can provide the end customer, while also supporting the flow of net good products for shipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• Provide guidance in defining and implementing daily work schedules and tasks.
• Placing on Hold Suspect material and resulting NAV and physical disposition
• Ensure the correct safety and quality procedures as needed are followed
• Participate in New product runoffs, process changes and validations
• Participate in Dock Audits
• Establish and maintain monthly QC Hold inventory reconciliations
• Participate in meetings as required by QA Leadership and Mechanical Dept
• Maintain a safe and clean environment within the assigned area
• Assist in preparing and present Virtual and Real time Gemba Reports for Mechanical QA
• Participate in Kaizen continuous improvements.
• Perform root cause analysis on defective materials.
• Inspect incoming mechanical materials.
• Understand how to utilize and train others on how to use hand gages. (i.e height gages, micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gages, etc.)
• Provide and interpret inspection reports.
• Participate in A3 problem solving including fishbone, 5 why and other root cause quality tools
• Participate in developing and improving current/new work instructions and TWI
• Participate in assisting Shipping in Quality Assurance-related tasks and reports
• Participate in MSA activities including but not limited to Gage R and Rs and capability analyses
• Help develop Excel and PowerPoint reports and data analysis
• Support Cross Training between departments as required
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Strong leadership abilities that can delegate and be hands on.
• Knowledge of quality policies, procedures, and operation of gages and other measuring equipment.
• Ability to use SPC and participate in statistical analyses.
• Commitment to ongoing understanding and education on best practices of quality.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other computer related software skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain proper record‑keeping techniques and work standards.
• Excellent interpersonal skills using tact, patience, courtesy and respect while effectively communicating orally and in…