1st Shift Quality Technician

Department: Manufacturing / Operations / Quality

Location: US
- Wisconsin
- Madison

Responsible for varied activities of a Quality Technician, including calibration of simple laboratory and manufacturing equipment, measurement and analysis of raw materials and components from suppliers, and evaluation of returned goods. Works as part of a team to drive quality and continuous improvement into the products we deliver to our customers.

• Conducts routine and nonroutine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, part samples, finished goods, or process samples.
• Compiles laboratory test data and performs appropriate analyses. Investigates or reports questionable test results.
• Evaluates analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved.
• Identifies quality problems and recommends solutions.
• Interprets test results, compares them to established specifications and control limits, and makes recommendations on the appropriateness of data for release.
• Participates in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommends corrective actions.
• Prepares or reviews required assembly method documentation, including quality or inspection requirements or reports.
• Calibrates, validates, or maintains simple laboratory equipment.
• Identifies and troubleshoots equipment problems.
• Assists production departments with problem investigation and quality lab measurements.
• Interfaces with suppliers (via phone and/or e‑mail) to resolve issues with incoming QA inspections.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

• Writes technical reports or documentation such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.
• Inputs RMAs into the database, distributes product returns to manufacturing supervisors, and closes out when the process is completed.
• Completes the documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.
• Participates in internal assessments and audits as required.
• Ensures that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.

• Uses a range of inspection equipment for product/raw material analysis (calipers, micrometers, etc.)
• Writes routine reports and correspondence.
• Effectively presents information and responds to questions from groups of managers and/or customers.
• Solves practical problems and deals with a variety of known variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Interprets a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram formats.
• Reads and understands documents such as policy manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Utilizes common-sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions.
• Plans the time, method, manner, and/or performance sequence of own work; may also occasionally assist in planning work assignments performed by others within a limited area of operation.
• Frequently makes decisions of both minor and major importance, which may affect the work operations of other employees and/or clientele to a moderate degree.

• Equivalent of four years of high school (required).
• Zero to three years of relevant education or experience in manufacturing, engineering technology, or a related field (required).

• Advanced: Microsoft Excel.
• Basic: 10‑key, database, word processing/typing.

• ASQ Quality Inspector Certification (CQI) (preferred)

• While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:
  • Continually required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
  • Regularly required to sit or stand and to walk.
  • Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

• While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:
  • Regularly subjected to work near moving mechanical parts and to indoor temperature variations in a manufacturing environment.
  • Occasionally subjected to fumes or airborne particles, as well as toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.