Quality Assurance Technician

Job Title:

Quality Assurance Technician I

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Technician I plays a key role in ensuring that machined, sheet metal, and 3D-printed components meet strict quality standards in a modern manufacturing environment. You will perform detailed inspections using precision metrology equipment, interpret engineering drawings and GD&T specifications, support nonconforming product disposition, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. This position is ideal for a quality-focused technician with strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a desire to grow in advanced metrology and inspection techniques.

Responsibilities

+ Conduct in-process and final inspections of machined, sheet metal, and 3D-printed components using metrology equipment, micrometers, microscopes, optical comparators, gauge pins, calipers, and other precision measuring tools.

+ Verify that parts conform to engineering drawings and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) specifications.

+ Document inspection results clearly and maintain accurate, organized quality records for traceability and analysis.

+ Support first article inspections for new parts to validate manufacturing processes and ensure compliance with requirements.

+ Assist with Material Review Board (MRB) activities by collaborating with cross-functional teams to disposition nonconforming products.

+ Identify, document, and escalate quality issues to quality leadership, and support root cause analysis and corrective action efforts.

+ Track nonconforming parts and coordinate with manufacturing teams to implement resolutions and prevent recurrence.

+ Assist with Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) from customers, including gathering data and supporting the investigation process.

+ Support the creation of failure analysis reports and coordinate with quality leadership on RMA resolution and corrective actions.

+ Document quality issues and customer concerns in a clear and structured manner to support continuous improvement.

+ Contribute to process optimization initiatives that reduce in-process and final inspection time while maintaining high quality standards.

+ Provide feedback on inspection methods and workflows to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.

+ Operate inspection equipment such as optical comparators and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) in accordance with established procedures.

+ Assist in creating programs for metrology equipment, including CMMs, optical comparators, scanners, and articulating arms.

+ Maintain inspection equipment, perform basic upkeep, and ensure proper calibration to guarantee accurate measurements.

+ Learn and apply advanced metrology techniques and equipment operation to expand inspection capabilities.

+ Coordinate with manufacturing teams to clarify quality requirements, communicate inspection results, and address quality concerns.

+ Collaborate with quality leadership on quality investigations and support quality engineers with data collection and inspection activities.

+ Communicate inspection findings to production teams in a timely and constructive manner to support on-time delivery and high product quality.

+ Adhere to safety protocols and quality procedures while maintaining a reliable, punctual, and team-oriented work style.

Essential Skills

+ High school diploma or equivalent.

+ At least 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment working in a quality-focused role.

+ At least 2 years of experience with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and reading engineering drawings.

+ At least 2 years of experience using inspection equipment such as micrometers, calipers, and basic measuring tools.

+ Familiarity with machined parts, sheet metal, powder coating, and welding processes.

+ Strong attention to detail with a high level of precision and accuracy in measurements and documentation.

+ Good verbal and written communication skills to convey inspection results and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

+ Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand how parts are manufactured and assembled.

+ Commitment to quality, safety, and adherence to established procedures and standards.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ 3 or more years of quality experience in manufacturing environments.

+ Experience operating high-tech inspection equipment such as optical comparators and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

+ Experience inspecting 3D-printed components and understanding their unique characteristics and potential defects.

+ Technical certification or vocational training in quality inspection, metrology, or a related technical field.

+ Experience in contract manufacturing or high-mix production environments where a wide variety of parts and processes are used.

+ Understanding of multiple manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, 3D printing, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and powder coating.

+ ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or a similar professional quality certification.

+ Good…