Position Overview
The Quality Assurance Technician supports Quality Engineering and Manufacturing by performing inspections and measurements, developing CMM programs, maintaining calibration systems, preparing First Article Inspection (FAI) reports, supporting nonconformance and corrective action activities, and contributing to continuous improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and modify measurement programs for Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), including multi-part inspection fixturing.
- Perform dimensional and visual inspections using CMMs, microscopes, gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring equipment.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, tolerances, inspection requirements, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Maintain the calibration system and records; verify equipment remains within calibration cycles and identify devices requiring calibration, repair, adjustment, or removal from service.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret inspection and measurement data using appropriate statistical methods to identify trends, deviations, and quality concerns.
- Prepare customer First Article Inspection reports and review supplier FAI reports and supporting documentation.
- Assist Quality Engineers with nonconforming material, corrective actions, root-cause investigations, and customer Return Material Authorizations (RMAs).
- Maintain accurate quality records, communicate inspection results and concerns to appropriate personnel, and support continuous improvement activities.
- Follow established quality procedures, safety requirements, work instructions, and company policies; perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent plus one to three years of relevant quality, inspection, metrology, manufacturing, or related technical experience; or an associate degree in a relevant technical or engineering-related field.
- An equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Experience operating and programming CMMs and using precision measuring and inspection equipment.
- Working knowledge of GD&T, mechanical drawings, quality inspection methods, measurement techniques, and calibration processes.
- Ability to accurately collect, document, analyze, and interpret measurement and inspection data, including basic statistical calculations.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to exercise technical judgment within established procedures and specifications.
- Ability to communicate effectively with Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and other personnel as appropriate.
Language and Communication Skills
Ability to read and comprehend work instructions, quality procedures, engineering documentation, specifications, and other technical information; document inspection results clearly and accurately; and communicate professionally with internal departments, suppliers, and customers as required.
Mathematical and Analytical Skills
Ability to perform arithmetic and basic statistical calculations, understand dimensions and tolerances, analyze measurement data, and identify trends, variations, and discrepancies.
Physical Demands
While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or operate tools and measurement equipment, and communicate with others. Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus for detailed inspection work. The employee occasionally may be required to reach and bend to access inventory or machinery and/or occasionally lift 25 pounds or 50 pounds with assistance.
Work Environment
This position is performed in both office and manufacturing environments. Noise is generally moderate but may occasionally be elevated in production areas. Appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment must be followed and used as required. The shop floor may create occasional exposure to operating machinery, process materials and vapors.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; 401(k) with company match; profit sharing; company-paid life insurance; and eligibility for the company’s cash bonus program.
Equal Employment Opportunity
SMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law.