Job Description: Quality Control Specialist

Position Title: Quality Control Specialist

Department: Quality Assurance / Manufacturing

Reports To: Quality Manager

Position Summary

The Quality Control Specialist is responsible for ensuring that manufactured products meet established quality standards and customer specifications. This role performs inspections, testing, documentation, and process audits throughout the manufacturing process to identify defects, support corrective actions, and promote continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has strong attention to detail, experience using precision measuring equipment, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and quality-focused production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Product Inspection & Testing

• Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections of raw materials, components, and finished products.
• Verify product dimensions and specifications using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, tape measures, and gauges.
• Conduct visual inspections to identify defects, damage, contamination, or nonconforming products.
• Complete required quality testing according to company procedures and customer specifications.
• Ensure products meet established quality standards before release to production or shipment.

Documentation & Reporting

• Accurately complete inspection reports, quality records, check sheets, and nonconformance reports.
• Document inspection results and maintain quality records in accordance with company procedures.
• Assist with traceability and documentation required for audits and customer requirements.
• Maintain calibration records for measuring equipment when required.

Process Monitoring

• Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Identify quality issues and communicate findings to production supervisors and quality management.
• Assist in investigating root causes of defects and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Participate in first article inspections, process validations, and product change approvals as needed.

Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in internal quality audits and customer audits when required.
• Recommend improvements to inspection methods, work instructions, and manufacturing processes to improve product quality.
• Help reduce scrap, rework, and customer complaints through proactive quality monitoring.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Comply with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, GMP, or other applicable quality management systems as required.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of quality control or quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Experience using precision measuring instruments including calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office and quality documentation systems.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred

• Associate degree or technical certification in Quality, Manufacturing, or Engineering.
• Experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, GMP, or similar quality systems.
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), root cause analysis, PFMEA, or control plans.
• Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or other ASQ certification.
• Experience using ERP or quality management software.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to identify defects and make sound quality decisions.
• Strong mathematical skills for measurements and tolerances.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequently lift up to 35 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive motions.
• Good vision, including close vision and color recognition, with or without corrective lenses.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.

You should be proficient in:

• Quality Inspection Experience
• Quality Control Experience

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Quality Control Software