Quality Assurance Specialist I

Summary: The Quality Assurance Specialist I supports plant quality systems by performing inspections, reviewing records, documenting quality issues, and helping ensure products and processes meet company, customer, and regulatory requirements. Works closely with production, engineering, and warehouse teams to identify nonconformances, support corrective actions, and promote consistent manufacturing quality standards.

Key Responsibilities: Perform routine inspections of raw materials, in-process product, and finished goods to verify compliance with specifications and quality standards. Works closely with Engineering and the Engineer To Order, ETO, process. Ensuring customer requirements are met. Participate in customer visits, audits or meetings to ensure product quality and requirements are documented and met. Assist with internal audits, process checks, engagement visits and other quality system verification activities. Assist with 3rd Party Inspections of customer orders to ensure compliance with requirements. Review production records, inspection reports, and other quality documentation for accuracy and completeness. Document nonconforming materials or processes and assist with containment, investigation, and disposition activities. Support root cause analysis and corrective and preventive action activities for internal quality issues and customer concerns. Monitor adherence to standard operating procedures, work instructions, and plant quality requirements. Communicate quality concerns to supervisors and cross-functional teams in a timely and professional manner. Help maintain calibration, inspection logs, sampling records, and other controlled quality documents as required. Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, scrap, rework, and process variation. Support compliance with safety, housekeeping, and regulatory requirements within the manufacturing environment.

Required Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical training in quality, manufacturing, engineering, or a related field preferred.0 to 2 years of experience in manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control, or a related industrial environment. Basic understanding of inspection methods, quality documentation, and problem-solving techniques. Ability to read work instructions, specifications, drawings, or product standards as applicable. Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through. Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ability to learn plant quality systems. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently on routine tasks and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience using calipers, micrometers, gauges, or other inspection tools. Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 9001.Exposure to root cause analysis, 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, or CAPA processes. Experience working with ERP, MES, or electronic quality management systems. ASQ or other quality-related coursework or certification in progress.