Quality Assurance Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for ensuring that products (e.g., protective gloves, high-hazard protective wear) meet internal quality standards, customer specifications, and applicable regulatory/safety requirements throughout the manufacturing and warehouse process. This role monitors incoming materials, in-process production, and finished goods, and works cross-functionally to identify and resolve quality issues before they impact customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions of the job are listed below. Other responsibilities may also be assigned. Please note that the essential functions may vary depending on department size, organizational structure and/or geographic location. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Conduct incoming material inspections (raw materials, components, trims) against specification and quality standards
• Perform in-process quality checks throughout manufacturing to catch defects early and reduce scrap/rework
• Conduct final inspection and testing of finished PPE apparel products prior to shipment, ensuring compliance with relevant safety standards (e.g., ANSI, NFPA, ASTM, CE, or other applicable PPE certifications depending on product line)
• Maintain and update quality control documentation, including inspection records, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and corrective action reports (CAPAs)
• Identify trends in defects or quality issues and escalate to Quality Manager and Production leadership
• Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action processes for quality escalations, whether internal or customer-reported
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 (or applicable quality management system) requirements and support internal/external audits
• Partner with warehouse/distribution teams to inspect and verify product quality during receiving, storage, and outbound shipping processes
• Train production and warehouse staff on quality standards, inspection criteria, and proper handling procedures for PPE products
• Maintain calibration schedules and proper use of inspection tools and testing equipment
• Support supplier quality management, including supplier audits, incoming inspection feedback, and supplier corrective action requests (SCARs)
• Ensure proper labeling, lot traceability, and documentation for regulatory compliance (particularly important for PPE given safety certification requirements)
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S) to reduce defects and improve first-pass yield

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following are the minimum qualifications that an individual needs in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Please note that the minimum qualifications may vary based upon the department size and/or geographic location.

EDUCATION

High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field (Quality, Engineering, Textiles, Manufacturing) preferred

EXPERIENCE | PREFERRED SKILLS

• 2+ years of experience in quality assurance/quality control, preferably in apparel, textiles, PPE, or manufacturing environments
• Working knowledge of quality standards relevant to PPE (ANSI/ISEA cut resistance and hand protection standards, NFPA arc-flash standards, ASTM testing methods, or similar, depending on product category)
• Experience with quality management systems (ISO 9001 or similar)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify defects, inconsistencies, or non-conformances
• Proficiency with basic inspection tools and measurement equipment
• Strong written communication skills for documenting inspections, NCRs, and CAPAs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel in particular) and familiarity with QMS or ERP software.
• Certification in quality methodologies (Six Sigma Green/Yellow Belt, ASQ Certified Quality Inspector/Technician)
• Experience specifically with PPE, safety apparel, or technical textiles
• Experience working in both manufacturing and warehouse/distribution settings
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus, depending on facility workforce

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

In accordance with applicable policies/procedures and Federal/State laws, may perform the following supervisory responsibilities: Interviewing, hiring, orienting, coaching and developing employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising, managing and rewarding performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly uses verbal and written communication skills and must be able to hear and speak clearly. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as frequent use of hands to grasp, handle, and manipulate objects.

This position may also require periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing, as necessary to perform job duties.

The employee must be able to occasionally lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 15 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

TRAVEL

Occasionally

OVERALL WORK ENVIRONMENT

In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment.

The office is clean, orderly, properly lit and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate. Field conditions vary.

This role is based on-site in a manufacturing/warehouse facility. Some exposure to production equipment, materials handling, and standard manufacturing floor conditions should be expected. Appropriate PPE will be provided and required per facility safety policy.