Quality Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Quality Specialist is responsible for supporting manufacturing quality through inspection activities, laboratory operations, routine testing, measurement system administration, and Quality Management System (QMS) support. The position ensures product conformity, testing reliability, and quality system compliance while supporting data-driven continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and other support functions, the Quality Specialist plays a key role in maintaining product quality, laboratory capability, and overall operational excellence. As the organization grows, inspection responsibilities may transition to dedicated Quality Inspectors, allowing the position to focus more heavily on laboratory operations, measurement systems, quality systems administration, and continuous improvement activities.

Major Responsibilities

Quality Inspection

· Perform incoming, in-process, and outgoing inspections.

· Verify product conformity against specifications, engineering drawings, control plans, and inspection standards.

· Identify, document, and segregate nonconforming materials and products.

· Maintain inspection records and quality documentation.

· Support containment activities and corrective actions when quality issues are identified.

· Conduct product audits and process audits.

· Monitor manufacturing quality performance and report findings.

Laboratory Operations & Testing

· Perform routine laboratory testing of incoming materials, in-process products, and finished goods.

· Conduct dimensional, appearance, functional, and performance testing.

· Prepare, review, and maintain testing reports and records.

· Manage retained samples and testing traceability.

· Maintain laboratory work instructions and testing procedures.

· Compliance with customer, internal, and regulatory testing requirements.

Laboratory Equipment & Measurement System Management

· Manage laboratory and inspection equipment.

· Coordinate calibration and verification activities.

· Maintain calibration records and equipment traceability.

· Conduct Measurement System Analysis (MSA).

· Perform Gauge R&R studies and analyze results.

· Monitor measurement system effectiveness and implement improvements.

· Support inspector qualification and measurement reliability activities.

· Manage laboratory consumables and testing supplies.

Quality Management System (QMS)

· Maintain quality documents, procedures, forms, and records.

· Support document control activities.

· Assist with internal and external audits.

· Maintain quality-related training records.

· Support compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and company procedures.

· Participate in corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities.

· Support quality system improvement initiatives.

Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

· Analyze defect, scrap, testing, and quality performance data.

· Monitor SPC and process capability performance.

· Generate quality reports and KPI.

· Support root cause analysis and corrective action activities.

· Participate in continuous improvement projects.

· Promote quality awareness throughout the organization.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Quality, or a related field.

- Minimum of 2 years of experience in manufacturing, quality, laboratory, or related environments.

· Knowledge of quality control principles and manufacturing processes.

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

· Automotive manufacturing experience.

· Knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.

· Experience with MSA, SPC, and Process Capability Analysis.

· Laboratory management or testing experience.

· Knowledge of GD&T and inspection methodologies.

· ASQ Certification (CQE, CQA, or equivalent).

· Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.