Quality Technician

Quality TechnicianThe Quality Technician plays a key role in quality assurance and control by performing advanced inspections, audits, and testing on raw materials, components, and finished products. This role validates compliance with internal specifications and external standards, supports root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborates closely with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to enhance product quality and manufacturing processes.ResponsibilitiesPerform advanced inspections, product and workstation audits, and testing on raw materials, components, and finished products, including capability studies, validations, and root-cause investigations.Validate that products and processes comply with internal specifications and relevant external standards.Interpret engineering drawings and specifications with a high degree of accuracy, including both dimensional and visual or aesthetic requirements.Support root cause investigations using structured problem-solving tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and DMAIC methodologies.Collaborate with design, quality, and process engineering to baseline and drive continuous improvement of products, manufacturing processes, and metrology systems.Execute gage repeatability and reproducibility (GRR) studies to ensure measurement systems are reliable and consistent.Identify trends in defects and nonconformances, analyze data, and propose data-driven solutions to improve quality and reduce variation.Assist in the implementation of Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods to support stable, in-control production operations.Support metrology system improvement efforts by providing input into system and gage designs, procedures, and reproducibility enhancements.Maintain precise, accurate, and timely records within quality management systems and related documentation platforms.Prepare inspection data, test results, and quality evidence to support internal and external audits.Participate in design reviews, process validations, and metrology systems analysis to ensure robust quality controls are in place.Work closely with quality, production, engineering, and supply chain teams to support program implementation and rollout related to quality and metrology initiatives.Essential SkillsAt least 5 years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment.At least 5 years of experience in quality engineering or inspection roles.At least 5 years of experience working with measurement tools.Expert-level proficiency in measurement tools such as calipers, gauges, micrometers, and XYZ tables.Hands-on experience with inspection, metrology, and auditing activities.Strong Experience in root cause analysis using methods such as 5 Whys, Fishbone, and DMAIC.Experience with quality documentation and maintaining records in quality management systems.Experience in continuous improvement, quality assurance, and technical documentation.Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles.Strong understanding of Six Sigma principles and methodologies.Exceptional attention to detail and analytical thinking in evaluating data and inspection results.Strong communication skills, including the ability to summarize data and findings and present results clearly to diverse audiences.Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams in production, engineering, and supply chain.Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Copilot.Familiarity with quality management systems and their associated processes.Familiarity with statistical software such as Minitab for data analysis and process improvement.Additional Skills & QualificationsQuality experience specifically in windows and doors manufacturing is highly desirable.Demonstrated ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications accurately.Experience conducting capability studies, validations, and gage repeatability and reproducibility (GRR) studies.Experience implementing or supporting Statistical Process Control (SPC) in manufacturing environments.Proven ability to identify defect trends and recommend data-driven corrective and preventive actions.Experience preparing inspection data and quality evidence for internal and external audits.Comfort working in a team-centric environment with a focus on growth and continuous improvement.Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a new, modern manufacturing facility with a team-centric environment focused on growth and continuous improvement. The Quality Technician works closely with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams, using a variety of measurement tools such as calipers, gauges, micrometers, and XYZ tables, as well as software tools including Microsoft Office, Copilot, quality management systems, and statistical software like Minitab. The setting emphasizes collaboration, precision, and adherence to robust quality processes, providing opportunities to contribute to ongoing improvements in products, processes, and metrology systems.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cottage Grove, MN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision; Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital; 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available; Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents); Short and long-term disability; Health Spending Account (HSA); Transportation benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Cottage Grove, MN.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.About ActalentActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.