Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Quality Control Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a meticulous and detail-oriented professional with a passion for excellence? This role requires a proactive and dedicated Quality Control (QC) Coordinator to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be the backbone of our quality management system, ensuring that our products and processes not only meet but consistently exceed customer expectations and stringent industry standards. You will act as a central point of contact for all quality-related activities, from inspecting raw materials to approving final products for shipment. This position requires a hands-on approach, a sharp analytical mind, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments to champion a culture of quality throughout the organization. If you thrive in a structured environment and are driven by process improvement, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Quality Control Inspector / Technician
Production or Manufacturing Associate
Laboratory Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Quality Control Coordinator / Specialist
Quality Assurance Manager
Continuous Improvement Manager

Lateral Moves:

Supply Chain Analyst
Production Supervisor
Regulatory Affairs Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive in-process and final inspections of products, materials, and components using various measurement tools and techniques to ensure they meet established specifications.
Develop, implement, and maintain detailed quality control procedures, work instructions, and inspection plans to standardize processes and ensure consistent product quality.
Manage and meticulously document all non-conforming materials and products through the Non-Conformance Report (NCR) system, from identification to final disposition.
Lead and participate in root cause analysis investigations for quality issues, defects, and customer complaints, utilizing tools like 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams.
Implement, track, and verify the effectiveness of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) to prevent recurrence of quality deviations.
Perform first article inspections (FAI) on new or revised parts and products, compiling detailed reports to validate that all design and engineering requirements are met.
Manage the calibration and maintenance schedule for all inspection, measuring, and test equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with internal and external standards.
Review and approve supplier documentation, including Certificates of Conformance (CoC) and material certifications, to ensure incoming materials meet all quality requirements.
Create, maintain, and organize all quality-related documentation, including inspection records, test data, audit findings, and training logs, ensuring they are readily accessible and up-to-date.
Act as the primary point of contact for production teams on the floor, providing real-time guidance and clarification on quality standards and inspection criteria.
Oversee the quarantine and control of non-conforming products to prevent unintended use or shipment, coordinating with relevant departments for rework or scrap decisions.
Train production operators and other staff on quality control procedures, inspection techniques, and the proper use of measurement equipment to build quality ownership at the source.
Release finished goods for shipment after verifying that all quality checks have been successfully completed and documented according to procedure.

Secondary Functions

Support the Quality Manager in preparing for and participating in internal, customer, and third-party regulatory audits (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA).
Compile, analyze, and distribute regular reports on key quality performance indicators (KPIs), such as defect rates, first pass yield, and cost of poor quality.
Collaborate with the purchasing department to evaluate and monitor supplier quality performance, providing data to support supplier scorecards and audits.
Participate in continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events aimed at enhancing process efficiency, reducing waste, and improving overall product quality.
Assist the engineering and R&D teams by providing quality support for new product introductions (NPI), including risk assessment and development of the initial quality control plan.
Maintain and update the approved supplier list (ASL) based on performance data and qualification activities.
Review and provide feedback on manufacturing batch records, device history records (DHR), or similar production documentation to ensure they are complete and accurate.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to investigate emerging quality trends.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

QMS & ERP Proficiency: Strong hands-on experience with Quality Management System (QMS) software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) for tracking and documentation.
Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of quality assurance principles and industry standards such as ISO 9001, GMP, AS9100, or IATF 16949.
Metrology & Inspection Tools: Competency in using and calibrating a variety of precision measurement tools, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, optical comparators, and CMM equipment.
Root Cause Analysis: Proven ability to apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa diagrams, 8D) to identify and resolve quality issues.
Technical Blueprint Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) specifications.
Statistical Process Control (SPC): Knowledge of SPC principles and the ability to use statistical data to monitor and control manufacturing processes.
Documentation & Reporting: Expertise in technical writing for the creation of clear, concise work instructions, procedures, and quality reports.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Exceptional thoroughness and accuracy when performing inspections, reviewing documentation, and analyzing data.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members, management, and suppliers, and to clearly articulate complex issues.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to investigate discrepancies, assess risks, and develop effective, logical solutions.
Organizational Skills: Superior ability to manage multiple priorities, organize complex information, and maintain meticulous records in a fast-paced environment.
Interpersonal Skills: A collaborative mindset with the ability to build positive working relationships and influence others to adhere to quality standards.
Initiative & Proactivity: A self-starting attitude with the ability to work independently, identify areas for improvement, and take action without direct supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED coupled with significant relevant experience. An Associate's Degree in a technical field is often required.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing Technology, or a related scientific discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Quality Management
Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering
Business Administration with a focus on Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of direct experience in a quality control, quality assurance, or manufacturing role, preferably within a regulated industry.

Preferred:

Experience in an ISO-certified or similarly regulated environment (e.g., aerospace, medical device, automotive, pharmaceuticals).
Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Technician (CQT), Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), or Six Sigma Green Belt are highly advantageous.