Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Quality Control Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Quality Control (QC) Technician, you are the cornerstone of our quality assurance program. Your primary mission is to uphold our reputation for excellence by meticulously inspecting products at various stages of production, from raw materials to final assembly. You will use a range of precision instruments and technical knowledge to identify and resolve quality issues, ensuring full compliance with industry standards and customer specifications. This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with production and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement and maintain the highest level of product integrity.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Associate or Assembly Technician
Machinist or CNC Operator
Recent graduate from a technical school or associate's degree program

Advancement To:

Senior Quality Control Technician or Quality Lead
Quality Engineer
Quality Assurance Supervisor or Manager

Lateral Moves:

Process Technician or Manufacturing Technician
R&D Technician
Supplier Quality Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform detailed dimensional and visual inspections of raw materials, in-process components, and finished goods to ensure they conform to engineering drawings, specifications, and quality standards.
Utilize a variety of precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, and optical comparators, to accurately verify product dimensions.
Meticulously document all inspection and testing results by completing comprehensive reports and logs, and accurately inputting data into the Quality Management System (QMS) or ERP software.
Identify, tag, and segregate non-conforming products or materials, initiating Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and collaborating with the Material Review Board (MRB) for disposition.
Interpret complex engineering drawings, technical blueprints, and schematics, with a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols and principles.
Conduct first-article inspections (FAI) on new or revised parts to validate that the production process can reliably produce components that meet all requirements.
Execute in-process quality checks at critical manufacturing steps to monitor process stability and prevent the mass production of defective parts.
Perform final inspections on completed products to verify functionality, appearance, and packaging, ensuring they are fit for customer release.
Calibrate, verify, and maintain inspection, measurement, and test equipment (IM&TE) according to a defined schedule, ensuring all instruments are accurate and reliable.
Assist quality and manufacturing engineers in root cause analysis investigations for quality issues, using tools like 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams to identify and address underlying problems.
Participate actively in internal and external quality audits (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) by gathering documentation, explaining processes, and demonstrating compliance.
Operate advanced measurement equipment, such as a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) or a Vision Measurement System (VMS), to perform complex and automated inspection routines.
Monitor manufacturing processes and analyze quality data using Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods to identify trends, shifts, and opportunities for improvement.
Generate and review Certificates of Conformance (CoC) or Certificates of Analysis (CoA) to accompany shipments, certifying that products meet customer requirements.
Manage the quarantine area for non-conforming materials, ensuring proper control, documentation, and timely disposition of all held products.

Secondary Functions

Support continuous improvement projects and Lean Manufacturing initiatives (e.g., Kaizen, 5S) aimed at reducing waste and enhancing product quality and process efficiency.
Provide training and clear guidance to production operators on quality criteria, proper inspection techniques, and the use of basic measurement tools.
Assist in the development, review, and revision of quality documentation, such as work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and inspection checklists.
Collaborate with the supply chain team to conduct incoming material inspections and communicate any supplier-related quality issues for corrective action.
Participate in safety committees and adhere to all workplace safety protocols, promoting a culture of safety alongside quality.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Precision Measurement: High proficiency in using and reading various metrology tools, including digital calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and optical comparators.
Blueprint & GD&T Interpretation: Strong ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications, including a solid understanding of GD&T.
Quality Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with Quality Management Systems and standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100 (aerospace), or IATF 16949 (automotive).
CMM/VMS Operation: Hands-on experience programming and operating Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) or Vision Measurement Systems is highly desirable.
Root Cause Analysis: Knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies like 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, or 8D to investigate quality defects.
Computer Proficiency: Competency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and experience with ERP/MRP systems and Quality Management Software (QMS).

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous and thorough approach to inspection and documentation, with the ability to spot minute deviations.
Analytical & Problem-Solving: The capacity to analyze data, identify trends, and logically troubleshoot to determine the root cause of a problem.
Effective Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and collaborating with team members across different departments.
Time Management & Organization: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize inspection workload effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work constructively with production staff, engineers, and management to achieve shared quality goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a technical certificate in a relevant field.
ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT) designation is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Manufacturing Technology
Industrial Engineering Technology
Quality Assurance
Applied Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of hands-on experience in a quality control or quality assurance role within a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience in a regulated industry such as medical device, aerospace, automotive, or electronics manufacturing. Direct experience with the specific products and processes of our industry is highly valued.