Quality Specialist

Position Summary

The Quality Specialist is responsible for supporting and maintaining quality, environmental, and safety standards throughout the manufacturing operation. This position performs hands-on inspections, process monitoring, testing, audits, calibration activities, and corrective action follow-up to ensure products and processes meet established company standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulations.

The Quality Specialist works closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Management to identify and resolve quality issues, promote continuous improvement, support Lean manufacturing principles, and ensure compliance with company policies, work instructions, and QEHS requirements.

Essential Responsibilities

Quality Control and Process Monitoring

• Perform and document quality inspections at production workstations, including hanging and unhanging operations.
• Monitor process baths, including degreasing, rinsing, KOH, and titration, and make or recommend adjustments when required.
• Inspect S&M packages and other materials for quality compliance.
• Perform adhesion testing and water half-tests on smooth lines.
• Prepare samples from mother coils and slit coils for tensile testing.
• Inspect waste carts to ensure proper sorting and disposal.
• Perform production control and validation of NSTs.
• Verify the quality of finished products in warehouse and outdoor storage areas.
• Monitor production activities and report quality issues to the appropriate personnel and Quality Department Manager.
• Perform load tests and other required product or process testing.
• Exercise the authority to place material on hold or stop production when quality requirements are not met.

Testing and Inspection

• Perform salt spray testing by collecting samples from each smooth line.
• Conduct powder analyses, including gloss, cross-cut, and MEK testing.
• Verify powder expiration dates and inspect intermediate materials, including powders, coils, and other production materials.
• Inspect supplier reference plates.
• Record oven temperature curves for each production line.
• Verify trailer loading to ensure products are properly loaded and protected.
• Perform other inspections and testing as required by quality procedures and production requirements.

Audits, Non-Conformances, and Corrective Actions

• Conduct internal audits according to established audit plans and schedules.
• Perform workstation and process audits.
• Identify, document, and communicate non-conformances.
• Prepare internal complaints and Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) as required.
• Monitor non-conforming materials and processes.
• Coordinate with Production and other departments to investigate and resolve quality issues.
• Track and follow up on corrective and preventive actions.
• Communicate non-conformances and required actions to the Quality Administrator and other appropriate personnel.
• Participate in scrap and rework meetings.
• Support continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives.

Measuring Equipment and Calibration

• Maintain an inventory of measuring and inspection equipment.
• Coordinate calibration requirements and maintain calibration records.
• Calibrate smooth-line measuring benches and coating inspection equipment, including Elco instruments.
• Assist external calibration providers by:- Collecting and preparing measuring equipment.- Reviewing and evaluating calibration results.
  • Communicating results to appropriate personnel.
  • Following up on required corrective actions.

Inventory and Systems

• Reconcile Q-Zone inventory with SAP records.
• Maintain accurate quality records, inspection results, test results, and reports.
• Ensure required documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and QEHS requirements.
• Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including work clothing, high-visibility apparel, safety shoes, and other required protective equipment.
• Report hazardous conditions, unsafe acts, and potential environmental concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Keep the Quality Office and Q-Zone clean and organized.
• Properly sort and dispose of waste in designated containers.
• Support environmental compliance and waste management procedures.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in quality control, quality assurance, manufacturing inspection, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Experience in metal fabrication, structural steel, welding, powder coating, industrial finishing, or similar manufacturing processes preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, schematics, and work instructions.
• Proficiency using precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and related quality equipment.
• Strong knowledge of quality control processes, inspection methods, and manufacturing quality standards.
• Ability to make independent decisions and take immediate action when products or processes fail to meet quality requirements, including placing material on hold or stopping production when necessary.
• Basic understanding of chemical processes, coatings, powder coating, and related testing methods preferred.
• Strong analytical, documentation, reporting, and data-entry skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Management.
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems preferred.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and comply with all required PPE and safety requirements.

You should be proficient in:

• Quality Control Experience
• Blueprint Reading
• MEK Testing

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• SAP