Quality Technician / Programmer
Job Description
Job Title: Quality Technician (Monday-Thursday 9 hours, half day Friday)
Reports To: Quality Manager
Classification: Non-exempt
Position Summary
The Quality Technician is a hands-on role responsible for dimensional inspection, inspection program development, and quality documentation within ATACO Steel Products Corp's manufacturing operations. This position independently supports day-to-day inspection activity, creates and maintains inspection programs on Keyence and other measurement systems, and leads the dimensional side of PPAP, FAI, and new product activity, while supporting problem-solving and continuous improvement.
The ideal candidate will have strong CMM programming experience using PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, and/or Keyence, along with a solid understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and dimensional inspection.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Perform first article (FAI), in-process, final, PPAP, and dock inspections
- Develop, edit, validate, and maintain CMM and dimensional inspection programs.
- Program and operate CMM equipment using PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, and/or Keyence software.
- Translate drawing requirements and GD&T into effective CMM and inspection programs.
- Review CMM and inspection results to identify dimensional trends, variation, and potential process issues.
- Utilize standard inspection tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, height gauges), CMMs, and other dimensional inspection equipment to verify product conformance
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, apply GD&T, and verify conformance to customer specifications
- Balloon drawings and prepare inspection reports for FAI, PPAP, and customer submissions
- Collect, record, and document dimensional inspection data and maintain quality documentation
- Identify nonconforming material and support containment and disposition activities
- Assist with root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions
- Support APQP activities including control plans, PFMEAs, and gage R&R, as assigned
- Prepare and submit ISIR, FAI, and PPAP documentation, including dimensional results and supporting elements
- Support compliance with the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system and internal audits
- Work closely with Production, Engineering, and Quality to identify and resolve quality issues on the manufacturing floor
- Support new product introduction and first-run activity, including development of inspection methods and programs
- Other duties as assigned
CMM Programming & Measurement Systems
- Operate Keyence, CMM and Faro Arm inspection equipment (e.g., vision systems, scanners) and other dimensional measurement systems
- Create, edit, run, and validate inspection programs in Keyence, PC-DMIS, and/or PolyWorks
- Maintain the inspection program library, including revisions tied to current drawing levels
- Assist in training operators and team members on proper system use
- Ensure inspection data is accurately captured and utilized for reporting
- Support troubleshooting and ongoing maintenance of Keyence systems
Qualifications and Requirements
- 3+ years of quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment
- Programming experience required - hands-on experience creating, editing, and running inspection programs in Keyence, PC-DMIS, or PolyWorks (not equipment operation only)
- PPAP and FAI experience required
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and customer specifications
- Experience ballooning drawings and preparing inspection reports
- Experience using standard handheld inspection equipment
- Experience collecting and documenting dimensional inspection data
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Good communication and documentation skills
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to learn and adopt new technologies and systems
Preferred Qualifications
- The successful candidate should be a programmer/technician—not simply an inspector.
- Priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated hands-on programming experience in PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, and/or Keyence.
- ATACO is looking for someone who can take an engineering drawing and/or CAD model, understand the applicable GD&T and customer requirements, develop the appropriate CMM/measurement program, perform the inspection, analyze the results, and turn the data into a complete FAI, ISIR, or PPAP dimensional report.
- Manufacturing experience in metal fabrication, stamping, sheet metal, machining, or welding environments
Work Environment
This position operates in a manufacturing environment and requires time spent on the production floor. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.
Benefits
ATACO Steel Products Corp offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, holidays, and education assistance.
Equal Employment Opportunity
ATACO Steel Products Corp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.