Position Summary
To successfully perform this job, the individual must be able to perform each essential job responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities. Job descriptions represent a general outline of job responsibilities and qualifications. They are not intended to be comprehensive in nature. In addition, jobs evolve over time and, therefore, their descriptions may not reflect the precise nature of the position at a given point of time.
General Description: The Lead Quality Technician is a senior-level position within the Quality Assurance team responsible for overseeing quality control processes, ensuring compliance with customer specifications and industry standards, and supporting the continuous improvement of the quality management system. The Lead Quality Technician will manage day-to-day quality inspection activities, mentor junior technicians, and collaborate with production and engineering teams to resolve quality issues. This role requires a strong technical background in quality assurance, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of product quality in our LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) injection molding facility.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
1. Quality Inspection & Testing:
- Oversee the daily quality inspection and testing of incoming materials, in-process components, and finished products to ensure they meet customer specifications and internal quality standards.
- Use a variety of inspection tools and equipment, including calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and other precision measurement devices to perform dimensional checks.
- Conduct functional testing as required, such as pressure, mechanical, and environmental tests to ensure product performance.
- Perform visual inspections and develop visual standards for molded parts and assemblies.
2. Leadership & Team Oversight:
- Lead and coordinate the activities of the Quality Technician team, ensuring that all inspections, tests, and documentation are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Act as a mentor and trainer for junior quality technicians, providing guidance on inspection techniques, equipment use, and quality standards.
- Manage the daily workload of the quality team, allocating resources effectively to meet production and quality control deadlines.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for quality-related issues on the shop floor, collaborating with production supervisors and engineers to resolve any concerns.
3.Non-Conformance Management & CAPA:
- Identify non-conforming products or processes during inspections and ensure that proper containment actions are taken.
- Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in collaboration with the production, engineering, and quality teams.
- Document non-conformance reports (NCRs), track quality issues, and provide feedback to relevant teams on trends and recurring problems.
4. Quality Documentation & Reporting:
- Ensure accurate and complete documentation of all inspection results, including measurements, test data, and non-conformance findings.
- Maintain and update inspection records, quality reports, and other related documents in compliance with the company's quality management system (QMS).
- Prepare and present regular quality performance reports, including data on inspection results, non-conformance trends, and CAPA progress, to the Quality Assurance Manager.
5. Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization:
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, reducing waste, and improving overall process efficiency.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and maintenance, to identify opportunities for quality improvements and implement best practices.
- Lead or contribute to lean manufacturing and Six Sigma projects focused on improving quality control processes.
6. Calibration & Equipment Maintenance:
- Ensure that all inspection tools and equipment are properly calibrated, maintained, and in good working condition.
- Coordinate regular calibration of inspection equipment with external calibration service providers or internal maintenance teams.
- Identify and recommend new quality control equipment or upgrades to existing tools to improve the accuracy and efficiency of inspections.
7. Customer & Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure that all products meet customer specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485).
- Participate in customer audits and regulatory inspections, providing documentation and demonstrating compliance with quality standards.
- Work closely with the Quality Assurance Manager to address customer complaints or quality concerns and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrences.
8. Training & Development:
- Train new and existing team members on inspection techniques, quality standards, and company procedures.
- Develop training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for quality control processes to ensure consistency and compliance across the team.
- Provide ongoing development opportunities for junior technicians to improve their skills and knowledge of quality assurance practices.
Additional Job Responsibilities:
- Support special quality projects or audits as assigned by the Quality Assurance Manager.
- Assist in the preparation and review of quality documentation for new product launches, process validations, and production changes.
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends, quality control methodologies, and new technologies in quality assurance.
