QA / QC Refractory Technician

Thorpe Specialty Services Corporation; St. Gabriel (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Thorpe Plant Services, Inc. is seeking a QA Technician to conduct quality inspections of materials and products, perform tests, and document results. You will identify defects, drive corrective actions with cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with ISO, ASTM, OSHA, and EPA standards.

Collaborating with production and engineering, you will contribute to continuous improvement and maintain calibration of equipment while following safety protocols in an industrial setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree or QA certifications preferred.
• 2–4 years of QA/inspectio n experience in manufacturing or industrial setting.
• QA certifications such as Six Sigma or ASQ are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual and physical inspections of raw materials, components, and finished products.
• Execute tests (pressure, thermal, functional) and document results with reports.
• Identify deviations and coordinate corrective actions with teams to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, ASTM, OSHA, EPA and customer specs.
• Collaborate with production, engineers and maintenance to resolve issues quickly.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects.
• Calibrate and maintain inspection tools and equipment.
• Adhere to safety protocols and wear PPE as required.

Skills

Quality inspection

Attention to detail

Reading blueprints

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree or QA certifications

Tools

Calibration tools

Job description

Role and Responsibilities

• Quality Inspections: Conduct visual and physical inspections of raw materials, components, and finished products to ensure they meet the required quality standards, technical specifications, and customer requirements.
• Testing and Documentation: Perform various tests (e.g., pressure, thermal, functional) on products or equipment. Document results, identifying any defects or issues, and communicate findings with detailed reports.
• Defect Identification: Identify and document any quality issues or deviations from specifications, including potential issues with materials, workmanship, or acoustic performance. Work with the relevant teams to rectify these issues and ensure corrective measures are applied to prevent recurring quality issues.
• Compliance and Standards: Ensure compliance with internal quality control processes, industry standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM), and regulatory requirements, including customer specifications.
• Collaboration: Work closely with production teams, engineers, and maintenance staff to resolve quality issues quickly, ensuring minimal disruption to production schedules.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in initiatives to improve quality control processes, and reduce defects across production.
• Calibration and Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that inspection and measurement tools are properly calibrated and maintained for accurate results.
• Safety: Follow all safety protocols when conducting inspections, handling equipment, and using testing tools. Report safety hazards and ensure adherence to safety standards during inspections.

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED required. Associate's degree or certifications in quality assurance, acoustic engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2-4 years of experience as a QA Tech, or in a related role within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Certifications in quality assurance (e.g., Six Sigma, ASQ certification) are a plus.

Preferred Skills

• Proficient in quality assurance testing techniques, including visual, mechanical, and functional inspections.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify issues and defects accurately.
• Understanding of industry standards and regulatory requirements related to quality control (e.g., ISO, OSHA, EPA regulations).
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and coordinating with other teams.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and perform physical inspections of machinery and systems.
• Comfortable working in an industrial environment, including exposure to noise, high temperatures, and confined spaces.
• Ability to stand, kneel, or crouch for extended periods during inspections.
• Regularly required to sit, talk, or hear, sitting for long periods of time.
• Repetitive movements by wrists and hands in performance of work.
• The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.

The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses/spoggles, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

The Company expects and requires all employees to observe and fulfill all safety responsibilities as outlined in workplace safety training, and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Employment at Thorpe Plant Services, Inc. is on an "at-will" basis. There is no contract of employment between Thorpe Plant Services, Inc. and anyone or all its employees unless explicitly stated elsewhere. Employment security cannot be guaranteed for or by any employee.

No Manager, Supervisor, or employee of the Company has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment other than at-will.

Thorpe Specialty Services and its affiliates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.