Quality Assurance Specialist

Socket.dev; Kentucky; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Vesuvius is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist to ensure products and processes meet customer and regulatory requirements. You will partner with manufacturing, lab, engineering, and supply chain teams to improve product quality and reduce risk.

The role emphasizes data-driven problem solving, root cause analysis, and adherence to the Quality Management System. Occasional travel to customer sites and suppliers may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in quality, manufacturing, technical, laboratory, operations, or related business environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with standard business software applications and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Support and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Conduct routine audits of processes, products, and systems to verify conformance to requirements.
• Investigate quality issues, customer complaints, and nonconforming products; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Monitor and analyze quality performance metrics, including scrap, rework, defects, and customer feedback.
• Collaborate with production, laboratory, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain teams to resolve quality concerns.
• Assist in developing, updating, and controlling quality procedures, work instructions, and records.
• Support supplier quality improvement efforts and review supplier corrective actions.
• Participate in continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and problem-solving initiatives.
• Support customer visits, audits, and certification activities.
• Provide training and guidance on quality expectations, procedures, and best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

QMS knowledge

Job description

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Specialist supports manufacturing operations by ensuring products, processes, and quality systems consistently meet customer requirements, company standards, and regulatory expectations. This role partners with cross-functional teams to improve product quality, reduce risk, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and maintain compliance with the company Quality Management System (QMS).
• Conduct routine process, product, and system audits to verify conformance to established requirements.
• Investigate quality issues, customer complaints, and nonconforming products; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Monitor and analyze quality performance metrics, including scrap, rework, defects, and customer feedback.
• Collaborate with production, laboratory, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain teams to resolve quality concerns.
• Assist in developing, updating, and controlling quality procedures, work instructions, and records.
• Support supplier quality improvement efforts and review supplier corrective actions.
• Participate in continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and problem-solving initiatives.
• Support customer visits, audits, and certification activities.
• Provide training and guidance on quality expectations, procedures, and best practices.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence throughout the facility.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in quality, manufacturing, technical, laboratory, operations, or related business environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with standard business software applications and data analysis tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional quality certifications or auditing experience.
• Experience working within a structured quality management system.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and quality tools.
• Experience supporting audits, investigations, and corrective action processes.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to work in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
• Regular walking throughout the facility and occasional standing for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Must be able to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, gloves, and steel-toe footwear.
• Frequent interaction with production, laboratory, maintenance, engineering, and management personnel.
• Exposure to manufacturing conditions, including dust, noise, heat, and moving equipment.
• Occasional travel to customer sites, suppliers, training events, or other company facilities as needed.
• Adherence to all company safety, environmental, and quality policies is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vesuvius is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.