Quality Assurance Technician

The Specialty Manufacturing Company; White Bear Lake (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Specialty Manufacturing Company in Minnesota seeks a Quality Assurance Technician to perform receiving, in-process, first-article, and final inspections and audits to ensure product quality and compliance.

Use precision instruments, document results, and collaborate with Engineering and Operations on root-cause analyses and continuous improvement. On-site role with regular manufacturing floor presence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or QC certification preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Basic computer literacy and math skills.
• On-site, full-time work in a manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive receiving, first-article, in-process, and final inspections/audits to ensure QMS compliance.
• Utilize measuring tools and advanced equipment (micrometers, calipers, Keyence, Vertex, CMM) to gather data.
• Identify and report defective or out-of-spec materials to prevent progression in production.
• Maintain precise quality records (written and electronic).
• Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to identify root causes and support Lean/continuous improvement projects.
• Prioritize tasks to meet production deadlines.
• Perform other quality-related duties as assigned by leadership.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Technical skills

Autonomy

Communication

Attendance

CMM/Vision programming

GD&T knowledge

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate degree / QC certification

Tools

CMM

Vision programming systems

Job description

Position Overview

The Quality Assurance Department ensures all products and services meet internal standards, legal compliance, and customer expectations. The Quality Assurance Technician plays a critical role in this mission by performing receiving, in-process, first-article, and final inspections/audits using advanced measurement instruments and techniques. This role is also responsible for developing inspection methods, ensuring strict adherence to quality procedures, and assisting with collaborative problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Job Duties

• Inspection & Auditing: Perform comprehensive receiving, first-article, in-process, and final inspections/audits to ensure compliance with The Specialty Manufacturing Company's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Measurement & Testing: Utilize manual measuring tools (micrometers, calipers) alongside advanced equipment (Keyence, Vertex, CMM) to gather precise data.
• Defect Management: Identify, segregate, and formally report defective or out-of-specification materials to prevent them from advancing through production.
• Documentation: Maintain precise, highly accurate written and electronic quality records.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering and Operations to identify root causes of defects and support Lean or continuous improvement projects.
• Time Management: Prioritize tasks effectively to meet production deadlines in a timely, efficient manner.
• General Support: Perform other quality-related duties as assigned by leadership.

Education & Experience

• Required: High School diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Associate degree in a technical field or a specialized Quality Technician certification.

Skills and Qualifications

• Blueprint Reading: Ability to read and accurately interpret technical blueprints.
• Technical Skills: Basic computer literacy and proficient math skills.
• Autonomy: Proven self-starter capable of working productively with minimal supervision.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional verbal/written communication, strong organizational habits, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Attendance: Ability to maintain highly regular and predictable attendance on-site.
• Preferred: Direct experience with CMM or Vision programming systems.
• Preferred: Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Environment: Must be comfortable working full-time in a manufacturing setting with regular exposure to shop noise.
• Pacing: Ability to stand continuously for up to four hours at a time.
• Lifting: Ability to safely lift and move up to 50 lbs. regularly throughout the workday.
• Schedule: All work must be performed on-site during normal The Specialty Manufacturing Company’s operational business hours.

Compensation and Benefits

Expected Compensation Range: Hourly, non-exempt- $22-$30

Specialty Manufacturing is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Specialty Mfg. provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings, focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

Specialty Mfg. operates an onsite work environment where employees are expected to work in the office 5 days per week.