Quality Control Specialist: Process & Root-Cause Leader

Whirlpool, Inc.; Fall River (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Whirlpool Corporation is seeking a Quality Inspector to enforce process control and inspect components, in‑process materials, and finished goods for defects. You will lead root cause analysis using 5Why, manage rework and hold orders in SAP, and provide guidance to the Rework Crew while ensuring compliance with Control Plans and SOPs.

The role requires lifting up to 35 lbs, 1 year in manufacturing/quality, and proficiency in precision measuring tools and blueprints.

Qualifications

• GED or High School Diploma
• Must be able to lift at least 35 lbs (Occasional lifting up to 35 lbs is required for inspection/technician roles)
• Minimum of 1 year of job-related experience in a manufacturing or quality role is required
• Understanding of quality sciences including sampling strategies
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers)
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications/drawings
• Demonstrated experience in root cause analysis and basic problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., 5Why)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficiency in using quality and manufacturing systems (e.g., SAP, Google Suite)

Responsibilities

• Develops, updates, and enforces process control and improvement activities, including Control Plans, SOPs, and flaw‑reporting procedures, to ensure that manufactured products meet industry and company standards.
• Inspects, tests, and performs audits of components, in‑process materials, and finished products for flaws by examining size, weight, chemical composition, and components, ensuring 100% compliance to specifications and Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Serves as the first responder to assembly line quality issues, leading active problem‑solving initiatives using formal methodologies (e.g., 5Why) to identify root cause and remove non‑conforming units for rework or containment.
• Determine root cause of problems and implement corrective & preventive actions utilizing methods from lean manufacturing and Six Sigma
• Manages post‑production quality assurance and rework, including providing guidance for the Rework Crew, processing hold orders (tracking, closing, editing) in systems like QIM/SAP, and performing safe launch testing of new models.
• Executes field rework and service calls by working with Engineers and customers to repair or exchange units based on approval, maintaining customer satisfaction and returning defective units for evaluation.
• Performs material handling duties such as loading and unloading parts from conveyors, skids, and material handling devices while executing visual quality checks and segregating unacceptable parts.
• Conducts investigations into customer inquiries, issues, and grievances.
• Uses analytical and statistical data to project product quality and reliability.
• Gives technical expertise to team members, instructs them in company procedures, and may coordinate manpower and training for Rework or Utility operators.
• Writes and distributes quality control reports and educational material, utilizing internal systems (e.g., CAL Quality System, SAP) for data input and documentation management.
• Initiate safety, cost, quality, and productivity improvements in the manufacturing operations.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Reading blueprints

Communication skills

Quality sciences

Problem solving

Precision measuring instruments

Education

GED or High School Diploma

Tools

SAP

Google Suite

Job description

Whirlpool Corporation is seeking a Quality Inspector to enforce process control and inspect components, in‑process materials, and finished goods for defects. You will lead root cause analysis using 5Why, manage rework and hold orders in SAP, and provide guidance to the Rework Crew while ensuring compliance with Control Plans and SOPs.

The role requires lifting up to 35 lbs, 1 year in manufacturing/quality, and proficiency in precision measuring tools and blueprints.