Quality Specialist/Quality Engineer

FINITETEK INC; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

FINITETEK INC in Minnesota is seeking a Quality Specialist or Quality Engineer to strengthen our quality systems, drive structured problem solving, and improve documentation and processes. This role supports manufacturing operations on first shift, Monday to Friday, with a consistent daily start time.

Ideal candidates have experience in quality control, CAPA, SPC, FMEA, and reading engineering drawings; familiarity with ISO 9001/AS9100 is a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience in quality systems and structured problem solving.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP or comparable quality systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.
• Disciplined execution and ability to drive corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations using DMAIC, 8D, PDCA, 5 Why, and fishbone analysis.
• Develop corrective and preventive actions, verify effectiveness, and prevent recurrence.
• Maintain and improve inspection procedures, work instructions, control plans, quality records, and related documentation.
• Analyze defects, customer complaints, and process data to identify trends and prioritize improvements.
• Perform or support inspections, testing, drawing interpretation, and verification against customer specifications.
• Support internal and customer audits and applicable quality-system requirements.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, and Operations to reduce variation, strengthen process controls, and sustain improvements.

Skills

Quality systems knowledge

Root cause analysis

Structured problem solving

Reading engineering drawings

Cross-functional communication

Education

Engineering degree or quality certifications

Tools

CAPA software

SPC tools

Measurement equipment

Job description

First shift, Monday through Friday. The selected employee may choose a consistent daily start and end time aligned with operational needs.

Compensation: $25–$38 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated capabilities.

We are seeking a motivated Quality Specialist or Quality Engineer to strengthen our quality systems, structured problem solving, documentation, and continuous improvement practices.

We welcome candidates at different experience levels, including quality technicians ready to develop into engineering responsibilities and experienced quality professionals. Plating experience is helpful, but sound quality fundamentals, disciplined execution, and the ability to drive lasting corrective actions matter more.

Preferred Background

• Manufacturing quality, quality engineering, inspection, or related technical experience.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP, or comparable quality systems.
• Exposure to CAPA, SPC, FMEA, control plans, and measurement or inspection equipment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.
• Technical education, engineering degree, or quality certifications are beneficial, not mandatory.
• Experience in metal finishing, aerospace, medical devices, or precision manufacturing is a plus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support structured investigations using DMAIC, 8D, PDCA, 5 Why, fishbone analysis, and other appropriate root-cause tools.
• Develop corrective and preventive actions, verify effectiveness, and prevent recurrence.
• Maintain and improve inspection procedures, work instructions, control plans, quality records, and related documentation.
• Analyze defects, customer complaints, and process data to identify trends and prioritize improvements.
• Perform or support inspections, testing, drawing interpretation, and verification against customer specifications.
• Support internal and customer audits and applicable quality-system requirements.
• Partner with Production, Engineering, and Operations to reduce variation, strengthen process controls, and sustain improvements.

What We Value Most

• Practical command of quality tools and a disciplined approach to applying them consistently.
• Ability to select and use structured problem-solving methods such as DMAIC, 8D, or PDCA, then document findings and follow through to verified results.
• Analytical thinking, attention to detail, ownership, and clear communication with shop-floor teams.
• Curiosity, initiative, and an interest in building better systems rather than simply identifying defects.

Growth and Development

This role offers broad exposure to operations, customer requirements, quality systems, and process improvement. Depending on performance, demonstrated capability, and business needs, a Quality Specialist may grow into Quality Engineering responsibilities and potentially future Quality Supervisory or Management opportunities. Advancement is not guaranteed.