Quality Technician

Reed Manufacturing Company; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Manufacturing in Erie, PA seeks a Quality Technician to monitor and inspect products across the manufacturing cycle, including incoming materials, in-process production, finished goods, and RMA items. You will support root cause analysis, drive corrective actions, and maintain ISO 9001 documentation while collaborating with Production and Engineering to improve quality and processes.

This role requires reading blueprints with GD&T and using precision tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree or technical certification preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in quality inspection within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints with GD&T.
• Experience with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, and CMMs).
• Experience supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions preferred.

Responsibilities

• In-Process Inspection: verify product conformance during manufacturing and assist with first-piece verification.
• Final Inspection / FAI: perform final inspections and ensure documentation accuracy for shipment.
• Measurement & Testing: operate precision measuring equipment and interpret drawings.
• Quality Data & Analysis: collect and analyze defect data and generate reports.
• Process Improvement: collaborate with Production and Engineering to improve quality and processes.
• ISO 9001 Compliance / Audits: maintain records and support internal audits.
• RMA Evaluation: assess returned products and communicate findings.
• Training & Support: train personnel on inspection standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical certification preferred

Tools

CMMs

Calipers

Micrometers

Gauges

GD&T interpretation

Job description

Reports to: Engineering Director
Posted: 10/28/26

Location: Erie, PA on site

General Description

The Quality Technician position will monitor, inspect, test, and analyze products throughout the manufacturing cycle, including incoming materials, in-process production, finished goods, and RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) items. This role is responsible not only for inspection activities, but also for identifying trends, supporting root cause analysis, driving corrective actions, and collaborating cross-functionally with Production and Engineering to improve product quality and manufacturing processes. The Quality Technician plays an active role in maintaining Reed Manufacturing’s ISO 9001 quality management system and ensuring compliance with internal and customer requirements.

In-Process Inspection

• Perform in-process inspections to verify product conformance during manufacturing
• Work closely with production personnel to proactively identify and address quality concerns
• Support first-piece and in-process verification activities

Final Inspection / FAI

• Perform final inspections, including First Article Inspection (FAI)
• Verify all dimensional, visual, and functional requirements prior to shipment
• Ensure completion and accuracy of inspection documentation

Measurement & Testing

• Use precision measuring equipment including micrometers, calipers, gauges, CMMs, and optical comparators
• Set up and operate advanced inspection equipment; assist with CMM inspection programs as required
• Interpret engineering drawings including GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)

Quality Data & Analysis

• Collect, record, and analyze quality data related to defects, scrap, rework, and performance trends
• Generate reports and summaries using ERP systems and Excel
• Identify recurring issues and recommend improvements based on data trends
• Identify, label, and segregate nonconforming materials
• Participate in and support root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Why, Fishbone)
• Assist in implementing and verifying corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

Process Improvement

• Collaborate with Production and Engineering to improve product quality and manufacturing processes
• Provide feedback on manufacturability, inspection methods, and process controls
• Support continuous improvement and Lean initiatives

ISO 9001 Compliance / Audits

• Maintain accurate inspection and quality records in accordance with ISO 9001
• Support internal audits and quality system documentation
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and customer requirements

RMA Evaluation

• Perform evaluation of returned products to determine root cause and warranty disposition
• Document findings and communicate results to internal teams

Training & Support (as needed)

• Assist in training production personnel on inspection standards and quality expectations
• Support onboarding of new quality team members

Minimum Educational Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate degree or technical certification preferred
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in quality inspection within a manufacturing environment
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints with GD&T
• Experience with precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, and CMMs)
• Experience supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions preferred

Minimum Additional Training:

• ISO 9001 awareness or experience preferred
• Lean / continuous improvement exposure preferred

Other Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in basic computer applications (Excel, ERP systems)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting/Moving 0-20 lbs.; Occasional
• Lifting/Moving 20-50 lbs.; Occasional
• Ability to move over 50 lbs. using lifting aide equipment; Occasional
• Twisting/Bending; Occasional
• Driving (forklift license required); Seldom
• Pushing/Pulling/moving objects, equipment with wheels; Occasional
• Climbing/accessing heights; Seldom
• Standing; Frequent with ability to stand for extended periods of time

Seldom (<10%), Occasional (10% - 50%), Frequent (50% - 80%), Constant (>80%)

The above description covers the most significant responsibilities, objectives, and background requirements, but does not exclude other less essential elements of the job that may also be required.

All employees must assist in housekeeping and ensure that their area is always kept clean and orderly.

CORE VALUES:

The company culture at Reed Manufacturing is built on shared core values – Decent Human Beings with Energy, Determination, Solutions Focus and Service Orientation. Decent Human Beings (DHB) bring integrity, dedication and a positive attitude to REED and the community. Energy and Determination shine through people invested and interested in their work and a high-quality outcome. Solutions focused persons propel REED forward in resolving issues and removing obstacles. Service oriented associates put others ahead of themselves for the collective good.

REED uses these principles to guide all decision-making and action within our organization. We hire, fire, review, reward, and recognize REED Associates based on these core values. If these values resonate with you, a career with REED is the perfect place for you to succeed.

REED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.