Quality Technician

Ascend Recruiting Partners; Stafford (VA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Recruiting Partners is seeking a Quality Technician for an automotive plastics manufacturer in Montgomery, AL. The role focuses on inspections, testing, and containment to assure Class A cosmetics and dimensional compliance in a fast-paced environment.

You will perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections, support PPAP, record results, and assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions while interacting with production teams.

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on manufacturing experience required.
• Experience in automotive or Tier 1 supplier environments preferred.
• Proficiency with measurement tools and reading drawings.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections per control plans.
• Support PPAP documentation and material certifications.
• Document results and maintain quality records.

Skills

Visual inspection

GD&T reading

PPAP knowledge

Problem solving

Engineering drawings

Excel basics

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Job description

Job Title:Quality Technician

Industry: PlasticsManufacturing

On-site Location: Montgomery, AL

Relocation Provided: Possibly

Pay Range: $24+++ Depending on experience

Job Overview:

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for supporting production quality through inspections, testing, and containment activities to ensure all products meet customer, regulatory, and internal standards. This role is highly hands‑on and floor‑oriented, requiring direct interaction with production processes in a fast‑paced, high‑volume automotive injection molding environment.

The position plays a critical role in maintaining process stability, ensuring cosmetic and dimensional compliance (including Class A surfaces), and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. Success in this role requires strong problem‑solving ability, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently under pressure while adapting to evolving business needs.

Minimum Requirements:

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment (preferably injection molding or similar)
• Strong experience with visual inspection, especially appearance/cosmetic standards in the Automotive environment highly preferred
• Proficiency using measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, etc.)
• Automotive or Tier 1 supplier experience
• Experience with PPAP and customer‑specific requirements
• Exposure to automated manufacturing environments (robotics, EOAT, integrated systems)
• Familiarity with SPC and quality systems (IATF 16949, ISO standards)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience supporting production quality, inspections, and containment activities
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, less structured, production‑floor environment
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to act independently under pressure
• Basic computer skills (Excel, data entry systems)
• Willingness to be flexible and grow with the business

Responsibilities:

Inspection and Testing

• Perform incoming, in‑process, and final inspections per control plans
• Conduct dimensional inspections using precision measurement tools
• Perform detailed cosmetic inspections for Class A surfaces (e.g., gloss, flow lines, sink, weld lines)
• Complete first article inspections and support PPAP documentation
• Verify material certifications and traceability

Production Support

• Support production startups and first‑piece validation
• Monitor quality trends and escalates deviations quickly
• Work closely with production, engineering, and supervision teams
• Lead or assist in containment activities, including sorting and rework
• Support corrective actions to prevent defect recurrence

Documentation and Compliance

• Record inspection results and maintain accurate quality documentation
• Update logs, control charts, and reports
• Support internal and customer audits
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and related standards
• Maintain the calibration status of inspection equipment

Root Cause & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone)
• Support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions
• Analyze scrap and defect trends to drive improvements
• Promote adherence to quality standards across production

Customer Support

• Assist with customer submissions, including PPAP packages
• Support investigation and response to customer complaints
• Participate in customer visits and audits as required