Quality Technician

Merchants Metals, LLC; Statesville (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchants Metals, LLC is seeking a Quality Technician to ensure consistent product quality across fencing product lines, including chain-link, ornamental, and aluminum components. You will develop and maintain QC data collection systems, perform in-process inspections, and drive improvements to maintain a stable and predictable quality process.

The role emphasizes root cause analysis, corrective actions, visual controls, and collaboration with production teams.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of QC or manufacturing experience (fencing or metal fabrication preferred).
• Strong understanding of mechanical measurements, weld inspection, and aluminum/steel fabrication.
• Ability to read blueprints, specifications, and inspection criteria.
• Proficient in data collection, basic statistics, and problem-solving tools.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve QC data collection tools for all product lines.
• Perform in-process inspections on chain-link fabric, ornamental panels, aluminum components, and assemblies.
• Verify product dimensions, squareness, weld integrity, coating/finish, and correct components.
• Document all non-conformances and follow established disposition processes.
• Investigate quality issues using root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain visual aids, standards, and work instructions; audit workstations.
• Communicate quality issues clearly to production and leadership; train operators.
• Participate in daily production meetings to review quality performance and risks.

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Quality Technician is responsible for ensuring consistent product quality across all manufacturing lines, including chain-link, ornamental, and aluminum fencing panels and components. This role develops and maintains quality control (QC) data collection systems, conducts in-process inspections, identifies production issues impacting quality, drives root cause analysis, and maintains visual controls and documentation to support a stable and predictable quality process.

Key Responsibilities

1. QC Data Collection & Reporting

• Develop, maintain, and improve QC data collection tools for all product lines.
• Ensure all inspection data (dimensions, weld quality, finish, component verification) is accurately recorded and reported.
• Analyze quality data trends to identify recurring issues and improvement opportunities.
• Provide daily/weekly quality metrics to production and leadership teams.

2. In-Process & Final Inspection

• Perform in-process inspections on chain-link fabric, ornamental panels, aluminum components, and assemblies.
• Verify product dimensions, squareness, weld integrity, coating/finish, and correct components.
• Conduct final inspections on completed orders before shipment to ensure compliance with specs and customer requirements.
• Document all non-conformances and follow established disposition processes.

3. Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions

• Investigate quality issues and determine root causes using structured problem-solving methods (5-Why, Fishbone, etc.).
• Work with supervisors and operators to develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Verify effectiveness of corrective actions and monitor for recurrence.

4. Process Control & Visual Management

• Maintain and update all quality-related visual aids, standards, and point-of-use instructions.
• Audit workstations to ensure operators are following proper controls and inspection criteria.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process stability and product consistency.

5. Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate quality issues clearly and promptly to production staff and leadership.
• Assist with training operators on inspection methods, defect identification, and proper documentation.
• Participate in daily production meetings to review quality performance and risks.

Requirements

Performance Expectations

Quality & Accuracy

• Maintains 100% accuracy in measurement, inspection, and documentation.
• Consistently identifies defects before product moves to the next process step.

Timeliness

• Completes inspections in alignment with production flow without causing delays.
• Provides timely reporting of quality issues and trends.

Problem-Solving

• Demonstrates strong root cause analysis and follows issues to full resolution.
• Recommends practical improvements that reduce defects or rework.

Leadership & Ownership

• Maintains a proactive approach to quality, intervening before issues escalates.
• Acts as a role model for quality discipline on the production floor.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of QC or manufacturing experience (fencing or metal fabrication preferred).
• Strong understanding of mechanical measurements, weld inspection, and aluminum/steel fabrication.
• Ability to read blueprints, specifications, and inspection criteria.
• Proficient in data collection, basic statistics, and problem-solving tools.
• Strong communication and organizational skills