Quality Technician - Steering - 1st Shift

Thyssenkrupp; Hamilton (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision Coverage

401K matching

Paid time off + 13 paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Gym reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Bilstein is seeking a Production Quality Technician to work on the production floor, using data and judgment to contain risk and prevent defects from moving forward. This role is hands-on, not paperwork-only, and requires attention to detail and proactive problem-solving across shifts.

You will plan and execute inspections, identify nonconforming product, and support resolution of supplier and process issues with disciplined methods. Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent; 2 years related experience.
• Two years automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
• Exposure to APQP, PPAP or PSO, Control Plans and FMEA is a plus.
• Proficient with Excel; Lean Six Sigma knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and perform inspections and tests for incoming material and in-process verification.
• Recognize nonconforming product, stop production, containment, and control material flow.
• Assist production in resolving supplier and internal process issues with structured problem-solving.
• Analyze data and trends, advise practical risk-based improvements after downtime or changes.
• Document findings, issue sorting orders, and maintain quality records across shifts.
• Support Shopfloor Management to reduce scrap, rework, downtime, and repeat failures.
• Apply IATF 16949, PPAP, APQP, FMEA and related quality standards daily.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Two years automotive experience

Tools

Hand gauges

Plug gauges

Comparators

Test stands

CMM operation

GD&T

Job description

Summary:

As a Production Quality Technician, you will work where quality is made: on the production floor. You will use data, measurement, sound judgment, and direct communication to contain risk, solve problems, and prevent defects from moving forward. This is not a paperwork-only role. It is a hands‑on position for someone who notices what others miss, asks the right questions, and follows issues through to closure.

What you will do:

• Plan and perform inspections and tests for incoming material, first and last piece checks, in-process verification, and product validation.
• Recognize nonconforming or suspect product, stop production when required, establish containment, and control material identification, storage, and flow.
• Support production in resolving supplier and internal process issues using disciplined problem-solving methods.
• Analyze process and measurement data, identify risk and trends, and make practical, risk-based recommendations following downtime, maintenance, or process change.
• Document findings accurately, issue sorting orders, maintain quality records, and communicate status and actions across shifts and functions.
• Participate actively in Shopfloor Management and help reduce scrap, rework, downtime, and repeat failures.
• Apply IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, Control Plans, FMEA, PPAP, APQP, and applicable quality standards in daily decisions.

The person who will thrive here:

• Humble: listens, respects the knowledge of others, admits when more information is needed, and focuses on the best answer rather than personal credit.
• Hungry: takes initiative, follows through, learns the process, and does not wait for someone else to own the problem.
• Smart with people: communicates facts clearly, adapts to the audience, builds support, and handles disagreement professionally.
• Constructively challenging: asks evidence-based questions, raises risk early, and is willing to respectfully say when the process is not ready.
• Reliable under pressure: separates fact from assumption, makes timely decisions within authority, and uses clean escalation when support or a decision is needed.

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate degree, two years of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of automotive component manufacturing experience preferred, including exposure to APQP, PPAP or PSO, Control Plans, and FMEA.
• Working knowledge of measurement tools such as hand gages, plug gages, comparators, test stands, and basic CMM operation; GD&T experience preferred.
• Ability to interpret data and apply percentages, ratios, probability, and basic statistical methods to practical situations.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Lean Six Sigma knowledge and German language skills are pluses.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment and meet the physical requirements of the role, with reasonable accommodation as applicable.

The [above] is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bilstein has great benefits to offer!

• A state‑of‑the‑art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness.
• Multiple competitive Health, Dental & Vision Coverage options.
• 401K matching program.
• Paid time off + 13 paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Gym reimbursement.
• Company‑paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Internal growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounted BILSTEIN products.