Senior Quality Technician

Kids for the Future; Armstrong (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Art’s Way in Armstrong, IA seeks a Senior Quality Technician to lead the company's Quality Management System, ensuring products meet customer expectations and quality standards. You will work with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Customer Service, and Logistics, drive root-cause analysis, CAPA, and continuous improvement through Lean initiatives.

This role requires five years in quality/manufacturing, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with inspection tools; is based in-office in

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and manufacturing processes.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and similar inspection tools.
• Experience performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Promote a quality-focused culture throughout the organization by establishing quality expectations and communicating performance across departments.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend improvements that enhance product quality, consistency, and efficiency.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality procedures, inspection methods, and process controls.
• Oversee document control to ensure quality documentation, procedures, work instructions, and records remain current and accurate.
• Partner with Engineering and Production to develop standard work and improve manufacturing processes.
• Lead investigations into nonconforming materials, production defects, customer complaints, warranty concerns, and supplier quality issues.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurring quality concerns.
• Review and approve process deviations, quality holds, material dispositions, rework activities, and return material authorizations (RMAs).
• Manage internal and supplier PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) activities as required.
• Monitor quality metrics and identify trends to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen events, and other continuous improvement activities.
• Provide quality support for new product introductions, engineering changes, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Train employees on quality procedures, inspection methods, and operational changes affecting product quality.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Stay current on quality management best practices, manufacturing standards, and industry trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Quality systems

Manufacturing processes

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

Attention to detail

Decision making

Leadership

Education

Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

• Location 5556 Highway 9,Armstrong, IA, 50514,United States
• Employee Type FT Exempt

About Art’s Way

We work to build a legacy by manufacturing dependable, specialized farm equipment so independent-minded operators can do the hard work that leads to sustainable, self-sufficient, and profitable operation for generations to come.

General Job Description

The Senior Quality Technician is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the company's Quality Management System (QMS) while promoting a culture of quality throughout the organization. This position works closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Customer Service, and Logistics to ensure products consistently meet customer expectations and company quality standards.

The Senior Quality Technician leads quality initiatives, drives continuous improvement efforts, investigates quality concerns, develops corrective actions, and supports manufacturing through effective problem solving and process improvement. This role serves as the company's primary resource for quality systems, documentation, and product quality.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Promote a quality-focused culture throughout the organization by establishing quality expectations and communicating performance across departments.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend improvements that enhance product quality, consistency, and efficiency.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality procedures, inspection methods, and process controls.
• Oversee document control to ensure quality documentation, procedures, work instructions, and records remain current and accurate.
• Partner with Engineering and Production to develop standard work and improve manufacturing processes.
• Lead investigations into nonconforming materials, production defects, customer complaints, warranty concerns, and supplier quality issues.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurring quality concerns.
• Review and approve process deviations, quality holds, material dispositions, rework activities, and return material authorizations (RMAs).
• Manage internal and supplier PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) activities as required.
• Monitor quality metrics and identify trends to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen events, and other continuous improvement activities.
• Provide quality support for new product introductions, engineering changes, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Train employees on quality procedures, inspection methods, and operational changes affecting product quality.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Stay current on quality management best practices, manufacturing standards, and industry trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and manufacturing processes.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and similar inspection tools.
• Experience performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, Quality, or a related field.
• Five to ten years of manufacturing quality experience.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of PPAP, quality documentation, and manufacturing process controls.
• Quality certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Technician (CQT), or similar are a plus.
• Leadership
• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Project Management
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Organization
• Customer Focus
• Decision Making

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, and reach throughout the workday.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to visually inspect products and utilize precision measuring equipment.
• Ability to safely work around manufacturing equipment while following all safety policies and procedures.
• Occasionally travel to customer/vendor sites as needed.

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Art’s Way is proud to be an EEO employer.