Production QA - Quality Technician

About the role

Protect the customer and Safariland by ensuring structural armor materials, in-process work, and finished products are inspected, verified, and documented in accordance with internal procedures, customer requirements, engineering specifications, and applicable quality standards. Support the Dalton, MA structural armor operation by identifying nonconformances, maintaining accurate inspection records, and helping ensure product quality throughout receiving, production, and final inspection activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine inspections and audits of incoming materials, in-process work, and finished structural armor products to verify conformance to drawings, specifications, work instructions, and customer requirements.
• Inspect and verify armor components, assemblies, coatings, labels, dimensions, fit, and workmanship using approved inspection methods, gauges, and measuring equipment.
• Receive and verify purchased materials, components, and outsourced services against purchase orders, Certificates of Conformance/Analysis, drawings, and applicable design requirements.
• Document inspection results accurately and timely in required quality records, forms, logs, and electronic systems.
• Identify, segregate, document, and help disposition nonconforming materials or products in coordination with Quality, Production, Engineering, and the Material Review Board.
• Support root cause, corrective action, and continuous improvement activities related to structural armor quality issues.
• Create, update, and maintain quality documentation, inspection instructions, and process records as directed.
• Audit inventory per schedule through cycle counts and annual inventory activities, as needed.
• Perform routine internal audits of manufacturing, inspection, and business processes to support quality system compliance.
• Assist in training and qualification of associates on inspection requirements, quality procedures, and workmanship standards.
• Perform and participate in QMS audits to the current ISO 9001 Standard.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment; experience in armor, composites, metals, defense, or other highly controlled manufacturing environment preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a quality, inspection, or manufacturing support role preferred.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Associate degree or technical certification in quality, manufacturing, engineering technology, or related field preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work instructions, inspection criteria, Certificates of Conformance/Analysis, and customer specifications.
• Proficient in the use and handling of gauges, calipers, micrometers, and other inspection tools; capable of working in both metric and English units of measure.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify workmanship, dimensional, labeling, material, and documentation discrepancies.
• Ability to write routine reports, document inspection results, and communicate quality concerns clearly with production, engineering, and quality personnel.
• Capable of assisting internal audit teams and conducting directed audits of manufacturing and quality processes.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and able to generate effective reports, records, and communications.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification, if required by the position.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer paid life insurance and AD&D
• Employer paid disability
• Wellness program
• Adoption assistance
• Tuition assistance
• Employee assistance program
• Work life balance
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave and paid holidays throughout the calendar year (consistent with relevant state law and company policies)