Quality Assurance Technician

Blasch Precision Ceramics, Inc., produces and markets net shape ceramic and refractory components to a wide variety of industrial markets worldwide, including specialty alloys, non-ferrous metals, chemical/petrochemical processing, power generation, industrial process heating, and mining. The proprietary Blasch Process is a unique forming method developed to produce net shape and near net shape ceramic parts with attractive physical properties, many of which have complex shapes unachievable with other ceramic technologies.

About the role

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for assessing and maintaining the quality of new and existing products through part and process inspection, quality planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Complete pre-kiln inspections (final pre-firing approval).
• Inspect parts (frozen, green, and fired as required) for critical-to-quality features (dimensions, casting quality, surface quality, etc.) using drawings and process cards:
  • In support of the Tooling Inspection Report (TIR) process.
  • In support of quality planning requirements generated internally or from customer POs.
• Review manufacturing processes (forming, patching, kiln loading) for correctness and assist with corrections/improvements.
• Communicate findings to team leaders and collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and other teams as needed.
• Support and train QC inspectors with critical inspection tasks and address inspection questions.
• Investigate quality issues by:
  • Participating in the development of specific test and measurement requirements, carrying them out, and reporting results.
  • Following detailed test plans and proposing modifications based on data for specific projects.
• Assist in implementing process control methods and tools in production.
• Assist in implementing continuous improvement initiatives as required.
• Conduct quality ISO audits as needed.
• Monitor and address quality issues as they arise, helping to resolve and communicate them.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the manager.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED qualified.
• Desire and willingness to learn the minimum skills required to meet and maintain acceptable quality and productivity standards during a probation period.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, taking direction from leadership, trainers, engineering staff, or management.
• Mechanical aptitude utilizing hand and power tools.
• Ability to read, understand, and communicate work instructions and documented process cards with special instructions.
• Visually identify voids, cracks, and deformations on all surfaces of formed parts.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous ceramic manufacturing experience of 1 or more years.
• 2 or more years of continuous employment in a non-assembly line manufacturing environment.

Skills

• Able to interpret technical drawings and use measurement equipment.
• Identify and measure critical characteristics and dimensions.
• Strong interaction and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated motivation to:
  • Learn new technical skills.
  • Seek and accept challenges and responsibility.
  • Ensure adherence to processes through collaboration with operators and leads.
• Able to use MS Office software (Word and Excel).
• Able and willing to learn and use software associated with measurement tools.
• Ability to report results in a technical format, using averages, means, etc.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn basic statistical parameters.

Work Environment

• Frequently exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration.
• Noise level in the work environment can be loud.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands or fingers to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Schedule

• Full-time position, Monday through Friday.
• Available shifts:
  • 1st shift: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  • 2nd shift: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
  • 3rd shift: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM
• Occasional Saturday/Sunday hours may be required.

Pay

$20–$24/hour

Benefits

• All full-time employees are bonus eligible.
• Excellent benefits including:
  • Company-paid EAP and life insurance.
  • Health insurance.
  • HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement).
  • Company-matched HSA (Health Savings Account).
  • Company-matched 401(k).

Blasch is an open-book company, sharing information with all team members, and has experienced consistent growth over its 45+ years in business.