Quality Control Technician
About the Role
Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader that helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. The Quality Technician supports manufacturing and quality operations by performing inspections, audits, testing, documentation control, and continuous improvement activities to ensure products and processes meet established quality standards and customer requirements. This role partners closely with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams to identify and resolve quality concerns, manage nonconforming materials, maintain quality records, and drive process improvements. The Quality Technician plays a key role in supporting compliance with applicable quality management systems, industry standards, and company policies.
Location: Reno
Employment Status: Hourly Full-Time
Pay Range: $26/hr - $29/hr
Target Bonus: 5%
Responsibilities
- Perform product, process, and material inspections to verify conformance to specifications, drawings, and quality standards
- Conduct employee, work center, layered process, and product audits as required
- Identify, investigate, document, and assist in resolving production and product quality issues
- Support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action activities to address nonconformances and improve process performance
- Evaluate, identify, segregate, and disposition nonconforming materials in accordance with established procedures
- Process quality-related transactions and maintain accurate records within applicable business systems
- Create and submit change requests and improvement recommendations resulting from inspection findings, audits, or quality investigations
- Maintain documentation control processes by reviewing, updating, and ensuring the use of current controlled documents
- Monitor and maintain quality performance metrics, records, and reports to support operational objectives
- Verify that inspection, measurement, and test equipment is calibrated and maintained in accordance with company requirements
- Support Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Research & Development teams in the implementation and validation of new products, equipment, and processes
- Review technical drawings, specifications, work instructions, and quality documentation to ensure compliance with requirements
- Assist with supplier, incoming, in-process, and final inspections as needed
- Communicate quality concerns, trends, and improvement opportunities to leadership in a timely manner
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Participate in and support Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives
- Perform general shop duties as assigned and assist in other areas as workload allows
Requirements
- High School diploma/GED or equivalent
- Minimum two (2) years of experience in manufacturing, quality, inspection, or related technical environment
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and procedures
- Proficiency in the use of precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, pins, and related inspection equipment
- Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and quality management systems
- Ability to accurately document inspection results and maintain quality records
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and adapt to changing business needs with minimal supervision
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organization
- Commitment to safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Quality Assurance, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field
- Experience working in an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing environment
- Experience with ISO 14001 environmental management systems
- Familiarity with root cause analysis methodologies and corrective action processes
- Experience using ERP, quality management, or document control systems
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience performing internal quality audits
- Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment, systems, and production processes
- Experience supporting new product introductions and process validation activities
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, climb, and move throughout a manufacturing facility
- Regularly uses hands and fingers to handle tools, measuring devices, and inspection equipment
- May be required to sit, kneel, crouch, or climb as necessary to perform inspections and audits
- Must be able to visually inspect products, read specifications, and distinguish variations in product quality
- Must frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and work safely in manufacturing areas
- Ability to work on concrete floors and remain in a stationary position or move throughout the facility for extended periods
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
- Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing and production environment, with regular office work
- Regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment, industrial machinery, and material handling equipment
- Exposure to varying noise levels requiring the use of hearing protection in designated areas
- Exposure to fluctuations in temperature, dust, and other conditions typically associated with manufacturing operations
- Compliance with all company safety procedures and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are required at all times