Quality Technician II

About the role

The Quality Technician is an operational position responsible for executing and delivering best-in-class quality functions, including inspection of incoming raw materials, in-process materials, documenting the batching, mixing, and manufacturing process, ensuring product consistency and quality, and inspecting final product prior to shipment. This position works closely with other departments to resolve quality issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspection checks on products and production processes.
• Perform manual and automated quality checks.
• Maintain accurate reports of any issues that may arise.
• Identify issues and the steps needed to resolve them.
• Adhere to Astec quality standards.
• Serve as a quality technical advisor for each Manufacturing Bay and Field Service personnel.
• Engage with product teams to review systemic quality issues, assist with root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Review Work Orders and subsequent Supplements to ensure equipment is manufactured as specified.
• Execute inspection criteria to verify industry and Astec quality standards.
• Perform Receiving, In-Process, Final, and Functional inspections.
• Collaborate with Fitter/Welders to identify drawing or process changes affecting product quality.
• Identify actions needed for improvement on provided task lists.
• Update the Quality chart on the assigned task list daily.
• Support Product, Manufacturing, and Quality Engineers as a “First Responder” to address identified issues.
• Prepare quality documentation and reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends, including failed processes, stability studies, recalls, corrective actions, and re-validations.
• Maintain cleanliness in designated workspace by practicing 6S principles to reduce safety risks.
• Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with all company safety procedures, including OSHA guidelines.
• Attend weekly department safety meetings.
• Understand histogram data to help the team identify primary issues affecting performance goals.
• Update controlled documents.
• Maintain and improve quality performance metrics and/or quality records, including first pass yield.
• Track all significant product, document, and process changes affecting quality.
• Perform employee, work center, and piece audits as required.
• Perform process audits to ensure conformity of parts to specifications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or a combination of education and experience deemed sufficient by management.
• Associate of Art's degree (A.A.) from a two-year college or technical school is desirable but not required.
• Certified Quality Technician (ASQ) or other professional certifications desired.
• 4-6 years’ experience as a Quality Technician in a heavy manufacturing industry; mechanical background in hydraulics, diesel engines, or electronics; or demonstrated abilities through experience or education.
• 1-3 years’ experience working with ISO or similar quality/inspection standards.
• Maintain positive, cooperative working relationships with customers, vendors, co-workers, and management.
• Consistently administer established policies and procedures.
• Exercise tact and professionalism when interacting with employees.
• Work efficiently and accurately to keep up with production requirements.
• Capacity to learn quickly, flexible, and adaptable in coping with pressures, deadlines, and rapidly changing situations.
• Experience in writing, documenting processes and procedures, and attention to detail preferred.
• Able to execute job tasks based on verbal instructions, written procedures, or engineering specifications from drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact across all levels of the organization.
• Capable of exercising solid judgment and decision-making during the inspection process.

Work Environment

Shop manufacturing environment exposures include moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, and outside weather conditions. The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures. The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times, consistent with an industrial assembly facility, and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Culture and Values

Employees at Astec embody the following values:

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers.
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business.
• Respect for all individuals.
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
• Safety, quality, and productivity as means to ensure success.