Quality Utility Technician

About the role

Serve as the backup to the Quality Auditor Supervisor by performing hands-on quality inspections, routine audits, and technical gauge support across incoming, in-process, and outgoing orders. Support QC auditors and production teams to ensure product conformity, maintain inspection records in SAP/QIM, assist with investigations and corrective actions, and help sustain audit-ready operations while promoting safety and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

• Follow all safety rules and regulations and promote safe work practices.
• Act as a role model, coach, and trainer for new and tenured associates to foster a team environment.
• Provide hands-on support to Quality Control Auditors (QC’s) and act as the first backup resource when the Quality Auditor Supervisor is unavailable.
• Perform routine and special quality audits on incoming, in-process, and outgoing orders to ensure compliance with customer and company requirements.
• Inspect components and reconditioned bearings using bench gauging and built-in equipment gauging; interpret gauge readings and record results.
• Set up, calibrate, and perform basic troubleshooting on common gauge equipment; escalate specialized gauge issues to Quality Engineers or the Supervisor.
• Support outgoing quality audit investigations: gather evidence, document findings, and assist with containment and corrective action implementation.
• Use QIM to record and help manage corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) and assist with root cause documentation.
• Utilize SAP to record inspection results and execute moves or scrapping of nonconforming inventory per procedure.
• Provide technical assistance on damage analysis and customer complaints, escalating complex issues to Quality Engineers or Quality Auditor Supervisor.
• Participate and assist in internal audits (AAR M-1003) and support the Quality Auditor Supervisor when hosting external customer or AAR audits by collecting evidence and demonstrating compliance.
• Support production where needed (material supply, bottleneck relief, and basic assembly tasks) to help meet delivery and productivity goals.
• Maintain clear and accurate inspection, audit, and calibration records, and ensure paperwork and electronic logs are current.
• Keep work area, gauges, and inspection stations clean, organized, and audit-ready.
• Support continuous improvement and lean initiatives by identifying process inefficiencies and offering practical suggestions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Quality Auditor Supervisor, Quality Manager, or Plant Manager.

Physical Demands & Frequency

• Ability to stand for extended period of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive or short-cycle work.
• Frequent lifting, reaching, and handling. Ability to lift 55 pounds.
• Moderate twisting and bending.
• Limited climbing on step stools or platforms.
• Fine motor skills with frequent hand and arm movement.
• Vision must be normal (20/20). Correctional lenses are acceptable.

Qualifications/Training

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years experience in inspection, quality auditing, or manufacturing environment (bearing industry experience preferred).
• Basic knowledge of mechanical measurement tools (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators) and familiarity with gauge setups.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with SAP and QIM preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and good written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification.

Environmental Conditions

• Loud manufacturing environment, exposure to metals, machine lubricants, rust preventative and other process chemicals, seasonal cold/heat.

Protective Clothing and Personal Devices

• Safety glasses, safety gloves, safety shoes, hearing protection.
• Safety glasses, safety shoes when in production and laboratory areas.