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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Quality Controller

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

Quality AssuranceManufacturingProductionCompliance

🎯 Role Definition

The Quality Controller is the bedrock of an organization's commitment to excellence. This role serves as a critical checkpoint, ensuring that all products and materials meet the stringent quality and efficiency standards set by the company and its customers. Working directly on the production floor or in a dedicated lab, the Quality Controller is a hands-on guardian of product integrity. They are responsible for identifying defects, documenting findings, and collaborating with production teams to resolve issues. This position requires a sharp eye for detail, a methodical approach to inspection and testing, and a firm understanding of quality management principles. Ultimately, the Quality Controller is integral to maintaining brand reputation, minimizing waste, and driving customer loyalty through the delivery of flawless products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Operator or Assembly Technician
  • Materials Handler
  • Junior Lab Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Quality Controller / Quality Lead
  • Quality Assurance Supervisor
  • Quality Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Process Improvement Specialist
  • Supplier Quality Engineer
  • Compliance Officer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive visual and dimensional inspections of raw materials, in-process components, and finished goods to ensure strict adherence to engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Utilize a wide range of precision measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and optical comparators, to validate product conformance.
  • Meticulously document inspection and test results, maintaining detailed and accurate records within the Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Identify, quarantine, and document any non-conforming products or materials, initiating Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) as required.
  • Collaborate closely with production supervisors and operators to communicate quality issues and provide real-time feedback for immediate correction.
  • Perform first article inspections (FAIs) for new or revised products to validate that the production process can reliably produce parts to specification.
  • Actively participate in root cause analysis investigations to determine the source of quality defects and help develop effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) specifications.
  • Monitor production processes and procedures to ensure they are being followed correctly and are capable of meeting quality standards.
  • Calibrate and maintain inspection, measurement, and test equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability, keeping detailed calibration logs.
  • Approve incoming materials by confirming specifications, conducting measurement and visual tests, and rejecting and returning unacceptable materials.
  • Approve in-process production by confirming required specifications, communicating necessary adjustments to the production supervisor.
  • Generate summary reports of quality metrics, including defect rates, first pass yield, and trends to inform management decision-making.
  • Verify that finished products are correctly packaged and labeled according to customer and internal requirements before shipment.
  • Assist in the development and refinement of quality control procedures, work instructions, and inspection checklists.
  • Support supplier quality initiatives by inspecting incoming components and providing feedback on supplier performance.
  • Champion a "quality-first" culture on the shop floor by promoting best practices and adherence to standards among all team members.
  • Conduct final "pass/fail" assessments on completed products, making the final determination on whether a product is fit for release.
  • Perform routine and ad-hoc audits of production lines to verify process controls and adherence to quality protocols.
  • Ensure a clean and safe work environment within the quality inspection area, adhering to all company health and safety policies.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new production staff on quality standards, measurement techniques, and inspection procedures.
  • Participate actively in internal and external quality audits (e.g., ISO 9001), providing necessary documentation and support to auditors.
  • Provide constructive feedback to engineering and design teams regarding product manufacturability and potential quality improvements.
  • Support continuous improvement projects (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) by providing data and insights from a quality perspective.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Precision Measurement: High proficiency with measurement tools like calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and profilometers.
  • Blueprint Interpretation: Strong ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, and technical specifications.
  • GD&T Knowledge: Solid understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols and principles.
  • Quality Standards: Familiarity with quality management systems and standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Experience with problem-solving methodologies like 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, or 8D.
  • QMS Software: Competency in using Quality Management System (QMS) software for documentation and reporting.
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC): Basic knowledge of SPC concepts for monitoring and controlling processes.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in MS Excel for data entry and reporting, and MS Word for creating documentation.
  • Non-Conformance & CAPA: Direct experience in managing Non-Conformance Reports (NCR) and contributing to Corrective/Preventive Actions (CAPA).
  • Inspection Techniques: Knowledge of various inspection methods, including visual, dimensional, and functional testing.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional ability to spot minor defects and inconsistencies that others might miss.
  • Objectivity and Integrity: The ability to make unbiased, data-driven decisions regarding product quality without succumbing to production pressures.
  • Clear Communication: The skill to clearly and professionally communicate quality issues and instructions to colleagues at all levels.
  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A logical and systematic approach to identifying problems, analyzing their causes, and finding solutions.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple inspection tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A collaborative spirit to work effectively with production, engineering, and management teams.
  • Resilience: The ability to remain firm and assertive on quality standards while maintaining positive working relationships.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a technical certification in a relevant discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Quality Management
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a quality control, quality assurance, or inspection role.

Preferred: Demonstrable experience within a regulated manufacturing environment, such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or pharmaceuticals, is highly desirable.

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