Quality Assurance Technician
A Quality Assurance technician monitors and improves the process used to manufacture a product.
Job Description
The Perfect Plastics Company has been awarded the contract to design and produce a new toy, called the Riding Caterpillar, for the Tiny Tot Toy Company. During the development phase, the Quality Assurance (QA) technician has received information from a Quality Control (QC) technician that there is a small defect in one of the plastic pieces being produced. The QA technician consults with various production personnel to determine the cause of the defect. He or she works with staff in the area where the problem exists, trying out potential solutions, and conducting tests on the “improved” Riding Caterpillars. Ultimately, the QA technician completes a report for the QA supervisor on the incident and the way it was resolved.
Daily Activities
- records/interprets production data and recommends improvements to the process;
- interprets manufacturers’ manuals, specifications, tables, and drawings;
- reviews designs;
- investigates and resolves quality issues;
- follows, implements, and maintains process quality standards
- communicates with personnel, vendors, inspectors;
- prepares reports addressing specific quality issues
The Quality Assurance (QA) technician is responsible for ensuring that production follows the specifications and contractual requirements used by government, company, customer, and vendor personnel in order to conform to quality standards and ensure products are free of defects. He or she enforces guidelines to ensure that machines and processes work well, and that high-quality products are being made.
The QA technician should be familiar with the plasticization process and the changes that occur during the various stages. He or she should be able to identify and correct common problems, as well as identify their probable causes.
The QA technician reviews, designs, and creates diagrams and charts. The technician must demonstrate effective oral communication, individually or in groups, in discussing the various stages of product development with co-workers, operators, and customers. As well, he or she must demonstrate good written communication skills through the composing of corrective action reports, recording data, and preparing technical action reports. In addition, the technician assists in the training of others and facilitating team meetings.