Advanced Quality Technician

Summary

: Performs testing and inspection of products at various stages throughout the production process to ensure compliance with quality standards. Compiles, analyzes, and evaluates statistical data to monitor and maintain the quality and reliability of products. Supports continuous improvement efforts by identifying trends, root causes, and areas for corrective action to uphold product integrity and customer satisfaction. Essential Functions:

• Performs in-process and final inspections of painted and conversion-coated parts to ensure compliance with customer specifications.
• Conducts a variety of tests on product samples at designated stages of the painting and coating processes, including temperature checks, paint thickness measurement, adhesion testing, titration, concentration, and pH testing.
• Visually inspects components for surface defects, proper coating application, and conformance to visual standards.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, customer specifications, and military standards to determine inspection requirements, dimensional tolerances, and acceptance criteria.
• Utilizes precision measurement equipment (e.g., micrometers, calipers, height gauges, CMM) to complete detailed dimensional inspection reports.
• Verifies the presence and accuracy of required documentation at workstations, including travelers, process sheets, inspection records, and certifications.
• Ensures immediate containment and escalation of nonconforming product, initiating quality alerts or stop-work procedures when necessary.
• Reviews, defines, and updates data collection requirements based on engineering drawings, 3D models, PPAPs, purchase orders, and quality plans.
• Participates in Measurement System Analysis (MSA) activities, including Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gage R&R) studies, to ensure accuracy and consistency of inspection tools and methods.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions for quality-related issues.
• Supports audits and customer source inspections by preparing relevant documentation, demonstrating inspection methods, and ensuring traceability of product and processes.
• Assists with the training and mentoring of junior quality personnel on inspection techniques, equipment use, and documentation protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management in support of continuous improvement and quality assurance objectives.

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)

• Understanding of quality control methodologies, including Statistical Process Control (SPC) and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and coatings (e.g., painting, conversion coating, machining).
• Familiarity with military and industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD, AS9100, ISO 9001, PPAP).
• Working knowledge of blueprint reading, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), and engineering drawings.
• Understanding of inspection procedures, nonconformance handling, and corrective/preventive action processes.
• Knowledge of measurement system analysis (MSA), including Gage R&R studies.
• Awareness of auditing practices and documentation requirements for internal, customer, or regulatory audits.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with operators, engineers, supervisors, and customers regarding quality concerns.
• Ability to train and mentor less experienced technicians or production staff on quality procedures and standards.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, production schedules, and new inspection technologies or requirements.
• Ability to recognize quality risks and take proactive steps to mitigate them before they affect product integrity.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Additional technical training or coursework in quality control, manufacturing technology, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a quality inspection or quality assurance role within a manufacturing environment, preferably in the military or defense industry.
• Experience with inspection tools, blueprint reading, and working to industry standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100 is required.

Background Prerequisites:

• Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands: With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and handle materials or components up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, and crouching as needed to inspect parts at various stages of production.
• Visual acuity to perform detailed inspections, including close vision, color vision, and depth perception.
• Manual dexterity to use precision measuring tools and handle small parts and equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment that may include exposure to moderate noise, dust, fumes, and varying temperatures.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.