Quality Engineering Technician at Saelens Corporation – Johnson Creek, Wisconsin

Quality Engineering Technician

Location: Johnson Creek, WI

Employment Type: Mid-morning to Mid-afternoon (10am to 6pm). Flexible, plus some weekends as needed.

Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and skilled CNC Quality Technician to join our team. This role supports our highly automated CNC operation, with over 95% of our shop equipped with robotic cells. You will play a critical role in maintaining quality standards, inspecting parts, and ensuring accuracy throughout our manufacturing process.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspection & Testing: Conduct first-piece, in-process, and final inspections on machined parts using precision measuring instruments.
• Metrology & Tools: Operate and calibrate precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, optical comparators, and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM).
• Blueprint Reading & GD&T: Interpret complex engineering drawings and blueprints, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed inspection records, compile, and submit quality documentation, such as First Article Inspection (FAI) reports and PPAP packages.
• Non-Conformance Management: Identify, document, and quarantine non-conforming (defective) material, participating in Material Review Board (MRB) efforts.
• Process Improvement: Assist engineers in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to reduce defects.
• Shop Floor Support: Collaborate with machinists to resolve quality issues and ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Working Conditions

• Typically on-site in a machine shop environment, requiring frequent time on the production floor.
• Must be able to stand for long periods, walk, and lift up to 30–75 lbs.
• Requires wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and steel-toed shoes.
• Can travel between both Johnson Creek (Primary work) and occasional trips to our Milwaukee facility to assist in PPAPs, Audits etc.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. An Associate degree in a technical field (machine tool technology, engineering technology, or quality assurance) is highly preferred.
• Experience: 1–3+ years of experience in quality control or inspection within a metal machining or manufacturing environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in interpreting blueprints and GD&T.

Preferred Skills & Certifications

• CMM Experience: Experience with CMM programming (e.g., Zeiss, Keyence, Mitutoyo).
• Software: Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel for data analysis) and quality management software.
• Machining Experience: 1-3+ years working on / with CNC machines, Robotic cells
• Knowledge: Understanding of ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, and Statistical Process Control (SPC). AIAG or other Experience in APQP and PPAPs, Gage R&R & Capability testing.
• Mechanically Inclined: Applicant has strong mechanical understanding of parts and assembly including the ability to assess, disassemble and reassemble precision instruments.

Key Competencies

• Attention to Detail: Ability to detect minor defects or slight deviations from specifications.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to determine the root cause of defects.
• Communication: Ability to clearly communicate technical issues to production staff and management.