Quality Associate in Wyoming, Michigan at Rapid-Line, Inc.

Job Description: Quality Associate

Position Summary

The Quality Associate ensures products and manufacturing processes meet company quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable specifications. This position supports product inspection, quality system compliance, corrective actions, and continuous improvement while working collaboratively with Production, Engineering, Sales, and customers to promote a culture of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect parts and finished products to verify compliance with blueprints, engineering drawings, customer specifications, and quality standards.
• Perform dimensional inspections using calipers, tape measures, height gauges, and other measuring instruments.
• Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming products and processes.
• Assist with ensuring inspection equipment is properly calibrated and calibration records are maintained.
• Support ISO certification, internal and external audits, quality documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and other customer-specific quality requirements as needed.
• Investigate quality issues, identify root causes, and facilitate corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Monitor quality metrics, including scrap, rework, customer complaints, and total cost of quality.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, and Sales to clarify quality requirements and resolve customer concerns.
• Support employee training and promote awareness of quality procedures and expectations.
• Apply lean principles and utilize ERP systems where practical to improve quality processes and reduce paperwork.
• Assist customers as needed when quality-related issues arise.
• Follow all company policies, work rules, and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Proficiency in using dimensional measuring instruments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer applications.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to adapt to change, work independently with minimal supervision, and collaborate effectively with others.
• Professional, respectful, and customer-focused approach to workplace interactions.

Experience

• Manufacturing, quality inspection, or quality assurance experience preferred.
• Familiarity with metal forming, fabrication, and painting processes preferred.
• Knowledge of GD&T, FMEA, APQP, PPAP, ISO quality systems, calibration, and corrective action processes preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems and quality documentation preferred.

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Quality assurance, manufacturing, metrology, or related training preferred.
• ISO internal auditor training or relevant quality certifications preferred.
• Willingness to complete additional training required to meet company, customer, or certification requirements.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and sit as required for inspections and documentation.
• Ability to handle measuring instruments and inspect parts with attention to detail.
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment, warehouse hazards, and moderately loud noise.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
• Additional physical requirements, including lifting, will depend on actual job duties.

Core Expectations

• Maintain accuracy and consistency in inspections and quality documentation.
• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and respect in all interactions.
• Support customer satisfaction and timely resolution of quality issues.
• Promote continuous improvement and reduction of defects, scrap, and rework.
• Communicate effectively and work cooperatively across departments.
• Follow established quality standards, company policies, and safety requirements.
• Maintain a commitment to learning, adaptability, and workplace safety.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous quality inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and customer specifications.
• Experience using measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and height gauges.
• Ability to inspect parts, identify defects, and document nonconforming products.
• Knowledge of quality inspection procedures and manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer applications.

Quality Systems & Manufacturing Knowledge

• Familiarity with ISO standards, quality audits, and quality documentation.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and FMEA is preferred.
• Understanding of calibration requirements and measuring equipment.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or ERP systems is a plus.

Communication & Workplace Skills

• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Production, Engineering, Sales, and customers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Professional, dependable, and customer-focused approach.
• Commitment to workplace safety and company procedures.