Quality Technician at Sherman and Reilly Inc – Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Quality Technician is a hands-on role responsible for inspecting incoming parts and in-process work to ensure our products meet S+R’s standards for quality, function, and reliability.

This position will split their time between the quality office, warehouse and shop floor, measuring and inspecting parts, verifying and managing supplier and internal quality documentation, and helping identify and contain defects before they reach our customers.

1. Inspection & Verification

• Perform incoming and in-process inspections on:
  • Welded frames and fabrications
  • Machined parts and components
  • Trailer and equipment assemblies
  • Hydraulic and mechanical sub-assemblies
• Use common inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, tape measures, height gages, thread gages, and radius/angle gages.
• Verify that parts and assemblies meet drawing requirements for dimensions, weld details, finishes, and critical features.
• Conduct visual weld checks for obvious defects (e.g., undercut, porosity, incomplete fusion, mismatch) according to basic acceptance criteria.
• Utilize 3D optical metrology (Keyence) for first-article, in-process, and final inspection. Manage storage and traceability of scan-to-CAD comparison data and dimensional reports.
• Perform materials/mechanical testing, perform pull/push tests using an Olsen tensile/compression machine and hardness testing (e.g., Rockwell/Brinell) per drawing/specification.

2. Nonconformance Identification & Documentation

• Identify and tag nonconforming material on the floor to prevent unintended use.
• Accurately document defects, locations, and conditions in the nonconformance system (NCM/scrap/rework records).
• Work with supervisors and the Quality Manager to segregate, contain, and disposition suspect material.
• Support root cause and corrective action activities by providing clear, factual information and samples.

3. Support to Production & Quality Manager

• Work side-by-side with welders, machinists, and assemblers to clarify quality expectations and inspection criteria.
• Provide feedback to the Quality Manager and production supervision on recurring defects, trends, and potential improvements.
• Assist in creating or updating basic inspection check sheets, visual standards, and work instructions.
• Help verify and trial new fixtures, jigs, gages, and inspection methods at the line.

4. Recordkeeping & Data Entry

• Enter inspection results, nonconformances, and rework information into ERP or quality logs accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized records of inspection reports, checklists, and quality forms as directed by the Quality Manager.
• Support preparation of simple quality reports (scrap, rework, defect types) as needed.