Quality Technician in STATESVILLE, North Carolina at Merchants Metals LLC

Position Summary

The Quality Technician is responsible for ensuring consistent product quality across all manufacturing lines, including chain-link, ornamental, and aluminum fencing panels and components. This role develops and maintains quality control (QC) data collection systems, conducts in-process inspections, identifies production issues impacting quality, drives root cause analysis, and maintains visual controls and documentation to support a stable and predictable quality process.

Key Responsibilities

1. QC Data Collection & Reporting

• Develop, maintain, and improve QC data collection tools for all product lines.
• Ensure all inspection data (dimensions, weld quality, finish, component verification) is accurately recorded and reported.
• Analyze quality data trends to identify recurring issues and improvement opportunities.
• Provide daily/weekly quality metrics to production and leadership teams.

2. In-Process & Final Inspection

• Perform in-process inspections on chain-link fabric, ornamental panels, aluminum components, and assemblies.
• Verify product dimensions, squareness, weld integrity, coating/finish, and correct components.
• Conduct final inspections on completed orders before shipment to ensure compliance with specs and customer requirements.
• Document all non-conformances and follow established disposition processes.

3. Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Actions

• Investigate quality issues and determine root causes using structured problem-solving methods (5-Why, Fishbone, etc.).
• Work with supervisors and operators to develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Verify effectiveness of corrective actions and monitor for recurrence.

4. Process Control & Visual Management

• Maintain and update all quality-related visual aids, standards, and point-of-use instructions.
• Audit workstations to ensure operators are following proper controls and inspection criteria.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process stability and product consistency.

5. Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate quality issues clearly and promptly to production staff and leadership.
• Assist with training operators on inspection methods, defect identification, and proper documentation.
• Participate in daily production meetings to review quality performance and risks.

Performance Expectations

Quality & Accuracy

• Maintains 100% accuracy in measurement, inspection, and documentation.
• Consistently identifies defects before product moves to the next process step.

Timeliness

• Completes inspections in alignment with production flow without causing delays.
• Provides timely reporting of quality issues and trends.

Problem-Solving

• Demonstrates strong root cause analysis and follows issues to full resolution.
• Recommends practical improvements that reduce defects or rework.

Leadership & Ownership

• Maintains a proactive approach to quality, intervening before issues escalate.
• Acts as a role model for quality discipline on the production floor.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of QC or manufacturing experience (fencing or metal fabrication preferred).
• Strong understanding of mechanical measurements, weld inspection, and aluminum/steel fabrication.
• Ability to read blueprints, specifications, and inspection criteria.
• Proficient in data collection, basic statistics, and problem-solving tools.
• Strong communication and organizational skills