Quality Specialist in Elkhorn, Wisconsin at READER PRECISION SOLUTIONS

The Quality Specialist is the document control and program verification owner within the Quality department at Reader Precision Solutions. This role ensures that all quality documentation for every job is accurate, complete, and at the current revision; that the CMM, Keyence, Oasis, and High QA programs used to inspect each job match the most current customer print and internal documentation; and that inspection methods are proven out at setup inspection so they are robust and ready for operator use. The Quality Specialist also completes outside process and final inspection, assists with daily MRB disposition, and prepares all client-required documentation, including PPAPs, FAIs, critical characteristic reports, Cpk studies, and SPC data. By catching revision mismatches and documentation errors before a job reaches the floor or ships, the Quality Specialist protects product conformity, prevents escapes and rework, and keeps Reader Precision Solutions audit-ready under AS9100 and ISO 9001.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Documentation Accuracy & Control:

• Own the quality workbook for each job, including the Gage List, Setup Inspection, Inspection Instructions, Work Instructions, Quality Alerts, and Quality Standards & Defect Guides, ensuring each is accurate, complete, and aligned to the current customer print revision and purchase order requirements.
• Review new and revised customer prints, specifications, and engineering changes; identify what changed and update all affected quality documents promptly.
• Manage document revision control: assign revision levels, route documents for approval, remove and archive obsolete revisions, and ensure only current, approved documents are available at the point of use.
• Maintain accurate, organized quality records in accordance with QMS procedures and AS9100 record retention requirements.

Inspection Program Verification:

• Verify that CMM, Keyence, and Oasis programs and High QA inspection plans for each job match the current print revision and quality documentation, including characteristics, tolerances, balloon numbers, and revision levels.
• Maintain a program register that links each part number and revision to its approved inspection program(s), program revision, and date last verified.
• Document and communicate any program-to-documentation discrepancies to the Metrology Technician - Programming and Quality Engineer, notify the Quality Engineer when poor material quality is found, and track each item through correction and re-verification.
• Perform periodic audits comparing programs in use at inspection equipment against approved masters to confirm no unapproved changes have been made.

Setup Inspection & Inspection Readiness:

• Perform setup inspections on new, revised, and returning jobs, verifying first pieces against the current print, Setup Inspection sheet, and inspection programs before the job is released to production.
• Use each setup inspection to prove out the job's documentation and programs: confirm every characteristic is covered, the correct gages and program revisions are called out, and instructions can be followed as written. Correct documentation issues directly and route program issues to the Metrology Technician - Programming.
• Evaluate inspection methods for robustness, including gage selection, repeatability, frequency, and practicality at the machine, and recommend improvements to the Quality Engineer where methods are unclear or unreliable.
• Confirm that operator-facing inspection instructions, gage lists, and Quality Alerts are clear, current, and ready for operator use, and support operator training on new or revised inspection methods.
• Document setup inspection results and findings, and track all documentation and program clean-up items through to closure.

Outside Process, Final Inspection & Client Requirements:

• Inspect parts returning from outside processes (such as plating, heat treat, and passivation), verifying conformance to print and purchase order requirements and reviewing supplier certifications before parts move forward.
• Perform final inspection to confirm that every client requirement is met and all required documentation is complete before a job ships.
• Complete PPAPs, FAIs, and other client-required documentation packages, verifying that each submission references the correct drawing, documentation, and program revisions.
• Identify and monitor critical characteristics, and prepare critical characteristic reports, Cpk (process capability) studies, and SPC data as required by the client.
• Escalate out-of-control SPC trends or capability results below client requirements to the Quality Engineer and Quality Supervisor for containment and corrective action.

MRB Support:

• Assist the Quality Technician III with daily MRB dispositions (rework, sort, or scrap) to keep product moving through production.
• Ensure dispositioned material is clearly identified, documented, and routed promptly to its next step.

Job Release & Job Packets:

• Create and distribute daily job packets, confirming that all documents and inspection programs are current before a job is released to production.

High QA & Data Management:

• Maintain High QA part records, inspection plans, and ballooned drawings so they reflect the current revision of each job.
• Create lots in High QA for each job.
• Pull shipment data from High QA to support client documentation and shipment requirements.
• Provide onboarding training for new High QA users.

Change Communication & Collaboration:

• Partner with the Quality Engineer, Metrology Technicians (Calibration and Programming), Quality Supervisor, and Engineering so that print, process, and program changes are reflected in quality documentation at the same time.
• Collaborate with Metrology Technicians to ensure all quality equipment has accurate, current work instructions.
• Communicate revision changes and Quality Alerts to inspectors and operators, confirming affected personnel are aware of changes before production resumes.

Audit & Compliance Support:

• Support internal, customer, and registrar audits by providing document and record evidence, and resolve documentation-related findings through the corrective action (CAPA) process.

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform the tasks and responsibilities of the Quality Technicians as needed.
• Assist the Quality Supervisor or Quality Manager with additional quality tasks as needed.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree or higher in a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a quality role within a precision machining or manufacturing environment; experience as a Quality Technician III or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated competence in setup inspections and setup approvals, including hands-on use of hand gages, CMM, Keyence, and Oasis equipment.
• Experience with document control, revision control, or quality records management within a QMS.
• Strong blueprint reading skills, including GD&T, with the ability to compare prints, documents, and programs line by line.
• Working knowledge of CMM, Keyence, and Oasis programs sufficient to review and verify program content against documentation (program writing is not required).
• Experience performing outside process and final inspection, including review of supplier certifications.
• Experience with nonconforming material dispositions (rework, sort, scrap).
• Working knowledge of SPC, Cpk and process capability studies, and critical characteristic control.
• Experience completing PPAP and FAI (AS9102) documentation and other client-required quality documentation.
• Proficiency with quality management software; experience with High QA highly desirable.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 and AS9100 documentation and record-keeping requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain discrepancies and required changes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and quick adaptability to new software.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple jobs at once, and carry assignments through to completion.
• Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time, benefits eligible position requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Core work schedule is Monday - Friday from 6:30am - 3:00pm. Individual must be flexible to work overtime as needed.

Benefits & perks of joining the Reader Precision Solutions team include: RPS team members enjoy a challenging & fast-paced work environment in a high-tech manufacturing facility. Our work environment is extremely clean, well lit, organized (5S), & climate-controlled. In addition, our team thrives in a supportive culture that provides engaged leadership, ongoing recognition for performance results, & a great benefits package.

• Competitive wages (paid weekly on Thursday's)
• 8% of base pay shift differential (2nd & 3rd shift)
• Benefits begin the month following 30 days of employment: health insurance with points based, holistic wellness program, dental, life, & disability insurance
• NEW partnership with a near site local clinic for FREE health services including primary & preventative care, walk in visits, labs, prescriptions, etc.
• FREE vision insurance!
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% company match (immediately vested!)
• Vacation accrual starts upon hire - accrue up to 2.5 weeks in first year!
• 11 paid holidays
• Education assistance up to $5,250 annually (after 12 months of service)
• Professional development opportunities – internal & external (cross-departmental training, PMPA conferences, IMTS-Chicago, local technical colleges/universities, & more…)
• Career advancement – ongoing training & mentoring with opportunity to grow your skills
• Performance bonus – potential to receive a discretionary year-end bonus based on individual and group performance
• Company paid Short-Term Disability policy
• Company events – team lunches, summer picnic event, holiday party
• Company zoo pass to Milwaukee County Zoo
• Holistic wellness program – earn up to $700 in incentives through points accumulation for accomplishing a variety of wellness activities. Also offered by the Company are employer paid onsite flu shots, biometric screenings, free health coaching & MUCH more!
• Employer paid life insurance – $50,000 policy with options for voluntary life up to $400,000 benefit maximum
• Financial planning resources & onsite financial wellness workshops
• Employer subsidized work shoes & safety glasses program
• Reader Precision Solutions branded attire – $100 annual allowance
• Employee Referral bonus – $1,000
• Satisfying work…leaving work at the end of the day knowing that the GREAT work you do is meaningful and appreciated by the Company, our clients, and end users who benefit from the high-quality components we manufacture for them!

Core Competencies – Reader Precision Solutions Four Pillars: Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity & Respect

• Innovation – we apply creative solutions to exceed expectations internally and externally. We deliver creative solutions by pursuing continuous improvement, challenging the limits of conventional thinking to drive positive change, and engaging our customers to achieve synergy.
• Empowerment – we equip our employees to succeed. We nurture success by setting realistic goals and standards; with accountability and regular performance feedback, providing training opportunities for growth and learning and offering employees a safe and modern work environment.
• Integrity – our reputation is everything. We preserve and enhance our reputation by operating with the highest ethical standards, focusing on customer needs, and contributing positively to our community and environment.
• Respect – we act with honor in all our interactions. In our interactions, we accept and value individual differences, work together with a positive attitude and promote open and honest communication in a team-based environment.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

The incumbent typically works in an office environment or out on the manufacturing floor. In the office, the incumbent will utilize a computer, telephone, and other office equipment as needed to perform assigned duties. On the manufacturing floor, the incumbent may need to gather information, troubleshoot manufacturing components, or prove out projects. The noise level in the office is typical of an office and the noise level on the manufacturing floor does not require hearing protection although it is provided. This role may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday. This role may regularly require the incumbent to sit, talk, or listen; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, fine motor skills, and stand, walk, reach, and/or bend. May occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.