QA Technician-2nd Shift

SUMMARY: The Quality Technician is responsible for supporting manufacturing operations by performing inspections, verifying product conformance, investigating quality issues, and maintaining compliance with ISO 9001 quality standards. This position works closely with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality personnel to ensure products consistently meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically proficient, and comfortable working extensively on the manufacturing floor conducting inspections, documenting findings, and driving continuous quality improvement. All employees are expected to follow established safety protocols and support the ISO 9001 Quality Management System.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Inspection & Laboratory Operations

• Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections using engineering drawings, work instructions, customer specifications, and approved inspection procedures.
• Conduct dimensional, visual, physical, mechanical, and performance testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products.
• Prepare test samples and perform laboratory testing in accordance with established procedures.
• Verify product conformance to customer, engineering, and internal quality requirements.
• Perform First Article Inspections (FAIs) as required.
• Accurately document, analyze, and communicate inspection and test results, identifying trends and reporting nonconforming conditions.
• Assist in troubleshooting quality and testing issues and support root cause investigations.

Laboratory Equipment & Quality Systems

• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory and inspection equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, repairs, and replacement of out-of-tolerance equipment.
• Support the installation, qualification, validation, and implementation of new laboratory equipment and testing methods.
• Develop and maintain laboratory SOPs, work instructions, testing procedures, and equipment documentation.
• Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and compliance with safety and quality standards.

Quality Assurance & Manufacturing Support

• Identify, document, and assist in the containment of nonconforming materials and products.
• Participate in corrective and preventive action (CAPA), root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review Certificates of Conformance (COCs), Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and supplier quality documentation.
• Support customer complaint investigations by gathering production and inspection data.
• Support internal and external ISO 9001 audits by maintaining audit-ready documentation and ensuring compliance with quality procedures.
• Monitor manufacturing processes for compliance with approved procedures and quality standards.
• Partner with Production and Engineering during process validations, product launches, and manufacturing improvements.
• Perform raw material inspections and inventory verification as assigned.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate inspection, laboratory, calibration, and quality records.
• Complete inspection reports, Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), quality metrics, and other required documentation.
• Prepare Certificates of Conformance (COCs) and other customer quality documentation.
• Maintain controlled quality documents and ensure records remain complete, accurate, and audit ready.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of manufacturing quality, inspection, or laboratory experience preferred.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of precision measuring instruments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work on the production floor while wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Preferred

• Associate degree in Quality Management.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Oracle preferred).
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with inspection documentation, NCRs, CAPAs, First Article Inspection (FAI), and customer quality documentation.
• Experience operating laboratory testing equipment, calibration systems, equipment qualification, and developing test methods.
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gauge R&R, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ISO 17025 laboratory practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

This position requires regular movement throughout a manufacturing facility, including standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working at a computer as needed. The employee must be capable of operating inspection equipment and communicating effectively with employees throughout the facility.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Minimal to None

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position is based in both an office and manufacturing environment. The Quality Technician will spend significant time on the production floor conducting inspections and supporting manufacturing operations. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required while working in production areas.

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SATO America LLC offers a highly competitive salary in addition to an outstanding, market-leading benefits program. SATO's total compensation package extends well beyond your paycheck as it's designed to support and enrich your personal and professional life. See our benefit line-up below:

Health & Wellness: medical, vision, and dental insurance to include coverage for domestic partners. SATO contributes approximately 75% to the cost of employees' health insurance coverage along with 100% company paid Life & AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a pre-tax Health Savings Account with an employer contribution of $500.00 or $1,000.00 depending on elected medical coverage.

Time Away: We observe 10 company-paid holidays per year, and 15 days accrued vacation time. We also offer six (6) accrued personal days for you to use for things like weddings, moving, mental health, religious holiday, sick child or for anything that is truly personal.

Saving for the Future: plan for your short-term and long-term goals with our 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match with no vesting schedule. You are fully vested on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. SATO will match 100%/dollar-for-dollar of your 401(k)-deferral amount of the first 3% of your pay and an additional match of 50%/$.50 on the next 2% of your pay. For example, if you defer 5% of your pay into the 401(k) Plan, SATO will make a 4% matching contribution.

Work-Life: we offer an Employee Assistance Program for employees and eligible family members, career development, growth opportunities, and referral bonuses.

Scheduled hours are Monday through Friday 4pm - 12:30am. Hours are subject to change as needed. Overtime may be required.