Quality Inspector III (1st Shift)

The Quality Inspector III ensures service processes meet stringent customer, regulatory, and contamination control standards through advanced inspections, audits, and quality system activities. This role plays a critical part in leading structured problem-solving efforts, including 8D investigations, to resolve quality issues, drive root cause corrective actions, and prevent recurrence. The Quality Inspector III provides technical expertise in process validation, defect analysis, and compliance while mentoring junior team members to support operational excellence and customer satisfaction in a cleanroom-based environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Process Oversight

• Perform advanced inspections across service workflows, including:
  • Precision cleaning, coating, and refurbishment processes
  • Incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Customer specifications and cleanliness standards
  • Work instructions, travelers, and quality procedures
• Review and approve inspection results prior to product release

Problem Solving & Corrective Actions 

• Lead and facilitate 8D problem-solving investigations for internal and customer-reported quality issues
• Drive root cause analysis using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pareto, etc.)
• Develop, implement, and verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to ensure effective and sustainable solutions
• Track, manage, and report status of 8D actions through closure
• Prepare and deliver customer-facing quality responses and reports

Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Generate and manage:
  • Nonconformance reports (NCRs)
  • Deviation documentation
  • Inspection records and quality data
• Conduct internal audits of processes, cleanroom practices, and quality systems
• Analyze quality data and trends (defects, yield, rework) to identify improvement opportunities
• Support KPI reporting and statistical analysis (SPC, trending, etc.)
• Develop and improve:
  • Inspection methods
  • Process controls
  • Quality procedures and work instructions

Cross-Functional Support & Leadership

• Interface with Operations, Engineering, Suppliers, and Customer Quality teams
• Support customer audits, inquiries, and escalations as needed
• Train and mentor QA Technicians and Inspectors (Level I & II)
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

Environmental, Health & Safety

• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant work environment
• Ensure adherence to cleanroom protocols, contamination control, and ESD requirements

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong experience leading 8D investigations and customer corrective actions
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pareto)
• Knowledge of cleanroom operations and contamination control practices
• Strong understanding of quality systems (ISO 9001 or similar)
• Ability to interpret:
  • Customer specifications
  • Work instructions and process flows
  • Engineering drawings (preferred)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights and reports
• Strong communication skills, including customer-facing interactions
• Proficient with MS Office and quality systems/software

Educational/Certification Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Technical coursework or AA degree preferred
• ASQ certification (CQA, CQI, or similar) preferred

Work Experience

• 6+ years of experience in a quality role within manufacturing or service operations
• Direct experience leading 8D investigations and closing corrective actions strongly preferred
• Experience in cleanroom or controlled environments preferred
• Semiconductor, aerospace, or high-tech industry experience preferred
• Experience supporting NPI, process transfers, or service operations is a plus

Work Environment

• Primarily performed in a cleanroom and services operations environment
• Requires use of cleanroom PPE and adherence to contamination control standards

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to move, bend, reach, and lift as required (up to 75 lbs occasionally)
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for inspection tasks

Environmental Exposure

• Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Exposure to chemicals, mechanical parts, and controlled environment conditions

Ultra Clean Technology is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.