Quality Technician (Prototype Manufacturing)
Position Overview
The Quality Logistics Associate manages the critical flow of precision parts, raw stock, and tooling through our fast-paced prototyping machine shop. Bridging quality assurance and logistics, this role ensures that tight-tolerance machined components, raw materials, and secondary processing items (e.g., anodizing, heat treatment) are thoroughly inspected, accurately tracked, and packaged safely for rapid delivery. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-mix, low-volume job shop environment where speed, precision, and meticulous quality control intersect.
Key Responsibilities
Inbound & Outbound Material Inspection:
Inspect incoming raw stock (billets, bar stock, sheet metal), off-standard materials, and custom tooling for dimensional accuracy, material certs (MTRs), and defects prior to shop floor release.
Perform incoming inspections on parts returning from secondary vendor operations (e.g., anodizing, passivating, heat treat, powder coating, plating).
Support final visual and dimensional checks on finished prototype parts using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges) before packaging.
Stage Gate Logistics & Shop Floor Routing:
Route parts between machining operations, deburring, internal QA, and outside processing vendors to ensure seamless workflow and prevent shop floor bottlenecks.
Maintain clean, organized holding and quarantine areas for parts awaiting inspection, secondary processing, or customer shipment.
Packaging, Labeling & Shipping Compliance:
Package fragile, tight-tolerance prototype parts using custom, non-marring methods to prevent damage during transit.
Prepare accurate shipping documentation, including certificates of conformance (CoCs), packing slips, material certs, and specialized export/customs documentation when needed.
Non-Conformance & Traceability:
Identify, log, and isolate non-conforming materials or out-of-spec machined parts; write up initial NCRs (Non-Conformance Reports) and work with machinists and quality engineers to resolve issues.
Maintain complete lot control, heat number traceability, and job order tracking in the shop management system.
Inventory & ERP Management:
Receive incoming orders and update job statuses in real-time within the ERP/MRP system
Assist in physical stock audits and manage shipping/packaging material inventory.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience: 2 4 years in a machine shop, precision manufacturing, or job-shop environment handling quality inspection, shipping, receiving, or shop logistics.
Technical Skills:
Ability to read and interpret mechanical blueprints and engineering drawings (GD&T knowledge is a strong plus).
Hands-on experience using basic precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, optical comparators).
Understanding of machining materials (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, engineering plastics) and secondary metal finishing processes.
Software: Experience with job-shop ERP/MRP system and basic Google sheets/Docs skills.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, operate shop handling equipment (forklift, pallet jack, overhead hoist), and spend extended periods on the shop floor.
Preferred Qualifications
Formal training or certification in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) or Quality Inspection.
Prior experience handling sensitive prototype parts for high-tech industries (aerospace, medical device, automotive R&D, robotics).
Forklift certification.
Time Type: Full Time
Department: Manufacturing Operations
Business Unit: Prototyping