The Quality Technician will, under the general direction of the Sr. Quality Engineer, have the vital responsibility of handling day-to-day operations of the metrology lab, including performing analyses, preparing samples, and taking initiative to identify anomalies and propose useful analyses. The technician will help maintain, inventory, perform measurement system analysis, and perform calibration duties both internal and externally through vendors. The quality technician will be responsible for cleaning/contamination inspections of process equipment and supporting continuous improvement in cleaning/contamination protocols. The quality technician will also conduct process audits, including but not limited to startup/shutdown verification, release of product inspection activities, traceability, documentation, and supporting order fulfillment. This position will support all processes in assuring the highest quality of products manufactured across the entire facility.
This position offers the opportunity to work with an exceptional range of instruments and manufacturing processes to develop in-depth knowledge of continuous improvement activities, as well as experience in the booming industry of lithium-ion battery production.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare and perform analyses and critical to quality tests using metrological and analytical instruments for in-process and receiving inspection activities for raw materials and products manufactured
- Respond to analysis request tickets from Production and R&D, exercising autonomy to plan the required work
- Take initiative to identify defects and anomalies and to learn the technical capabilities of Metrology’s tools and instruments
- Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and provide input to update them as appropriate
- Evaluate and report data while maintaining test documentation following internal company protocols and material ID systems, including collection and preparation of COC/COA for customers
- Maintain the lab and other areas of use by ensuring cleanliness, noting when inventory is low, and alerting managers when instruments require maintenance or calibration
- Will support the team to complete production tasks to meet production goals
- Support the measurement system analysis program and calibration activities to ensure equipment is appropriate and ready for use
- Provide direction and training to Production Associates on proper equipment operation and reaction plans to abnormal conditions
- Understand the customer-driven product specifications and maintain statistical quality control data where required.
- Maintain safe workplace practices and actively participate to correct any unsafe conditions or unsafe behaviors.
- Perform Process audits, including but not limited to startup/shutdown verification, Error proofing, first piece sampling, and release activities, issue resolution, equipment/process change documentation
- Perform cleaning inspection of process equipment and support continuous improvement activities to improve contamination prevention protocols
- Other duties as assigned
- Minimum high school diploma or equivalent with 5 years of manufacturing experience in a quality role. Preferred at least a two-year technical or Associate Degree with 3+ years of manufacturing experience in a quality role. Preferred lithium-ion battery or materials testing experience
- Detailed work ethic, close attention to detail, precise communication, and ability to manage scheduled deadlines
- The ideal candidate will have prior experience in quality processes in a manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management system, PDCA cycle, preferred internal auditing experience
- Familiarity with safety, cleanliness, and contamination protocols, including but not limited clean room, dry room, and wet lab environments
- Familiarity with measurement system analysis, including but not limited to calibration activities, R&R, SPC, capability, etc…
- Hands-on experience with basic metrology equipment; micrometers, DMM, Scales/Balances, calipers, and various other equipment for dimensional, electrical, and material analysis
- Preferred hands-on experience with the following instruments and techniques: Karl Fischer titration, optical microscopy, mounting and polishing samples in resin, scales and balances, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis (PSA), rheology, gas cylinder handling
- Nice-to-have instrument experience: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), BET surface area, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy
- Ability to learn and become a subject matter expert to make informed decisions
- Critical problem-solving skills: ability to ask the right people the right questions at the right time
- Execution: take initiative, point out problems as they arise, sustain best practices
- Willing and able to work hours needed to complete tasks with deadlines
- Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and perform the following for extended periods of time:
- Standing or sitting
- Climbing/squatting/walking
- Repetitive motions and lifting
- Self-driven, independent, and capable of solving problems
- Passionate about the work, the team, and the planet
- Ability to work in a diverse, intellectually challenging, and fast-paced environment
- Creative, first-principles thinker
- Willingness to continuously learn
- Effective communicator using precise language
