Job Title:                      Quality Assurance Technician                          

Classification:              Non-Exempt

Reports to:                   Process Engineering and Quality Manager        

Date:                            April 25, 2023

Wage Range:                $20 – 24/hour              

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Company Description

Blasch Precision Ceramics, Inc., produces and markets net shape ceramic and refractory components to a wide variety of industrial markets worldwide.  These industries include specialty alloys, non-ferrous metals, chemical/petrochemical processing, power generation, industrial process heating and mining.

The proprietary Blasch Process is a unique, proprietary forming method developed to produce net shape and near net shape ceramic parts exhibiting very attractive physical properties.  Many of the products produced by Blasch have complex shapes that could not be produced with other existing ceramic technology.  As a result, several patents exist covering Blasch’s unique processes and technology.

Position Overview

The Quality Assurance Technician is responsible for assessing and maintaining quality of new and existing products.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Part and process inspection to support production quality by:
  • Completing pre-kiln inspections (Final pre-firing approval)
  • Inspecting parts (frozen, green and fired as required) for critical-to-quality features (dimensions, casting quality, surface quality, etc.) using drawings and process cards.

- In support of the Tooling Inspection Report (TIR) process

- In support quality planning requirements generated internally or from customer POs

• • Review manufacturing (forming, patching, kiln loading) for correct process and to highlight and assist with corrections/improvements
  • Communicate findings to team leader and participate in communication with manufacturing, engineering, etc. as required
• Support/train QC inspectors with critical inspection tasks and/or in addressing inspection questions
• Investigate quality issues by assisting with process challenges and improvements:
  • Participating in the development of specific test and measurement requirements, carrying them out and reporting results.
  • Following detailed test plans & proposing plan modifications based on data for specific projects
• Assist in implementing process control methods and tools in production
• Assist in implementing continuous improvement initiatives as required
• Conduct quality ISO audits as required
• Be generally aware of and watch out for quality issues as they arise and help in resolving and communicating these.
• Other related tasks as required

• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• All other tasks as assigned by the manager.

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. 

Skills

• Able to interpret technical drawings and use measurement equipment
  • Identify critical characteristics & dimensions
  • Measure critical characteristics & dimensions
• Strong interaction and teamwork skills
• Demonstrated motivation to
  • learn new technical skills
  • seek and accept challenges and responsibility
  • ensure adherence to processes through collaboration with operators and leads
• Able to use MS Office software (Word and Excel)
• Able & willing to learn and use software associated to measurement tools.
• Ability to report results in a technical format, using averages, means, etc.
• Knowledge of or willing to learn basic statistical parameters
   

Supervisor Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can be loud.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 1st (7:00 am – 3:30 pm) 2nd (3:00 pm – 11:30 pm) or 3rd shift (11:00 pm – 7:30 am).  Occasional Saturday/Sunday hours may be required.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Required Education and Experience

• High school graduate or GED qualified.
• Desire and willingness to learn, in a predetermined probation period, the minimum skills required to meet and maintain acceptable quality and productivity standards.
• Must possess the ability and desire to work as part of a team taking direction from Leadership, Trainers, Engineering staff or as directed by Management.
• Mechanical aptitude utilizing hand and power tools.
• Ability to read, understand and communicate Work instructions and documented Process cards with special instructions.
• Visually able to identify voids, cracks and deformations on all surfaces of parts formed.
• Ability to lift 50lbs. unassisted.

Preferred Education and Experience

•           Previous ceramic manufacturing experience of (1) or more years OR (2) or more years of continuous employment in a non-assembly line manufact