What Does a Quality Technician Do?
A quality technician performs inspections, tests, and measurements to verify that products and processes meet quality and safety standards. They work directly on production floors or in laboratories, checking raw materials, in-process components, and finished goods for compliance with specifications.
Quality technicians are responsible for documenting results, reporting defects, and assisting engineers and managers in corrective actions. They help maintain consistency, reduce waste, and improve efficiency across production lines. In industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and food safety, their work ensures compliance with customer requirements and regulatory guidelines.
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Quality Technician Core Responsibilities
- Inspect raw materials, in-process components, and finished products
- Conduct tests using measurement equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges
- Record inspection results and maintain detailed quality documentation
- Identify defects and report findings to supervisors or engineers
- Support audits and compliance checks as needed
- Assist with root cause analysis and corrective action activities
- Ensure that safety and regulatory standards are followed on the production floor
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Knowledge of inspection methods and testing equipment
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Familiarity with quality standards such as ISO, FDA, or AS9100
- Proficiency with basic computer programs for data entry and reporting
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Clear communication and reporting skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
Education
- High school diploma or GED required; associate or technical degree in quality, manufacturing, or related field preferred
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) recommended
- OSHA safety training recommended for regulated industries
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in manufacturing, laboratory, or production environments
- Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma tools for process improvement
- Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) techniques
- Background using ERP or quality management systems
National Average Salary
Quality technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Quality Technician is:
$56,749
Sample Job Description Templates for Quality Technicians
Entry-Level Quality Technician
Position Overview
We are hiring an entry-level quality technician to perform inspections and assist in ensuring our products meet established standards. This role is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented and interested in gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing or production quality.
Responsibilities
- Perform visual inspections of raw materials and finished products
- Use basic measuring tools such as calipers, gauges, and micrometers
- Record test results and maintain accurate documentation
- Report defects and support corrective action activities
- Follow company quality procedures and safety standards
- Learn inspection techniques and quality processes under supervision
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of inspection tools and measurement techniques
- Ability to read simple technical drawings and specifications
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office or basic data entry software
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Eagerness to learn and apply new skills
- Good communication skills
- Dependable and team-oriented
Education
- High school diploma or GED required; technical coursework preferred
Certifications
- OSHA safety training recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or experience in a production or manufacturing setting
- Familiarity with ISO or other quality standards
Mid-Level Quality Technician
Position Overview
Our company is looking for a mid-level quality technician to carry out inspections, perform tests, and support quality engineers in maintaining compliance with standards. This role requires prior experience in quality assurance and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities
- Inspect in-process and finished goods against specifications
- Use precision measurement equipment to verify product compliance
- Document inspection results and prepare reports for management
- Identify recurring issues and recommend improvements
- Support internal audits and compliance reviews
- Assist in training entry-level technicians
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with precision tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings or blueprints
- Familiarity with defect tracking and quality management systems
- Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC)
Soft skills
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Ability to manage time and work independently
- Team collaboration abilities
Education
- High school diploma required; associate degree in quality, engineering, or related field preferred
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ERP or enterprise quality systems
- Background in Lean or Six Sigma methodologies
Senior Quality Technician
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior quality technician to lead advanced inspections, train junior technicians, and ensure compliance with company and industry standards. This position requires deep technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and the ability to take ownership of quality assurance activities.
Responsibilities
- Conduct detailed inspections using advanced testing equipment
- Train and mentor junior and mid-level quality technicians
- Review inspection records and ensure accuracy in reporting
- Lead investigations into product defects and assist with root cause analysis
- Prepare detailed quality reports for engineers and management
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on corrective actions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of inspection methods and quality tools
- Proficiency with precision instruments and testing equipment
- Strong understanding of compliance frameworks (ISO, FDA, AS9100, etc.)
- Ability to lead root cause analysis and document corrective actions
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring skills
- Strong analytical and organizational abilities
- Effective communication across technical and non-technical staff
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Education
- Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred in engineering, manufacturing, or related field
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) required in many industries
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace, automotive, or regulated industries
- Familiarity with Six Sigma Green Belt practices
Lead Quality Technician
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead quality technician to supervise inspection activities, ensure compliance with company policies, and serve as the primary contact for quality-related issues on the production floor. This role combines hands-on inspections with team leadership responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Supervise daily activities of quality technicians
- Assign tasks and review inspection reports for accuracy
- Ensure all inspections comply with company and industry standards
- Oversee calibration and proper use of inspection equipment
- Train and coach staff on inspection techniques and procedures
- Communicate quality issues to engineers and management
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in inspection methods, tools, and compliance standards
- Proficiency with defect tracking and quality reporting systems
- Ability to prepare and interpret quality metrics and dashboards
- Familiarity with ERP or QMS platforms
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities
- Ability to influence and drive continuous improvement
- Organizational and decision-making skills
Education
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in quality, engineering, or manufacturing preferred
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or higher certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience leading inspection teams
- Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma or process improvement methodologies
Quality Technician Supervisor
Position Overview
We are looking for a quality technician supervisor to manage the quality inspection team, oversee compliance activities, and support organizational goals for product quality. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to collaborate across departments to drive improvements.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and evaluate performance of quality technicians
- Manage inspection schedules and allocate resources
- Oversee compliance with ISO, FDA, or other industry standards
- Report inspection results and quality trends to management
- Coordinate with engineering and production teams to resolve issues
- Support internal and external audits as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Extensive knowledge of quality control processes and compliance standards
- Proficiency with inspection equipment and advanced measurement tools
- Strong knowledge of data analysis and quality reporting
- Ability to manage audits and corrective action processes
Soft skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in quality, engineering, or manufacturing preferred
Certifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) recommended
- Six Sigma Green Belt preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supervising inspection teams in manufacturing or regulated industries
- Proven success in implementing quality improvement initiatives