Quality Technician

Quality Technicians test and report on the quality of products. They’re involved in the entire course of manufacturing. Quality Technicians work in a wide variety of industries, including transportation, textiles, software, and manufacturing. It’s up to the Quality Technician to interpret the quality standards, engineering diagrams, and specifications for the products, then execute tests according to those instructions. If there’s an issue, the Quality Technician compiles that data and reports it to engineers and other stakeholders.

In some cases, Quality Technicians also offer ideas for how to improve products after conducting quality testing. For this reason, Quality Technicians need high-level interpersonal communication skills. A high level of attention to detail and organization skills are also a crucial part of this role to compile data and track testing specifications.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

Inspect components before assembly
Test trial products during development
Test finished goods
Record testing data and analyze results to determine whether products meet quality standards
Use testing data to recommend improvements to the production process

Education and Background

Skills and Competencies

Analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
Keen attention to detail
Experience using mathematical concepts such as geometry, trigonometry, ratios, fractions, and proportions
Ability to define problems verbally and in writing
Experience analyzing data and drawing valid conclusions from that data

Compensation

According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Quality Technician with

1 Year of Experience:

Orlando, Florida: $32,000
Tampa, Florida: $34,000
Jacksonville, Florida: $34,000
Miami, Florida: $34,000
Atlanta, Georgia: $35,000
Chicago, Illinois: $35,000
Houston, Texas: $41,000
Los Angeles, California: $49,000
New York City, New York: $46,000
Seattle, Washington: $40,000
Overall: $40,000

5 Years of Experience:

Orlando, Florida: $43,000
Tampa, Florida: $41,000
Jacksonville, Florida: $40,000
Miami, Florida: $40,000
Atlanta, Georgia: $44,000
Chicago, Illinois: $42,000
Houston, Texas: $44,000
Los Angeles, California: $57,000
New York City, New York: $53,000
Seattle, Washington: $50,000
Overall: $45,000

Similar Job Titles

QA Analyst
Quality Inspector
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Quality Specialist
Quality Coordinator
Quality Control Manager

Career Path

This position requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some employers hiring Quality Technicians for more complex tasks may require an associate degree in quality technology or a related discipline. Certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) can also be attractive to potential employers or for career advancement. Successful Quality Technicians can advance to team leader positions, and from there, into quality assurance management roles.

Position Trends

According to the professional services firm Accenture, several current trends will bring change to the field of quality assurance. The first is the use of big data and applied analytics. With companies finding ways to obtain new types of data about their processes, Quality Technicians have more tools at their disposal to collect test data.

Another trend in quality assurance is the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI). These new processes will help optimize the tests Quality Technicians use. They’ll provide extra speed and accuracy, leading to even more sophisticated quality monitoring systems.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Quality Control Inspector field should decline by 18 percent between 2018 and 2028. One reason for this is the increase in automation of product inspection tasks.

Typical Hours

The typical work hours for a Quality Technician are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, some Quality Technicians may work non-traditional hours, depending on the needs of their company.

Where You Can Find Jobs

Are You Interested in Becoming a Quality Technician?

Here at 4 Corner Resources, we will connect you to one of our headhunters or recruiters to see if you are a perfect fit for one of our job openings. If a job opening does not suit you, we will always keep you in mind as new positions open up. We have vast experience connecting professionals with some of the most well-known organizations in the country. Your next job or career path can be right around the corner. Check out our latest open positions and our blog for career advice. Feel free to contact us at any time.

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