Quality

Quality Liaison

October 4, 2024

Strom Minnesota is currently looking for a Quality Liaison for our client in Mendota Heights, MN.

Acts as a liaison with manufacturing personnel, account executives, estimators, suppliers, engineering and customers to relay and promote quality assurance by performing the following duties and others as assigned. This position also serves as a functional backup to the Quality Director.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiates nonconformance + corrective action reports including, investigation of root cause, immediate action including verification of corrective action per procedural guidelines.
• Assists in the customer return program, including CRA creation, creating work orders, inspection, dispositioning, scrapping, and documenting of nonconformance.
• Assist in communications with customer and internal personnel on quality issues.
• Creates and implements inspection criteria and procedures providing inspection activity for products throughout the manufacturing cycle including but not limited to: level III PPAP, contract review, FMEA’s, control plans, capability studies, Gage R&R’s, testing, and any other documentation required by customer or statutory/ regulatory specifications.  
• Generates and completes non-conformances and corrective action reports.
• Ensures compliance to customer and statutory/regulatory requirements through reviews, evaluations, and subsequent control plan implementations.
• Manages company’s approved supplier program working closely with suppliers and conducting on-site audits as scheduled.
• Assists with company’s calibration program.
• Ensures customer quality issues/requests are being addressed.
• Commitment to company values and ethics.
• Cross departmental training.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• A.S. in technical/management or quality disciplines; or five years related quality experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Metal stamping industry experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of AS/ISO requirements, with proven knowledge in AS9100 auditing.

• Working knowledge of APQP, Process Flow, FMEA, Control Plans and Root Cause analysis.

• Excellent communication skills and strong team leadership skills.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification or experience is preferred.

Quality Technician

September 26, 2024

Precision machining and assembly company working with customers worldwide in the defense, aerospace, automotive and medical industries is seeking an experienced Quality Technician.  
From concept to production our team strives for the highest levels of Safety, Precision and Efficiency in every aspect of every project by maintaining a quality management system that will continually improve its effectiveness and meet the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard.
We are looking for responsible Team Member to be a firm advocate of Precision in our business. The ideal candidate will possess a trained eye for detail and will be reliable and committed. In depth knowledge and comprehension of quality standards is essential.
Responsibilities
• Read blueprints and instructions to comprehend the quality expectations for the product and supplies • Approve or reject raw materials with respect to quality standards and record supplier performance • Select output samples and check them using appropriate methods (measuring dimensions, testing functionality, comparing to specifications etc.) • Use automated systems to perform complex testing procedures • Maintain records of testing, information and various metrics such as number of defective products per day etc. • Inspect procedures of the entire production cycle to ensure they are efficient and comply with safety standards • Monitor the use of equipment to ensure it is safe and well-maintained and discard any that doesn’t meet requirements • Prepare and submit reports to the team. • Support in-process, start-up and final inspections; as well as perform engineering evaluations, process capability studies, and gage R&R studies. • Perform CMM machine inspections and proficient with standard machine inspection gages. • Facilitate ISO 9001 initiatives
Skills
• Proficient with GD&T • Attention to detail. • Proven experience as quality inspector or relevant role. • A keen eye for detail and a results-driven approach.
• Responsible and trustworthy. • Familiarity with quality testing machines and systems. • Thorough knowledge of quality control standards and testing methodologies. • Ensure product conforms to customer requirements by performing detailed, dimensional inspections. • Problem solve effectively. • Works independently. • Efficiently read and comprehend blue prints. • Communicate with all team members in verbal and written formats. • Must have precision machining and manufacturing experience. • Must have ISO 9001 experience. • Preferred experience in supplier auditing.
Education:
• Certified Mechanical Inspector, Certified Quality Technician or Certified Quality Engineer
Salary commensurate on experience.
 
Schedule:
• 10 hour shift • Monday through Thursday • Friday Overtime
Experience:
• Manufacturing: 5-7 years (Preferred) • Quality Assurance 3-5 years

Quality Manager

September 25, 2024

SUMMARY

The Quality Management Representative is responsible for the quality operations function of the quality system and compliance aspects related to this function. The individual initiates and/or supports innovative activities associated to product quality, quality systems and compliance, establishes priorities and facilitates resource allocation. Responsibilities for this role include elements of strategic planning, product quality assurance, quality systems, compliance, quality planning and quality process excellence. Planning, coordinating and directly the quality assurance program designed to ensure compliance to customer and statutory/regulatory requirements along with facilitating continuous improvement of products and processes by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Above all this individual is guided and bound by the vision, mission, and strategic plan as determined by the General Management Team (GMT), with the organizational freedom and unrestricted access to top management to resolve matters pertaining to quality.
• Responsible for overall direction and evaluation of risk, configuration, and project management initiatives cascading directives throughout business and quality management systems.
• Acts as AS/ISO/medical management representative and responsible for executing and supervising internal and external audits.
• Attends all GMT meetings offering input from a Q.A. Management perspective.
• Formulates and maintains quality control objectives complementary to corporate policies, goals and AS/ISO/medical certifications.
• Oversees company calibration program.
• Develops and analyzes statistical data and product specifications to determine present standards and establish quality and reliability of WIP and finished goods.
• Conveys quality control philosophy to all personnel
• Maintains logbooks for ATF.
• Coordinates objectives with manufacturing procedures in cooperations with the Manufacturing Superintendent and Plant Managers to maximize product reliability and minimize cost.
• Applies total quality management tools and approaches to analytical and reporting processes within each work center.
• Acts as head of organizational culture change efforts for Quality Department or as needed in other areas.
• Directs workers engaged in inspection and testing activities to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, and products.
• Directs the quality team within the company.
• Designs, implements, and institutes quality assurance training programs.
• Investigates and responds to customer complaints.
• Acts as head of Non-conforming MRB delivering reports to GMT and working through NCs & CARs to completion.
• Implements and manages the QA system required to support the Operations.
• Collaborates with GMT, Engineering, Estimating, Operations and Manufacturing leaders for continues improvement efforts.
• Measures performance of Quality Management System to company and goal/standards and international standards.
• Develops and directs procedures and methods to ensure quality standards and budgets at met and maintained.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the daily management of quality operation activities like production and process control, validation and verification compliance, and supply chain quality.
• Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and coaching/training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree or 10 years related quality experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience Metal Stamping industry experience a plus.
• Ability to be a leader and provide effective communication, coaching, and training.
• Knowledge of AS/ISO/medical requirements.  
• Working knowledge of APQP, process flow, FMEA, control plans and root cause analysis.
• Commitment to company values and ethics.
• Excellent communication skills and strong team leadership skills
• Working knowledge of regulatory compliance and business strategies preferred.

Lean or Six Sigma certification or experience is preferred.

Quality Manager-Rogers, MN

September 25, 2024

Strom Minnesota is currently looking for a Quality Manager for our client in Rogers, MN.

SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE
The Quality Manager must be a positive role model to others and use their people skills to communicate with departments from upper Management, Plant Manager, Sales, Supervisors, Tooling & Shipping and Receiving. This position is a key role to help bridge gaps in efficiencies and communications for all employees.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES – Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities may be made to perform the essential functions.
• Be knowledgeable of Quality Policy.
• Oversee and assist in maintaining quality records.
• Effectively perform functions of Quality Tech Inspector, as necessary, fill in during absences, vacations, and/or make sure there is adequate coverage.
• Assist in training production employees
• Participate in plant safety.
• Own, maintain and manage the growth of the ISO Quality System.
• Own and manage internal and external audits, pulling in other management staff as needed.
• Own and manage complete work instructions/packet for new tools/parts prior to start of job.
• Provide items for work order packet and production
• Oversee all Quality parts checks (daily record.)
• Own and manage SPC charting when SPC is required.
• Own and manage Material Certification when certification is required.
• Own and manage the RGA process, including root cause analysis.
• Own and manage measuring equipment and calibration records.
• Perform FA’s, PPAP, and CP K studies as needed.
• Interface with customer questions and concerns pre and post launch of new products.
• Own and manage proper handling of rejected parts & discrepant material.
• Own and manage the QC Tech Staff, Performance appraisals, and staff development.
• Own and manage budgetary needs for QC department.
• Keep on top of industry trends and technologies.
• Other duties as assigned Management
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education, Experience and Credentials
High school diploma, Technical College Training preferred. Other training and experience accepted. Must have an advanced knowledge of G.D.&T., measurement devices and Quality systems. Must have previous Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, statistical bases software experience. Read and understand Blue Prints. Ability to efficiently do multiple functions. Must have excellent communication and management skills, Management experience preferred. An advanced knowledge of plastic part inspection methods preferred. Must have a high degree of organizational and rationalizing skills. Ability to make sound decisions quickly.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
• Ability to do precise work with attention to detail.
• Have good vision and the ability to interpret quality plans or the job process.
• Perform inspections accordingly.
• Detail-oriented, organized and able to apply effective time management skills in order to meet all deadlines. Able to successfully prioritize and manage multiple tasks and numerous projects in a fast- paced environment.
• Some computer skills, including Microsoft Xcel.
• Able to display high levels of customer service, responding promptly and thoroughly to the inquiries and needs of individuals both internal and external to the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a variety of people and personalities inside the organization. Able to affectively, handle interactions at all levels and to respond appropriately in sensitive situations.
• Self-motivated, fast learner, show initiative, willing to seek out needs and meet them.
• Diplomacy and tact to handle and resolve difficult issues.
• Able to maintain data privacy and confidentiality.
Display flexibility to meet organization’s unique needs and to be productive in an environment with regular interruptions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO PERFORM THIS JOB
Incumbent must be able to:
• Frequent lifting/carrying of objects up to 30 pounds.
• Hear and speak in order to use telephone and/or communicate with people inside and outside the organization.
• Effectively verbally and orally, communicate in the English language, including following oral and written instructions.
• Stand for extended period and or walk around the organization repeatedly throughout the day.
• Apply manual dexterity, visual acuity and ability for computer keyboarding, office equipment use, reviewing information, and fine print.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Must be able to use automates vison systems, hard gages, scales, calipers, and office equipment.