Quality assurance tester | Holyoke, MA

Quality Assurance (QA) jobs involve ensuring that products or services meet certain standards of quality before they reach the consumer. Individuals in QA roles are responsible for planning and implementing inspection processes, conducting tests, and analyzing the results to detect defects. They work to prevent errors and improve the overall quality of the final output. Key characteristics of QA jobs include attention to detail, a systematic approach to problem-solving, and a strong understanding of industry-specific regulations and quality standards. These professionals play a critical role in customer satisfaction and maintaining the reputation of a brand or company.

approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in more than 60 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2 billion in revenues in fiscal 2022. Learn more at . Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Linked In and You Tube. Quality Engineer Greenfield, MA Job Summary: Support and maintain manufacturing goals by leading investigations and participating in resolution activities.

Responsible for aligning corporate standards to plant deliverables via training and hands-on demonstrations. Lead and support site quality initiatives to ensure cost efficiency and conformance to standards. Ensure Customer First initiatives are working as designed. Job Duties: Ensure commercialized

product design intent and product integrity is retained as materials, processes, equipment, methods, and specifications change. Assist with procedure creation and modification as needed to maintain a healthy document management system.

Evaluate trend data on repeat issues and help improve problem solving activities. Understand complaint management software and ensure it is used as designed. Validate procedures, control plans, and inspection plans are aligned to customer requirements. Identify problems influenced by manufacturing and carry out investigations, performing appropriate root cause analysis. Communicate investigations to customers and Kennametal leadership by way of technical

writing, documentation, and reporting. Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred, 2+ years’ experience in quality or process engineering discipline.

General critical skills with the ability to teach, train, guide in a plant setting. Statistical skills preferred, but not required if candidate has appropriate knowledge and experience with problem solving activities. Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. As such, it is the policy of Kennametal Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, interaction, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, interactionual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, or other protected status, group, or characteristic under federal, state, and/or local law or regulation.

It is Kennametal Inc. 's policy to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

assigned to. Engages with customers and vendors on performance, quality, and compliance issues. Directly supervises and coaches a team of QA Inspectors, QA Technicians, and QA Engineers to support the business. Coaches and guides other operations team members to help PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Proactively gathers and analyzes relevant data using standard CI tools to get to the root cause and actions needed to prevent reoccurrence.

Generates innovative ideas to solve problems and drives teams to close all actions and monitor effectiveness In leadership role proactively intervenes, coaches and guides Pelican teams to adjust processes and supports improvement to change course Champions

problem solving throughout the business operations through coaching and teaching to ensure proper follow up and root cause analysis is performed. Ensures there is a culture of developing, training against and following standards within the operation through training, auditing, and holding teams accountable Ensures critical product and equipment qualification is handled correctly and documented appropriately according to the company standard.

Develops and provides adequate training on Pelican’s Quality Management Systems and ensures there is consistent awareness of quality expectations and employee awareness through regular training and education. Leads/ Drives continuous improvement activities

in the operation related to mistake proofing and quality system improvements through the development of current and future state process maps, Kaizen events and continuous improvement plans.

Oversees and maintains the ISO9001 Pelican Quality Management Systems and is the main contact for the registrars and customers requiring confirmation to the standard. In coordination with the Purchasing Department, establishes and champions a supplier evaluation system to ensure supplier quality. Assists vendors in establishing inspection standards to meet the organization’s quality requirements. Monitors customer complaints, returns and defects. Conducts root cause analysis and recommends modifications in products, services, or quality standards where applicable.

Reviews analysis with the leadership team and facilitates activities to address systemic root causes. Performs and oversees the completion of internal quality audits. Leads quality gemba walks with the quality, engineering, maintenance and operations teams regularly. Communicates with customers and suppliers, when necessary, and travels to the sites as required. Acts as the main contact of the plant for Pelican’s Product Liability Process (PLP) and liaises with the Vice President of Worldwide Quality and Operations Management to ensure the process is adhered to.

Part of the New Product Design process to ensure new products continually improve their performance in the field. Part of the contract review process and translates them into relevant requirements in order to meet expectations. Oversees compliance with government and defense contractor requirements. Maintains knowledge of regulations and communicate changes effectively. Follows company policies and practices as outlined in the Employee Handbook and/or applicable employment agreement. Follows safety guidelines and procedures in accordance to the job.

Performs additional duties as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Quality or Engineering, and/or equivalent 5+ years related experience in a manufacturing or plastic injection molding environment Actively participates as an operations leader – ownership, proactive and course correcting Must have excellent verbal, written, math and presentation skills. Ability to delegate work to and motivate, lead, train, and evaluate staff. Ability to work under minimal supervision. Demonstrated proficiency in problem solving methods/ tools and root cause analysis Must be trained as an ISO9001 Internal Auditor by a recognized body.

Proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, and flow-charting software and ERP systems. Ability to use measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, inside/outside micrometers, Vernier, pin gauges, height gauges, radius gauges, protractors, and dial indicators. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Actively supports and complies with Pelican’s objectives, guidelines and commitment to Quality and Safety, with an emphasis on continual improvement. Must be able to interact effectively and cooperatively with employees at all levels.

Must have the ability to complete assignments within the timeframe specified by the Manager. Must be flexible regarding working hours. Must be able to work evenings and weekends, with or without advanced notice. Must be able to operate in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously. Ensures that staff is contributing at maximum potential through rigorous hiring practices and an emphasis on training and development initiatives, including coaching and counseling direct reports in their performance and professional development, with final authority for approving pay increases, hiring decisions and disciplinary actions.

Emphasizes ethical leadership and decision-making to protect Pelican’s brand and reputation. Establishes challenging, productive and achievable goals for direct reports; measure results by establishing checkpoints to track progress. Must be able to travel, nationally and internationally, as necessary. Must have the ability to complete assignments within time frame specified by the Vice President of Worldwide Quality. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be constantly required to execute standard physical activities within the facility areas (i.

e. stand, walk, sit, use hands/fingers). While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be frequently required to execute non-standard physical activities within the facility areas (i. e. climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch). Ability to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. This position requires repetitive hand/wrist activities. Pelican Products, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, interaction including interactionual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Quality Assurance (QA) jobs involve ensuring that products and services meet certain standards of quality before they reach the consumer. Those in QA roles are responsible for developing and implementing testing processes, inspecting products for defects and non-compliance, and analyzing quality data to drive improvements. A key characteristic of QA positions is the focus on preventing errors rather than just correcting them, which necessitates a proactive approach and attention to detail. Additionally, QA professionals often collaborate closely with production teams to foster a culture of quality throughout an organization.