Job Location : Skokie,IL, USA
Job Overview
As an Hourly Quality Technician, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of product quality within our aerospace manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for managing inspection processes, non-conforming materials, supporting the First Article Inspection (FAI) process, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to make an impact and grow within the field of quality assurance.
Key Responsibilities
First Article Inspections (FAI) & Documentation Management
Perform AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI) on customer parts, including ballooning drawings using Discus software , while working with Planning and Production teams to secure parts without causing shipping delays.
Complete measurements for FAI or provide supervision to other inspectors performing these measurements.
Compile and assemble FAI document packages , ensuring all required documentation is accurate and complete for customer review and approval.
Non-Conforming Material (NCM) Management & Customer Returns
Lead and manage the NCM process , including organizing and overseeing internal sorting campaigns to resolve material quality issues.
Develop and post Non-Conforming Material metrics regularly to track performance, monitor trends, and initiate corrective actions as needed.
Assist in the customer return process by receiving, validating, and leading MRB reviews of returns, working closely with Sales and Production teams to determine whether to rework or scrap returned material.
Analyze customer returns and internal NCM data to identify patterns, generating actionable reports to share with plant management to drive improvements.
Use NCM data streams to identify when part inspection requirements need to be updated and ensure alignment with customer specifications.
Inspection, Auditing, & Continuous Improvement
Perform First Piece, In-Process, Final, and DSQR Final Inspections per internal procedures, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and documenting results accurately.
Assist in conducting internal AS9100 audits for products and processes to verify compliance with quality standards.
Participate in and contribute to Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) teams to address quality issues and implement improvements. Actively engage in Continuous Improvement (CI) and Kaizen activities to enhance overall plant metrics.
Help implement Layered Process Audits (LPA) to monitor manufacturing processes and ensure quality standards are consistently met.
Inspection Lab & Technical Support
Manage and delegate activities in the Inspection Lab , ensuring all quality work is completed on time and to standard.
Provide technical support to inspectors and operators , especially when reviewing suspect material and guiding them on proper validation techniques.
Read and interpret customer drawings and specifications to provide clear instructions to inspectors on measuring and validating various features and specifications.
Assist in the development and maintenance of inspection procedures and databases , ensuring they are up to date and consistent with industry and customer requirements.
Help maintain controlled documents on the manufacturing floor, ensuring compliance with quality systems and regulatory requirements.
Certification, Compliance & Documentation
Achieve and maintain AS13001 DPVR Certification (DSQR) and DSQR status for designated customers, ensuring compliance with all relevant quality standards.
Maintain and update inspection documentation , including controlled documents, to ensure that processes are accurate and meet customer requirements.
Ensure all inspection records and reports are properly maintained and compliant with company standards.
Qualifications & Skills
Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate's Degree or related coursework in Quality Assurance or a similar field is a plus.
2+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality role; 5+ years of experience is preferred.
Prior experience in aerospace, automotive, metal stamping, or machining industries is preferred.
Prior supervisory experience is preferred
Technical Skills
Strong understanding of AS9102 First Article Inspections , including ballooning drawings with Discus software is preferred.
Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and reading complex engineering drawings.
Familiarity with gage tracking and calibration software , and the ability to calibrate hand gages is preferred.
Experience with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) and PC-DMIS software is preferred; ability to program CMMs is a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Access is a plus.
Certifications & Training
ASQ Certified Technician , Inspector , or Auditor certification is highly desirable.
Internal Auditor training or experience with AS9100 or similar quality systems is a plus.
Core Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze quality trends and recommend items or areas that need further investigation.
Attention to detail and accuracy in both inspections and documentation.
Excellent communication, organizational, and documentation skills for clear, efficient reporting and collaboration across departments.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Strong ability to work with both hourly employees and plant staff , effectively conveying information and recommended courses of action.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds .
Ability to stand, bend, and perform inspections for extended periods.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment while adhering to safety and cleanliness standards.
We Don't Just Build The World, We Build Innovative Technology Too.
Joining the Stanley Black & Decker team means working in an innovative, tech-driven and highly collaborative team environment supported by over 58,000 professionals in 60 countries across the globe. Here, you'll get the unique chance to impact some of the world's most iconic brands including STANLEY TOOLS, DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, MAC TOOLS and Black + Decker. Your ideas and solutions have the potential to reach millions of customers as we work together to write the next chapter in our history. Come build with us and take your career to new heights.
Who We Are
We're the World's largest tool company. We're industry visionaries. We're solving problems and advancing the manufacturing trade through innovative technology and our Industry 4.0 Initiative. We are committed to ensuring our state-of-the-art “smart factory” products and services provide greater quality to our customers & greater environmental and social value to our planet. We are unique in that we have a rich and storied history dating back to 1843, but that hasn't stopped us from evolving into a vibrant, diverse, global growth company.
Benefits & Perks
You'll get a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical, dental, life, vision, wellness program, disability, retirement benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Paid Time Off, including paid vacation, holidays & personal days, and tuition reimbursement. And, of course, discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and products and well as discount programs for many other vendors and partners.
What You'll Also Get
Career Opportunity: Career paths aren't linear here. Being part of our global company with 60+ brands gives you the chance to grow and develop your skills along multiple career paths.
Learning & Development:
Our lifelong learning philosophy means you'll have access to a wealth of state-of-the-art learning resources, including our Lean Academy and online university (where you can get certificates and specializations from renowned colleges and universities).
Diverse & Inclusive Culture:
We pride ourselves on being an awesome place to work. We respect and embrace differences because that's how the best work gets done. You'll find we like to have fun here, too.
Purpose-Driven Company:
You'll help us continue to make positive changes in the local communities where we work and live as well as in the broader world through volunteerism, giving back and sustainable business practices.
EEO Statement:
All qualified applicants to Stanley Black & Decker are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran's status or any other protected characteristic.
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