Quality Assurance Technician

This Quality Assurance Technician position is primarily responsible for managing and performing gauge calibration activities within the manufacturing environment to ensure measurement equipment remains accurate, reliable, traceable, and suitable for its intended use. This position supports manufacturing operations by maintaining the integrity of inspection and measurement equipment used to verify product conformity to engineering specifications, customer requirements, and Tenneco quality standards.

The technician coordinates and performs scheduled and unscheduled calibrations, maintains calibration records, identifies and controls equipment that is damaged or outside acceptable tolerances, and supports investigations involving measurement equipment. The position also assists with product inspection, process verification, quality improvement initiatives, and manufacturing problem resolution to ensure consistent product quality and compliance with applicable quality system requirements.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

The following responsibilities describe the skills and requirements necessary for the Quality Assurance Technician position.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES – GAUGE CALIBRATION

1. Gauge Calibration and Verification: Perform and coordinate the calibration, verification, and functional checks of gauges, measuring instruments, fixtures, and other inspection equipment used throughout the manufacturing process.

2. Calibration Program Management: Maintain an accurate inventory of measurement and inspection equipment, including equipment identification, calibration status, due dates, calibration intervals, and applicable records. Monitor upcoming calibration requirements to ensure equipment is calibrated on schedule.

3. Measurement Accuracy and Traceability: Verify that gauges and measuring instruments meet established specifications and acceptance criteria. Maintain appropriate calibration documentation and measurement traceability in accordance with applicable Tenneco procedures and quality system requirements.

4. Out-of-Tolerance Equipment Control: Identify, document, label, and remove from service equipment that fails calibration, is damaged, or is otherwise unsuitable for use. Coordinate appropriate corrective actions and communicate potential quality risks to Quality Engineering, Production, and Quality Management.

5. Product Impact Assessment: Support investigations to determine whether previously inspected or manufactured product may have been affected by an out-of-tolerance or improperly functioning gauge. Assist with the identification, containment, and reinspection of potentially affected product as directed.

6. Calibration Documentation and Audit Readiness: Maintain complete and accurate calibration records, certificates, equipment histories, and supporting documentation. Ensure calibration records are readily available for internal audits, customer audits, and third-party quality system audits.

7. Preventive Maintenance and Equipment Care: Maintain gauges and measuring equipment in appropriate working condition, ensure proper handling and storage, and coordinate repairs or outside calibration services when required.

8. Calibration Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve calibration methods, equipment control, recordkeeping, calibration intervals, and overall measurement-system effectiveness. Recommend practical improvements that reduce risk, downtime, and unnecessary calibration costs.

ADDITIONAL QUALITY AND MANUFACTURING RESPONSIBILITIES

● Perform product inspections and dimensional or other specified measurements at various stages of the manufacturing process to verify conformance to engineering and customer requirements.

● Support Quality Engineers with measurement studies, capability studies, gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R) studies, and other measurement-system evaluations.

● Assist in investigating manufacturing quality issues, including problems potentially related to measurement equipment, inspection methods, or process variation.

● Support new product introductions, process changes, equipment installations, and production launches by verifying the availability and readiness of required measurement equipment.

● Monitor manufacturing processes and communicate quality concerns, inspection deficiencies, and opportunities for corrective action to the appropriate personnel.

● Assist in developing and maintaining inspection instructions, calibration procedures, work instructions, and other quality documentation.

● Participate in continuous improvement activities, including Kaizen events, problem-solving teams, and quality improvement programs.

● Provide technical support and guidance to production personnel regarding the proper use, handling, and care of gauges and measuring equipment.

● Support plant safety initiatives and comply with established safety procedures while performing assigned duties.

● Perform other related quality assurance and manufacturing support responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION

Associate degree or equivalent in a technical field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience.

EXPERIENCE

● One to two years of experience in quality assurance, gauge calibration, metrology, dimensional inspection, or a related manufacturing discipline preferred.

● Experience working with precision measuring instruments and manufacturing inspection equipment preferred.

● Familiarity with calibration documentation, measurement traceability, and quality management system requirements is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

● Working knowledge of manufacturing gauges, measuring instruments, and dimensional inspection methods.

● Ability to follow calibration procedures, interpret specifications and tolerances, and accurately document results.

● Strong attention to detail and a commitment to measurement accuracy and product quality.

● Ability to recognize measurement equipment deficiencies and communicate potential product quality risks.

● Basic computer skills for maintaining calibration records, tracking equipment status, and preparing reports.

● Effective communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Production personnel.

● Ability to prioritize calibration activities to support manufacturing schedules and minimize disruptions to production.

● Commitment to continuous improvement, safe work practices, and adherence to established quality procedures.

Equal Employment Employer