Previously, we introduced our Production Associate, Customer Service Representative, and Assembler positions. For this entry, we will focus on the Quality Assurance Technician. Interested in landing a job in Quality Assurance? Find out what you need to know below.

Responsibilities of a Quality Assurance Technician

Quality Assurance Technicians can be found in multiple industries. The QA positions that QPS staffs for are primarily for food, production and assembly companies. Although the industries may differ, responsibilities will be similar.

The primary job task is to make sure that products are meeting company standards or customer guidelines by collecting data from randomly selected products. This can be done independently or with a small team. Results and discrepancies are then expected to be communicated at all times to the team and supervisors to immediately resolve any issues and errors that come up.

Quality Assurance positions exist at different levels. Kristine Kontney, Placement Coordinator at QPS, said, "Most of the companies we work with that have QA positions are always encouraging candidates to start as entry level production or assembly and then can work their way up to QA internally." Shelby Bowe, Placement Coordinator at QPS, explained, "A candidate can work in other positions such as assembly and production to become familiar with the production and product. Once becoming familiar, companies are willing to promote or hire within since the candidate is familiar with the production and can pick out defects as needed." If you are interested, there will be opportunities to advance in this position and participate in higher projects. Naturally higher positions often require a higher level of education or experience as job duties usually involve more scientific tests.

Requirements of a Quality Assurance Technician

As the work mainly involves a lot of hand-eye work and fine finger manipulations, attention to detail is one of the most important skills required for this position. "You can have no direct experience in QA, but if you have detailed skills from a different job such as clerical or food service, many companies are willing to work with you to train," Kontney said. Experience is not necessary for many entry-level QA positions.

As for education and knowledge, both are also essential requirements to work in Quality Assurance. Basic math, reading and writing skills are important for recording data, correcting mistakes and finding solutions. Post-secondary education can also increase the probability of advancing to a higher paying position or even a Quality Assurance managerial role.

Depending on the industry, the physical requirements are typically lower in QA than in most positions. Some companies may require employees to lift fifteen to twenty pounds frequently while another requires lifting of items that weigh up to fifty or sixty pounds. Additionally, employees must be able to stand for most of the shift. They must also be able to walk in lines to pick samples off to be tested.

Another skill needed to succeed in this job includes the ability to communicate since employees are expected to frequently relay information to their team and supervisors. A good attitude, patience and the willingness to be trained is always a plus.

Benefits of a Quality Assurance Technician

As stated above, there are opportunities to advance into higher positions and for higher pay. Additionally, Bowe said, "QA positions offer higher pay and a little more responsibility compared to line work or production. Some people are looking for a higher amount of responsibility and busy work which this position offers."

If you’re detail oriented and looking for responsibility, consider a Quality Assurance position.

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