Quality Assurance Specialist

Job Title: Quality Assurance Specialist

Job Description

The Quality Assurance Specialist performs detailed product inspections and audits of quality assurance programs under limited supervision. This role conducts sampling and testing of incoming components, raw materials, and in-process and finished products to verify conformance to specifications. The specialist identifies materials, products, and processes as conforming or nonconforming, documents findings in clear reports, and enters required data into the quality systems. Assignments are generally broad and may include complex or non-routine tasks that support high-reliability hydrogen generation and fuel cell systems used in demanding applications.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret drawings, data, manuals, and other technical materials to determine product specifications, inspection and testing procedures, adjustment and certification methods, formulas, and required measuring instruments.
• Inspect, test, and measure materials, products, installations, and work in progress to verify conformance to mechanical, electrical, and chemical specifications.
• Perform sampling and testing of incoming components, raw materials, and packaging line or manufacturing operations to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Inspect and test products manufactured, assembled, or processed by suppliers and in internal production to confirm adherence to specifications.
• Identify materials, products, and processes as conforming or nonconforming based on inspection and test results.
• Notify supervisors and relevant personnel of production or quality problems and assist in identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Discuss inspection results with responsible parties and recommend necessary corrective and preventive actions.
• Record inspection and test data, including measurements such as weights, temperatures, grades, moisture content, and quantities inspected or graded, in the appropriate systems.
• Mark items with details such as grade, acceptance status, or rejection status based on inspection outcomes.
• Measure product dimensions using rulers, calipers, gauges, micrometers, and other precision instruments to verify conformance to specifications.
• Program and operate Keyence optical and contact sensor metrology systems to perform accurate dimensional and feature inspections.
• Utilize a manual Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), as applicable, to support complex dimensional inspections.
• Compare colors, shapes, textures, and grades of products or materials against color charts, templates, or reference samples to verify compliance with standards.
• Write clear test and inspection reports describing results, recommendations, and any needed repairs or corrective actions.
• Prepare first article inspection reports and accurately enter required data into computer systems.
• Document inspection findings thoroughly and complete rejection reports for nonconforming materials and products.
• Ensure raw materials, in-process components, and finished products consistently meet company quality standards and applicable requirements.
• Apply approval or rejection labels to bulk raw materials after evaluation of analytical data, in accordance with procedures.
• Assess draft and final label copy using knowledge of labeling regulations to help ensure compliant product labeling.
• Follow established processes and procedures for discarding or rejecting products, materials, or equipment that do not meet specifications.
• Support efforts to minimize downtime by reducing production rework, nonconformances, and product recalls through effective inspection and feedback.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of quality assurance programs and inspection methods by providing feedback and participating in problem-solving activities.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of directly related experience in quality assurance, inspection, or a closely related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Associate degree or technical certificate in a related field, or equivalent technical education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience programming and using Keyence optical and contact sensor metrology systems.
• Proficiency in performing mechanical, electrical, and basic chemical inspections of components and assemblies.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Strong skills in using precision measuring instruments such as rulers, calipers, gauges, micrometers, and similar tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot and evaluate quality issues involving electronics, electrical and mechanical assemblies, wiring, and power systems.
• Basic knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and/or AS9100.
• Basic knowledge of metrology principles and associated requirements and standards.
• Competence and familiarity with CRM or related software tools for documenting and tracking information.
• Ability to write clear and concise inspection and test reports and accurately document inspection data.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in measurement, documentation, and labeling.
• Ability to work under limited supervision while handling general as well as complex or non-routine assignments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using a manual Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) is a plus.
• Familiarity with oscilloscopes, electronic test equipment, and engineering tools used for troubleshooting.
• Experience working with assemblies that include electronics, electrical wiring, and mechanical components.
• Ability to interpret wiring diagrams, power system layouts, and engineering schematics.
• Familiarity with blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing concepts.
• Experience in environments that support space, energy, military, aviation, or similarly demanding applications.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams and to discuss inspection results and corrective actions.
• Self-motivated, energetic approach with the ability to manage multiple inspection tasks and shifting priorities.

Work Environment

This role operates within advanced manufacturing and test facilities that build fuel cells and hydrogen generation equipment used in applications such as government projects, steel manufacturing and power plants, space systems, and underwater vehicles. The environment is hands-on and production-focused, with regular interaction on the shop floor and in inspection areas using precision metrology equipment, including Keyence optical and contact sensor systems and other measuring instruments. Work involves handling mechanical, electrical, and electronic components and assemblies, reviewing engineering documentation, and using computer systems for data entry and reporting. The facility emphasizes reliability, safety, and quality to support mission-critical technologies, and offers opportunities to work with innovative energy and power systems alongside multidisciplinary technical teams.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hunt Valley, MD.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $47.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Hunt Valley,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $36 - $47