What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Control Specialist position at Excel Dryer?
JOB TITLE: Quality Control Specialist
POSITION TYPE: Full-Time, Exempt
REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Operations
LOCATION: East Longmeadow, MA (On-site)
ABOUT EXCEL DRYER
For over 60 years, Excel Dryer has been revolutionizing commercial hand hygiene solutions from our Massachusetts headquarters. We're not just another manufacturer; we're the family-owned company that invented the high-speed hand dryer category and transformed an entire industry.
In 1997, Excel Dryer faced a stark reality: people hated using hand dryers. They were slow, ineffective, and frustrating. Rather than accept the status quo, we partnered with MIT scientists to redefine what "dry" actually means and created the XLERATOR®, the first hand dryer to dry hands completely in 8-10 seconds. Today, the XLERATOR is the #1 selling and specified hand dryer globally.
We manufacture every product at our LEED Gold-certified facility, sourcing components locally whenever possible. Our commitment to American manufacturing isn't just philosophy, it's our competitive advantage.
Excel Dryer is certified as a Great Place to Work (2 consecutive years) and ranked #40 on Fast Company's Top 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators.
JOB SUMMARY
The Quality Control Specialist is responsible for overseeing inspections, audits, and supplier quality in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role drives continuous improvement, ensures regulatory compliance, and collaborates across teams to resolve issues and maintain high product standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree – Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering or Business
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 5-7 years experience in a high paced manufacturing assembly environment
- Product Inspection (in-process, final and receiving) including unannounced spot inspections
- In coordination with Purchasing, work directly with suppliers regarding quality issues including securing cause and corrective action plans
- Intimate knowledge with Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process
- Perform surveillance audits at suppliers
- Lead efforts associated with outside auditors (such as UL) and develop effective, timely corrective actions
- Ability to read an Engineering drawing
- Experience with CAD
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and ensure the workforce is working in accordance with them
- Lean Manufacturing
- Proficient with an ERP system (Visual is a plus)
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Certified Quality Manager (CQM)
- ISO 9001, ISO 13485 or AS9100
- Project Management
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of automation (Robots and other Automated equipment and processes)
- Strong communication skills
- Strong computer skills
- Ability to work on multiple priorities
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs
- Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Requires good vision and the ability to work overtime as needed
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the Direction of the Senior Director of Operations:
- Perform Receiving Inspection for incoming purchased products
- Working with Engineering, be intimately involved with first part inspection requirements
- Investigate product defects, nonconformances, and customer complaints
- Implement cause and corrective action plans
- Conduct internal audits and support external audits
- Collaborate with production, engineering, and suppliers to improve quality
- Assess Tooling in each work cell with an eye on mistake-proofing, and leading the effort to make the necessary adjustments
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., UL, CE and OSHA if applicable)
- Develop and maintain quality control systems and procedures
- Identify and create KPI and KPR’s, track and report quality metrics (scrap, defect rates)
MISCELLANEOUS
- Other related duties as required
WHAT WE OFFER
COMPENSATION & INCENTIVES
- Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience
- Performance-based variable compensation with up to 10% of base salary (5% of base salary for achievement of personal SMART goals and 5% of base salary on the Company achieving its annual sales goal)
- Participation in company success as we continue our growth trajectory
BENEFITS & PERKS
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
- Professional development budget for conferences, training, and executive coaching
- Modern, LEED Gold-certified office environment in the Springfield, MA area
CULTURE & GROWTH
- Join a Great Place to Work-certified company ranked among Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators
- American manufacturing success story with a 60 year track record
- Mission-driven team passionate about sustainability, quality, and continuous improvement
OUR VALUES IN ACTION
At Excel Dryer, we don't just talk about values—we live them:
Innovation: We invented the high-speed hand dryer category and continue to push boundaries with products like XLERATORsync. We want sales leaders who think creatively and challenge conventional approaches.
Made in USA Pride: We're committed to American manufacturing when it would be easier (and cheaper) to outsource. We want people who appreciate craftsmanship and quality.
Sustainability: Our products help facilities reduce their carbon footprint by up to 94%. We want team members who believe business can be a force for environmental good.
Customer Obsession: We don't just sell hand dryers; we solve problems for facility managers, architects, and sustainability leaders. We want people who listen first and sell second.
Transparency: We were the first in our industry to publish Environmental Product Declarations and Health Product Declarations. We want straight shooters who lead with honesty.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Excel Dryer is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Salary : $70,000 - $85,000