Quality Lab Technician

Job Title: Quality Lab Technician

Department: Manufacturing

Reports To: Plant Manager

Location: Fraser, MI

Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Summary – Who We Seek

We are seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on Quality Lab Technician to support product quality both on the manufacturing floor and within the quality laboratory for automotive interior trim components. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys a mix of production support, laboratory testing, inspection, and problem-solving in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The Quality Lab Technician plays a key role in ensuring products meet customer and internal quality standards through routine inspections, testing, data collection, and collaboration with production and engineering teams. The ideal candidate is highly organized, quality-focused, and comfortable working directly with operators, production personnel, and quality systems to identify and resolve issues quickly.

While automotive manufacturing experience is preferred, we value individuals with strong attention to detail, accountability, technical curiosity, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Required Job Duties

• Perform daily quality inspections and testing on production parts in both the manufacturing area and quality laboratory.
• Conduct visual, dimensional, and functional inspections to verify conformance to customer and engineering specifications.
• Operate and utilize quality lab equipment such as calipers, gauges, peel testers, and 3D scanning equipment.
• Collect, record, and maintain inspection and testing data accurately within quality documentation systems.
• Inspect outgoing product to ensure only conforming material is released to customers.
• Identify, label, and segregate non-conforming material and support proper containment and disposition activities.
• Assist with root cause investigations and corrective actions related to customer complaints, internal defects, and production concerns.
• Monitor recurring defect trends and support improvement activities on the production floor.
• Support quality audits, layered process audits, and customer audit preparation activities.
• Assist in maintaining quality standards and compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Collaborate closely with production, engineering, and leadership teams to address quality concerns and improve manufacturing processes.
• Support launch activities and production ramp-ups for new or existing programs.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and calibration awareness within the quality lab environment.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving efficiency, and enhancing product quality.
• Follow all safety procedures, work instructions, and company policies.
  
  

Experience and Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical certification preferred.
• 2 years of experience in a quality, laboratory, inspection, or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience preferred.
  
  

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Experience using basic inspection and measurement equipment including calipers, gauges, peel testers, and scanners.
• Understanding of quality inspection methods, defect identification, and basic root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with SPC, quality documentation, and inspection reporting is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, work instructions, equipment manuals, and Safety Data Sheets.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills across production and leadership teams.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement concepts is a plus.
• Knowledge of injection molding, lamination, or automotive interior trim manufacturing processes is preferred.
• Basic math and computer skills required.
• Willingness to learn and grow within quality and manufacturing operations.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and close visual inspection work.
• Good hand dexterity, hearing, and vision are essential, including the ability to differentiate colors.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions using hands, wrists, and arms.
• Moderate lifting of up to 50 lbs. may be required.
• Must be able to work in both a manufacturing floor environment and laboratory setting.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).