Quality & Continuous Improvement Assistant (1st Shift)

Location: Dublin, Ohio
Department: Operations
Reports To: Quality & Continuous Improvement Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Position Summary

The Quality & Continuous Improvement Assistant supports the facility's quality management system and continuous improvement efforts to ensure products consistently meet customer requirements, internal quality standards, and operational objectives. This role partners closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to perform inspections, support problem-solving activities, analyze quality and production data, and drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, data-driven, and committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform first article, in-process, and final product inspections to verify conformance with customer specifications, engineering drawings, and quality standards.
• Conduct routine quality audits throughout the manufacturing process and communicate findings to production leadership.
• Identify, document, and support resolution of quality concerns, nonconforming materials, and process deviations.
• Assist with corrective and preventive action (CAPA/CPAR) investigations through data collection, root cause analysis, and verification of corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate inspection records, audit documentation, calibration records, and quality system documentation.
• Support calibration, maintenance, and proper use of inspection and measuring equipment.
• Participate in customer, supplier, and third-party quality audits as required.
• Collect, analyze, and report quality and production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives, Kaizen events, 5S programs, and waste reduction activities throughout the facility.
• Assist in developing and maintaining standardized work instructions, visual controls, and process documentation.
• Participate in structured problem-solving activities utilizing tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone Diagrams, A3 Thinking, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Support the implementation and validation of process improvements designed to enhance product quality, increase productivity, and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with production teams to address quality concerns and improve process consistency.
• Assist with new product introductions, process validations, and operational improvement projects.
• Maintain plant quality metrics, KPI dashboards, and performance tracking tools.
• Provide cross-functional support and cross-train within quality-related functions to ensure departmental coverage.
• Support annual physical inventory activities and other operational initiatives as needed.
• Travel occasionally to support customer visits, supplier audits, intercompany quality initiatives, and training programs.
• Work in production environments and perform overtime or flexible scheduling as business needs require.
• Adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and quality standards while promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• One or more years of manufacturing experience.
• Experience in quality inspection, quality assurance, or manufacturing quality systems.
• Experience using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and related inspection equipment.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality documentation.
• Basic understanding of statistical analysis and quality concepts.
• Effective problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience working with ERP systems and quality data systems preferred.