What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Engineer - TX position at sparus?
Job Description Position Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented and tech-forward Quality Assurance Engineer/Technician to support our electric meter refurbishment and RMA operations across two locations (Manor, TX and Baxter, MN). This role is ideal for an early-career QA professional who brings strong analytical skills, proficiency in Excel, and an aptitude for adopting and improving digital workflows. The QA Technician ensures consistent product quality, manages the full RMA process, verifies programming and calibration datasets, and maintains up-to-date standard operating procedures to support efficient production and exceptional customer experience. Location: Onsite at Manor, Texas **(This is NOT a remote position)** Key Responsibilities RMA (Return Material Authorization) Management – 40% Own the RMA process from intake to closeout. Log and categorize incoming customer returns; validate documentation completeness. Communicate with customers regarding status updates, clarifications, and final reports. Conduct root cause investigations, coordinating with production and engineering teams. Track trends and generate RMA metrics to support continuous improvement. Quality Assurance for Meter Refurbishment – 30% Perform in-process and final inspections on refurbished electric meters. Verify mechanical, electrical, visual, and functional attributes according to Allegiant standards. Identify defects or non-conformities and escalate to production leadership. Support containment and corrective actions, including rework validation. Programming & Calibration Data Verification – 20% Validate meter programming parameters, communication settings, firmware versions, and calibration datasets. Confirm customer-specific programming requirements are met prior to shipment. Support troubleshooting of programming anomalies. SOPs, Work Instructions & Documentation – 10% Maintain and update SOPs, work instructions, visual aids, and QA documentation. Implement process revisions based on failure trends or operational updates. Ensure controlled documents are accurate, accessible, and version-managed. Required Qualifications 1–5 years of experience in Quality Assurance, electronics repair, lab testing, or technical operations. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data validation, charts). Ability to interpret technical specifications and follow structured processes. Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially in customer support contexts. High attention to detail and discipline in documentation. Technical aptitude and comfort adopting new software, tools, and digital processes. Preferred Qualifications Experience with electric meters, utility products, or electronics manufacturing. Exposure to programming/configuration tools, firmware utilities, or calibration equipment. Familiarity with root cause analysis methods (5-Whys, fishbone, containment/corrective action). Experience in ISO-driven or highly regulated environments. Key Competencies Analytical Thinker: Able to identify patterns, troubleshoot, and validate data accuracy. Process-Focused: Follows structured steps reliably and consistently. Customer-Centric: Communicates clearly and professionally with external stakeholders. Adaptable: Willing and eager to learn new technology and process improvements. Collaboration: Works effectively with production, operations, and engineering teams. Physical Requirements Ability to stand or move throughout the production floor as needed. Ability to lift up to 30 lbs occasionally. Comfortable working in a technical workshop/production environment. Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical/Dental/Vision Plan & 401K, Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) starting Day 1, Paid Holidays, Mileage Reimbursement or a Company Vehicle. Equal Opportunity Employer Sparus Holdings is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. EEO Statement Sparus Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. Reasonable Accommodation Requests Sparus Holdings is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, please email recruiting@sparusholdings.com. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. “Know Your Rights” Poster The law requires Sparus Holdings to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following link: Know Your Rights Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision Sparus Holdings will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information. Build Your Career with Sparus At Sparus, we empower people to grow and make a difference, regardless of their role. As a leading provider of field, technical and professional utility services in North America, we help gas, electric, water and other infrastructure partners maintain safe, reliable systems. Our teams bring deep expertise in inspection, metering, locating, damage prevention, construction management and program delivery, keeping essential systems reliable and communities connected. What drives us is simple: excellence and people. Our success comes from a culture built on safety, accountability and continuous learning. We invest in our people so they can grow their skills, advance their careers, and help build a stronger, more resilient future. If you’re motivated, ready for new challenges and want to join a team that’s making a real impact, explore our current opportunities and see where a career with Sparus can take you. Sparus delivers field, technical and professional services through its operating entities: Sparus Utility Services, Sparus Technical Services, The Spear Group, Southern Cross, TruCheck, Allegiant, OneVision, United Locating Services and NAFS.