Description:

SUMMARY

The Quality Assurance Lead is responsible for supporting and ensuring product quality across all manufacturing stages: Polyurethane, MixForm, Molding, and Finishing. This role plays a key part in verifying process adherence, identifying and escalating nonconforming product, conducting inspections, and maintaining quality documentation. The position ensures daily consistency, supports training efforts, and facilitates collaboration across Production, Quality, and Technical teams to reduce defects and uphold standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct inspections across all departments (Mixing, Preform, Molding, Finishing) to verify conformance to specifications for weight, density, appearance, mix accuracy, and final finish.

2. Identify and document quality issues. Escalate recurring or critical deviations to Supervisors and Quality Management in real time.

3. Validate setup quality and confirm process requirements at the start of shifts and after material/mold/tool changes.

4. Communicate quality issues, hold areas, and unresolved defects across shifts to ensure continuity and accountability.

5. Audit operator adherence to work instructions and job breakdown sheets across all work centers.

6. Tag, document, and isolate nonconforming materials or product to prevent unapproved use or shipment.

7. Monitor quality-critical checkpoints during active production and provide immediate feedback to Operators and Leads to ensure process control.

8. Maintain accurate, timely records of inspections, quality holds, defects, and audits using designated logs and digital systems.

9. Support investigation of returned product, root cause identification, and rework/scrap decisions in collaboration with the Quality and Technical teams.

10. Identify trends, assist in root cause analysis, and contribute suggestions for improvement in inspection criteria, procedures, and standard work.

11. Support onboarding and operator training on product quality expectations, defect recognition, and inspection techniques.

12. Conduct AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) inspections as required across departments according to established protocols and inspection levels.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required

• 1+ years of experience in manufacturing quality

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and comprehend work instructions and job breakdown sheets

• Ability to write clear and concise reports

• Strong communication skills to engage across all shifts and departments

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to apply basic math and measurements (grams, millimeters, ratios)

• Understanding of process specifications and numerical tolerances

COMPETENCIES

• Attention to Detail – Accurate and consistent inspection and documentation

• Cross-Functional Communication – Keeps stakeholders informed

• Problem Solving – Participates in root cause analysis and corrective actions

• Process-Oriented Thinking – Understands and reinforces process standards

• Collaboration – Works closely with Production, Quality, and Technical teams

• Adaptability – Adjusts quickly to shifting priorities and quality challenges

• Professionalism – Approaches tasks with a responsible and respectful demeanor

• Safety & Compliance – Upholds all safety and quality protocols

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to assess conformance and risk

• Capable of making informed decisions with limited supervision

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Familiar with data entry into digital logs or spreadsheets

• Experience with MS Excel, Word, or other quality tracking systems preferred

Vibram is a growth company seeking motivated individuals to grow with it. We offer a supportive work environment, professional development, and a collaborative culture.

Vibram is committed to diversity and inclusion in our workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

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