Quality and Training Development Specialist

Scope

This role reports to the Operations Manager and is responsible for fostering a safe, disciplined, and high-performing production environment by championing workforce development, quality ownership, and continuous improvement. The position focuses on reducing operational waste, enhancing first-pass yield, and aligning with production goals to meet customer demand efficiently. Key responsibilities include delivering hands-on IPC training, standardizing work instructions, conducting audits, and driving corrective actions in collaboration with cross-functional teams. The role also tracks and communicates key performance metrics while progressing toward Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) status to lead internal certification programs and build organizational capability.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety, workmanship, product quality, productivity and costs in the Departments.
• Maintain records necessary for ISO requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager.
• Champion a safe, disciplined, and efficient work environment.
• Recognize that people are our most valuable asset and focus on skill development to increase workforce capability.
• Drive cost reduction by eliminating waste associated with defects, rework, and delays.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving flow, throughput, and first-pass yield.
• Align with the Machine Division’s production plan to meet customer demand while increasing reliability and reducing total cost of quality.
• Deliver hands-on IPC training (soldering, assembly, inspection) to raise workforce competency, reduce operator errors, and accelerate learning curves.
• Standardize and maintain training materials, SOPs, and visual work instructions that directly reinforce product quality and flow efficiency.
• Conduct layered process audits and in-process inspections with rapid feedback to shorten the gap between defect occurrence and detection.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, and Engineering teams to identify systemic issues, implement robust corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.
• Track and communicate key metrics: FPY, Nonconforming Rate, Scrap/Rework %, and Training Effectiveness.
• Progress toward Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) and lead internal IPC certification programs that strengthen organizational capability.
• Build a culture of quality ownership and cross-training that enables flexible staffing and smoother production flow.

Quality

• Must understand the Company’s Quality Policy and how it relates to this job.
• Must understand the relevance and importance of the activities and how they contribute to the achievement of the quality Objectives.
• Must adhere to and be knowledgeable of various manufacturing procedures, specifications and instructions associated with this job.
• Translate the company Quality Policy into actionable shop-floor behaviors and skills that directly improve FPY and reduce escapes.
• Ensure adherence to quality procedures, IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 acceptance criteria, and customer requirements.
• Use real-time defect data and Pareto analysis to identify top defect drivers and close gaps quickly.
• Lead and participate in CAPA activities to eliminate recurring nonconformances and build process robustness.
• Support audit readiness by ensuring training compliance and reinforcing operator understanding of quality standards.
• Drive proactive prevention over detection - embedding quality into processes rather than relying solely on inspection.

Basic Requirements

• Minumum of a high school diploma/GED required 
• 3-5+ years experience in PCB assembly, soldering, and inspection with a strong record of quality improvement.
• Must be proficient in the use of Apriso, SAP or similar MES & ERP systems.
• IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 Certified Specialist (CIS) and CIT preferred.
• Basic computer skills include proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of Lean/CI methods (5S, visual management, standard work, error-proofing) preferred
• Must be able to understand and interpret the specifications and procedures related to this job.
• Must be self-motivated, safety and quality conscious.
• Must be knowledgeable of all production processes and methods, machine and equipment capabilities and human resource requirements.
• Must have a good work record, leadership abilities, computer skills, communication skills, first aid skills, and be able to work well with people and motivate workers.
• Proven ability to coach and develop diverse teams, building operator confidence and reducing skill-related variation.
• Data-driven mindset with ability to link training impact to measurable improvements in FPY, scrap, and throughput.