Quality Specialist

About the role

This role manages quality activities for rare-earth magnets. The specialist executes inspections, documentation, and compliance to protect product quality. Production and laboratory operations rely on this position.

Every role in this field shares a few habits: clear communication, structured thinking, and steady follow through. Teams hold regular meetings, review progress, and adjust plans. Success usually depends on how well you work with others, not just how hard you try. Successful professionals in any field share a few habits: they take notes, keep commitments, and communicate in writing. Teams value people who make their work easy to review and build on.

Key facts

What you'll do

Laboratory analysis is performed on samples that are collected and prepared for evaluation.

Shape, uniformity, and cracks are evaluated for magnet samples before lab submission.

Passivation procedures are prepared so samples are ready for laboratory analysis.

Loading and unloading of the passivation chamber is owned and maintained.

Batch and lot passivation cycles are tracked and recorded for traceability.

Document control, quality records, and training documentation receive assistance.

Travelers, lot traceability, and documentation standards are supported by accurate, legible records.

COAs and shipment quality documentation are generated and reviewed for customers.

Control Plans and inspection instructions are maintained with team support.

Daily communication bridges production and the laboratory.

Acceptance criteria guide the review of inspection and test results, with nonconforming results communicated clearly.

The material hold process identifies, documents, and segregates nonconforming materials.

Process deviations and nonconformances are flagged for review and correction.

Production workflows stay moving as lab turnaround and results are communicated back to production.

Availability is ensured through coordination of material run schedules with production and lab teams.

Requirements

An Associate degree or higher in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field is preferred.

At least 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment is required.

Familiarity with inspection techniques, sampling, and measurement equipment is necessary.

Engineering drawings, specifications, and Control Plans must be readable.

ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 knowledge is preferred.

ERP, MES, or QMS software experience is preferred.

Microsoft Office proficiency, especially Excel, is required.

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills are required.

Clear written and verbal communication skills are required.

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) or similar certification is preferred.

Independent work with cross-functional collaboration is required.

U.S. citizenship or clearance is required for access to export-controlled information or facilities.

Practical notes

The environment may be hot, humid, or noisy, with exposure to cut hazards and moving equipment.

PPE including respirators must be used, and fit testing must be completed as required.

Typical interview steps

Hiring processes usually combine a screening conversation with one or more interview rounds. Candidates can expect questions about their experience, a scenario or case, and a chance to ask their own questions. Preparation and specific examples from past work carry the most weight. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.

Good to know

The role focuses on quality inspection, documentation, and compliance in a manufacturing setting.

Common tools include MES, QMS, and Microsoft Office for data tracking and reporting.

The work supports national security and economic resiliency through critical materials manufacturing.

Continuous improvement activities, internal audits, and corrective actions are part of the responsibilities.

Training and guidance for production staff on quality practices is part of the role.