Description

Quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) engineers are accountable to ensure the quality of the products and services offered by their business. They supervise the production of products and are involved in each stage of the process from development and manufacturing through packaging.

Engineers in QA/QC must ensure that their product is compliant with the standards of industry set by federal and state law and the requirements of the business for which they are working. A further responsibility is to ensure that the equipment and processes or the materials used in making their products are also secure for employees. If there is any type of quality problem they have to take the necessary steps to correct the issue even if it requires stopping production. They attempt to resolve any issues that might occur during development however, they should be prepared to deal with any problems that arise in production. The QA/QC engineers monitor production and usually work under the supervision of the operating manager or a production manager. They usually work in the factories or the plants where products are manufactured, but they may also have offices too. Their hours of work are usually depending on the time of day when their business is in production. Certain companies operate only during "regular" working hours, from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Some companies operate all day long and 7 days a week.

The requirements for this job differ from one company to the next. Certain companies require an undergraduate or even a master's degree that focuses on the kinds of products they manufacture. For instance, an aeronautical engineering degree to those who work in the manufacturing of military aircraft in the company of Lockheed Martin. Some companies don't require a degree from a college and prefer an high school diploma and some years of experience working in the manufacturing sector.

The role of QA/QC engineers is crucial to all to ensure that consumers get safe and quality products to use and consume. If this position were not taken care of over, the many products available are today likely to cause customer disappointment, injuries and even the death of a person.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Quality Assurance QA / Quality Control QC Engineer with 0-3 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting thorough quality inspections of products, processes, and systems to ensure compliance with specifications and industry standards.Performing detailed inspections and measurements to verify product quality and identify any deviations or defects.
  • Developing and implementing quality control procedures and testing methodologies to ensure the reliability and efficiency of products and processes.Creating and executing test plans, analyzing test data, and making recommendations for process improvements.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineers and production personnel, to resolve quality-related issues and implement corrective actions.Working closely with stakeholders to identify root causes of quality problems and implementing solutions to prevent reoccurrence.
  • Maintaining accurate documentation and records of quality control activities, test results, and compliance reports.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a QA/QC Engineer Job Role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Proficiency in testing methodologies and tools to conduct thorough testing of software applications, identifying defects and ensuring their resolution.
  • Strong problem-solving skills to analyze testing results, investigate issues, and propose effective solutions to improve product quality.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers and project managers, in order to ensure smooth and efficient testing processes.

Essential Skills For Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Engineer

1

Auditing

2

Six Sigma Management

3

Process Management

4

Quality Management

5

Designing

6

ISO

Skills That Affect Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Engineer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Process Management

2%

Quality Management

2%

ISO

7%

Data Analysis

3%

Career Prospects

The role of a Quality Assurance QA / Quality Control QC Engineer is vital for maintaining quality standards and ensuring product reliability. For individuals with 0-3 years of experience in the United States, here are following alternative roles worth exploring:

  • Test Analyst: This role emphasizes on creating and executing test cases, identifying and documenting defects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality.
  • Validation Engineer: With a focus on validating and qualifying equipment, processes, and systems, this role ensures compliance with industry regulations and standards.
  • Compliance Specialist: This position involves ensuring adherence to quality and regulatory requirements, conducting audits, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
  • Process Improvement Coordinator: This role involves analyzing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing quality initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

How to Learn

The role of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) Engineer in the United States is projected to experience steady growth in the job market. According to a 10-year analysis, this job role is expected to increase in demand due to the growing emphasis on quality management. With businesses prioritizing quality assurance, the future looks promising for QA/QC engineers as they ensure product and service excellence. The projected growth also translates to increased employment opportunities in this field, offering job security and career prospects to those pursuing a career as a QA/QC Engineer in the United States.