Quality Control

Quality Control focuses on ensuring that products, services, and processes meet established quality standards and specifications. Quality Control professionals play a critical role in various industries by monitoring, evaluating, and verifying the quality of goods and services to ensure they conform to established criteria and meet customer expectations.

About Quality Control

Career opportunities in quality control can be found in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive, food and beverage, and many others. Common job titles in the field include Quality Control Inspector, Quality Assurance Specialist, Quality Engineer, Quality Analyst, and Compliance Officer.

Key Tasks

  • Perform inspections and examinations of products, materials, or processes to identify defects, deviations from specifications, or non-conformities.
  • Develop and implement quality control procedures, standards, guidelines, and policies to maintain and improve product or service quality. Ensure that quality assurance practices are followed throughout the organization.
  • Collect data related to quality, analyze test results, and use statistical methods to identify trends, patterns, and potential issues. Use data analysis to make informed decisions and drive process improvements.
  • Conduct internal and external audits to evaluate compliance with quality standards and regulations.
  • Ensure that documentation is organized, up-to-date, and accessible for traceability and reporting.

Key Skills

  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical
  • Communicate
  • Time Management
  • Leadership
  • Organizational and Planning Skills
  • Industry Specific Technical Knowledge
  • Statistical Analysis

Education & Certifications

  • Most quality control positions require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.
  • Certified Quality Technician
  • Six Sigma Certifications
  • ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

Local College/ University Programs

  • Pennsylvania State University
  • University of Scranton

Industry Sector Employers

  • The AZEK Company
  • Fastenal
  • CANPACK
  • Noble Biomaterials
  • Gentex
  • General Dynamics
  • Altasciences
  • Sanofi
  • Tobyhanna Army Depot
  • Barry Callebaut

Sources