General Overview

Functional Area:  OPS - Operations
Career Stream:  QUA - Quality
Role:  Associate
SAP Short Name:  ASS
Job Title:  Quality Associate
Job Code:  AST-OPS-QUA
Job Level:  Band 06
Profile-Holding:  Y
Direct/Indirect Indicator:  Indirect

Summary

Entry level during which an employee receives both functional and organizational training under close supervision. Incumbents carry out assignments within well-defined practices, procedures and policies. Works independently on details of assignments, and has limited decision-making authority; most decisions are made or guided by the immediate supervisor. Decisions/actions may have an impact on the department's/divisions goals. Works under close Supervision and requires direction on how assignments are to be executed; begins to put forward ideas on how work assignments are completed. Establishes cooperative relationships to work effectively with colleagues; supports others and participates as a team member, and takes responsibility for own work commitments. Interacts directly with immediate supervisor, co-workers and team members; engages in routine exchanges of information; interactions with external contacts, if applicable, would be monitored.

Detailed Description

Performs tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:

• Creates, publishes, controls and constantly improves process documentation for the entire organization.
• Process documents define policies, procedures, systems, and business practices and provide employees with "operating manuals” which describe manufacturing operations, guide on-the-job training, and remind production operators of key "Make Sure Points".
• Obtains data/information from independent observation, consultation with technical staff, and a study of engineering notes, specifications and documents.
• Creates and maintains standard templates for the various types of process documents and associated information.
• Stores documents on-line in various databases (Matrix, QMX, Lotus Notes).
• Provides web links for all 2nd level documents that are referenced from the Quality Manual.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates a change management process that conforms to ISO standards. Initiates and participates in an annual review process to ensure data integrity and revises existing documentation to reflect process changes.
• Notifies appropriate personnel when new documents have been released and provides controlled copies when necessary.
• Guides ISO auditors through documentation, answering and/or redirecting questions.
• Acts as the lead auditor for Internal Quality System Audits.
• Plans, directs, performs, and reports the results of process, product, systems, supplier, and ISO quality audits.
• Performs independent, comprehensive reviews of the existence, correctness and effectiveness of standards and controls used to perform specific functions.
• Develops, documents, and monitors key processes such as the Corrective Action Process, Audit Process, etc.
• Provides consultation and training in the areas of Quality methods, SPC, Workmanship, PCA skills, standards, audit, etc.
• Hosts Customers, Government, ISO or other auditors by providing them necessary assistance in defining and translating quality requirements.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Working knowledge of engineering and supply chain systems (e.g., SQL, TMDB, COBRA, BPCS, PDM).
• Knowledge of inventory management and supply chain planning processes.
• Basic programming skills.
• Strong understanding of documentation processes & quality systems.
• Strong understanding of ISO standards.
• Good analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgement in implementing change orders that affect pricing, costs, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of computer applications and the ability to accurately perform tasks in some or all of the following applications: Word, Lotus Notes, Excel and Documentation control systems, FrameMaker, Visio, HP-UX.

Physical Demands

• Duties of this position are performed in a normal office environment.
• Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data.
• Repetitive manual movements (e.g., data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc.) are frequently required.

Typical Experience

• Zero to two years of relevant experience.

Typical Education

• Bachelor's degree in related field, or consideration of an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Educational requirements may vary by geography.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.