A quality assurance officer assures that there is the optimum level of safety precautions and productivity during the manufacturing of the product. A quality assurance officer has to be responsible for the quality of the raw material, assembling the products and the modules, management, services, production, and the inspection processes. A quality assurance officer makes sure that there are minimum chances of a product being rejected on the basis of quality. Most products go through a quality controller to minimize any possibility of a substandard product reaching the end customer.
A quality assurance manager uses a variety of tools to accomplish his task of ensuring quality products such as computer software or physical inspection. He implements the tools to gauge the quality of a company's products and services and also leads a team of supervisors and inspectors for the job. He may be required to design a quality control process along with the team of supervisors and controller for the best possible output. He may even lay out the guidelines for the suppliers. The other main jobs include writing reports and integrating the company's product specifications in line with the customers needs and desires.
Most companies hire experienced supervisors and experts in the production line as quality assurance officers. The basic education qualification of high school along with an associate in applied science in quality assurance management or any related similar field is a prerequisite for most employers. There are many other employers of machinery manufacturing units who prefer candidates with a minimum of four years of bachelors' degree in science or engineering. You can go for a Bachelor of Science in Business with a focus on Organizational Innovation or BA in Leadership and Organization Studies. The courses should essentially be related to computer aided designing, math, science, and statistics. Knowledge of other related subjects where the candidate wishes to work is an added benefit.
The American society of quality provides a range of courses or certificate exams that the quality assurance officers can take to enhance their knowledge and qualification. These certifications can be received only after passing an exam. Once you have received one or more certifications, you need to recertify every three years.
The quality assurance officer needs to have in depth knowledge of the entire manufacturing process and excellent communication skills coupled with interpersonal relations skill. The quality assurance officer should be able to work in tandem with workers in the entire line of production. He should be firm with his judgment and have an eye for minute details technically. He should be able to point out any discrepancy in the appearance of the product too.
QAQC training in ISO 9000 and 9001 are of great benefit. These are a set of QAQC standards that are used to certify the running of a manufacturing unit. Most companies need specific knowledge of the set standards to quicken the process of checking the product through the various stages. These standards also provide guidelines for a quality assurance officer. Safety is a critical part of a quality assurance officer's job. Therefore, knowledge of OSHA is an added advantage. OSHA is a federal agency that provides safety standards that should be adhered to at the workplace.
Most manufacturing units employ individuals with prior experience of 1 to 3 years in the manufacturing area. Prior experience helps you understand the entire process quickly and easily.
Quality assurance officers are an integral part of any manufacturing unit. Hence QAQC jobs are perfect for the right candidate with qualification and experience. A good science related or engineering degree along with a quality related course is sure to fetch great career opportunities.
The average annual salary of a quality assurance officer is about $65,625 to $117,634. The median annual salary is at $85,000. The salary also depends on the number of years of experience and educational background and the responsibilities assigned you at work.
So, if quality inspection along with coordination of various assembly lines excites you, apply for a quality assurance officer's job now. It is certainly rewarding, satisfying, respectable, and well paying too.
